James Brasuell, AICP is the former editorial director of Planetizen and is now a senior public affairs specialist at the Southern California Association of Governments. James managed all editorial content and direction for Planetizen from 2014 to 2023, and was promoted from manging editor to editorial director in 2021. After a first career as a class five white water river guide in Trinity County in Northern California, James started his career in Los Angeles as a volunteer at a risk reduction center in Skid Row. Prior to joining Planetizen, James worked at the Cal Poly Pomona College of Environmental Design, as an editor at Curbed LA, as editor of The Planning Report, and as a freelance contributor for The Architect’s Newspaper, the Urban Land Institute – Los Angeles Chapter, FORM, KCET, and the California Planning & Development Report.
'Ridescore' Rates the Hired Driver Regulations for 50 Cities
The Ridescore system grades cities for their regulatory friendliness to hired drivers—transportation network companies, taxis, and limos. Washington D.C. offers the most friendly regulations for hired drivers, Las Vegas the least.
'Foodie Districts' and Downtown Revitalization
Anaheim's packing house signals a new trend with deep roots.
Twin Cities Suburbs Planning for Transit Oriented Development
Local governments along the route Southwest Light Rail line in the suburbs of the Twin Cities are anticipating the route by studying and creating plans to accommodate transit oriented development.
Pittsburgh's Proposed Budget to Shuffle Bureau of Building Inspection
Pittsburgh will attempt to spur economic development and streamline the city's permitting and code enforcement process by reorganizing the Bureau of Building Inspection.
Milwaukee's Lakefront on the Rebound—Condos, Commercial, and a Streetcar
Chris Bentley reports on the developments around Milwaukee's lakefront area, especially in response to a streetcar route proposed in September 2014.