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.
Libraries Remain Central to Communities
A recent study by the Pew Research Center shows that despite the increasing use of tablets and e-readers, Americans still love books and still rely on libraries as a central cultural institution.
Defending Kansas City's Historic Tax Credit Program
Historic and affordable housing tax credits recently came under fire from a Missouri state senator. Kevin Collison, writing for the Kansas City Star, responded.
Yosemite Plan Rescinds Proposed Ban on Bike, Raft Rentals
Yosemite National Park officials released a revised draft of the Merced River Plan. An earlier of the controversial plan would have restricted recreation and removed swimming pools from the national park's famed hotels.
Game Changer for Housing Nonprofits: REITs
Tired of not closing deals to preserve affordable housing due to delays in public financing, the nonprofit Housing Partnership Network created a real estate investment trust. The results have been "game changing."
CA High Speed Rail Chugs Along—New Business Plan Released
Despite numerous legal and legislative setbacks in the last few months, the California High Speed Rail Authority has released a new business plan—the first update of the controversial plan since 2012.