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.

Simple, Easy Ways to Make the Bus an Economic Recovery Tool
A new report by the Bus Turnaround Coalition has a prescription to "build back better": fix the bus.

Next Up for Statewide Zoning Reform: Connecticut
A proposed package of reforms working through the Connecticut Legislature would loosen zoning codes in a state traditionally committed to single-family zoning.

LaGuardia AirTrain, Cuomo's Prize, Enters Final Stages of Planning
An optimistic timetable for the proposed LaGuardia Air Train could see construction begin by the middle of 2021.

2021 Pritzker Prize Awarded for French Duo's Social Focus
The 2021 Pritzker Prize, considered the highest annual honor in architecture, has been awarded to a French couple who prioritize kindness in their designs.

Supermarkets Closing in Response to 'Hero Pay' Requirements in Southern California
The cities of Long Beach and Los Angeles are dealing with the fallout from controversial decisions to require extra compensation for grocery store workers during the pandemic.