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.

Haves and Have Nots: Planning and the Deep Divides of the Pandemic
The latest in a series of compendia gathering news and analysis about the effects of the COVID-19 on the built and natural environments—now and long into the future.

Monorail or Heavy Rail Planned for L.A.'s Busy Connection Between the Valley and the Westside
It' down to two options for a rail transit connection over the Sepulveda Pass, following the path of Interstate 405 between the San Fernando Valley and the Westside of Los Angeles.

Food Trucks on Demand
Move over, ride-hailing companies. Food trucks have been responding to demand in neighborhoods.

Pied-à-Terre Tax Would Generate Significantly Less Revenue in NYC Than Estimated, Report Says
A pied-à-terre tax proposed by New York State legislators faced the scrutiny of the Independent Budget Office.

Legislation Says 'Aloha' to Affordable Homes in Hawai`i
SB 1 is one of four bills proposed in the Hawai`i Legislature this year that would make it easier to develop, buy, and sell affordable homes in the state.