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.

Friday Funny: Bernie's Latest Meme, Anywhere and Everywhere
Next to the words of Inauguration poet Amanda Gorman, the most lasting impression from Inauguration Day might be an image of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.

Drought Contingency Plan Triggered for the Colorado River
Signs of worsening drought conditions in the American West are triggering early actions for states that depend on water from the Colorado River.

HUD's New 'Find Shelter' Website Offers Support for Struggling Americans
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development launched the Find Shelter tool earlier in January.

New Property Tax Proposed to Fund Final Atlanta Beltline Construction
A financial plan to get the Atlanta Beltline across the finish line.

Citywide Zoning Reforms Approved for Sacramento
The Sacramento City Council took steps toward an updated General Plan that includes a variety of innovative planning proposals, including the elimination of single-family zoning by allowing up to four dwelling units on all residential parcels.