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.

Environmental Review for Light Rail Through The Valley Approved
The B Line subway includes two stops in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, but other than that, commuter rail and buses are the only options for transit. New light rail plans could change that.

Songs About Places in the Time of Coronavirus
The latest edition of Planetizen's annual list of songs about places, for all the audiophiles with a passion for place.

New Orleans Planning a Pedestrian-Friendly Makeover of the French Quarter
Pedestrian improvements are planned as an economic development opportunity in one of the most pedestrian-friendly places in the entire country—the French Quarter of New Orleans.

Atlanta to Tackle Affordability by Zoning Reform
A new initiative designed to implement the goals of the One Atlanta Housing Affordability Action Plan was announced last week in Atlanta.

Vote for New York City's 'Building of the Year'
New York is still a place of bold architecture.