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.

Don't Call it The 606: Chicago's Popular Linear Park Gets a New Name
The Chicago Park District wants to be extra sure we're all clear on this.

Phoenix Eviction and Foreclosure Rates Doubled the National Average—Then the Pandemic Hit
A new report looks at pre-existing foreclosure and eviction rates to predict where the worst outcomes of the pandemic's economic downturn for homeowners and renters are likely to happen.

Amtrak in Dire Financial Straits, Seeking More Federal Relief Funding
Amtrak officials say they need $4.9 billion in funding to prevent service and job losses.

1.2 Million Climate Refugees and Counting in the United States
Americans are fleeing the effects of climate change by the millions. Expect the number of climate refugees to continue to grow.

Formerly Redlined Neighborhoods Have Higher COVID-19 Prevalence, Study Says
Add COVID-19 to the list of long-term consequences of the racist and discriminatory regulatory and lending practices of the 20th century.