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.
Expedited Transit Planning Process Passed Into Law in Ontario
The controversial subway plan announced by Ontario Premier Doug Ford in April 2020 now has legislative support in the form of a new law that expedites the planning, design, and construction process for transit projects in the province.
Plant-Wrapped Towers Coming to Beverly Hills
A wealthy enclave in the middle of the Los Angeles basin could soon have a new look on its skyline.
House Committee Calls for Stronger Federal Role in Planning to Deal With Climate Change
The new "Solving the Climate Crisis" report could provide guidance and direction if federal leadership in Washington, D.C. finally decides to take aggressive steps to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to a changed climate.
Resident Sues MARTA for Suspending Bus Service Due to the Coronavirus
A local transit advocate is using legal pressure in an effort to hold the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) accountable for bus transit cuts in the early months of the pandemic.
CDC Sued to Force Release Racial Demographic Data on Coronavirus Spread
Systemic racism is blamed for the glaring and tragic racial disparities of the COVID-19 illness in the United States.