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.

Debating Public Incentives for Private Developments
A debate common in growing cities around the country is taking place in Atlanta in answer to the question of how much support private developers need from the public.

Range Anxiety: Electric Buses Still Aren't Ready to Scale
Money intended for electric buses in Indianapolis will instead be spent on diesel buses.

Parking Study: Scooter Scofflaws Far Outnumbered by Car Scofflaws
The worst offenders of parking violations on the streets today aren't scooters—they're food delivery and ride-hailing drivers.

Illinois Could Force Statewide Legislation of Accessory Dwelling Units
State legislation would preempt local governments that block the construction of accessory dwelling units, known locally as coach houses, to increase the supply of affordable housing options in the state.

Intercity and Intracity Data on Homelessness Needed for Effective Policies, Study Says
A broader evidence base can more effectively evaluate policies for preventing and ending homelessness, according to a recent study published by Housing Policy Debate.