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.
Watch: How the Road Got Rules
A video explains the origin of the right of way concept that controls the flow of traffic through the public realm.

The Federal YIMBY Act Makes Progress in the House
A federal bill intended to increase transparency in land use and zoning decisions as well as encourage localities to eliminate barriers to housing has advanced out of a House of Representative committee.

A First Comprehensive Transit Plan for the Charlotte Region
A massive public transit planning effort is underway in the Charlotte region.

How Shrinking Cities Are 'Right Sizing'
Case studies in dealing with population loss from Ohio, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

Evaluating the Transportation Plans of Each Presidential Candidate (Including the Incumbent)
Transportation seems like an afterthought on the campaign trail, but Transportation for America is shining light on the issue by providing an evaluation of each campaign's transportation plan.