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.

Urban Planning, Explained
Planetizen and Planetizen Courses teamed up to film this short video that aims to clarify the field of urban planning in a world full of plans and planning.

Regional Planning Paradigm Shift in Southern California
The Southern California Association of Governments, in response to new mandates from the state, has adopted a radical new approach to housing requirements in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.

Transfer of Air Rights Sought to Finance Public Housing Improvements in Brooklyn
The rezoning of the neighborhood of Gowanus in Brooklyn is providing opportunities for local politicians to address local needs.

Today's the Day for Seattle's New Highway 99 Tunnel Tolls
The long-awaited tolling of the new Highway 99 tunnel, which replaced the Alaskan Way Viaduct earlier this year, starts today.

Saturday Satire: The Accessibility Meeting Is Located Down Three Flights of Stairs
A satirical piece published by McSweeney's calls attention to the remaining work to done in building a truly accessible built environment.