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.

Measuring the Effect of Zoning on Housing Prices
Recent political interest in local land use regulations requires a thorough and nuanced understanding of the strengths and limitations of the methodologies available for measuring the effects of zoning.

Planning a New Approach to Transit Oriented Development in Compton
The city of Compton has completed a draft environmental impact review of an ambitious plan to transform the blocks surrounding the Artesia Station on the Metro A Line.

Election 2019: Planning and Development Related Results Roundup
Many states and cities around the country voted on November 5, 2019 to decide matters related to the future of the built environment.

Making it Safer to Walk to Transit in Portland
TriMet, the regional transit agency in the Portland, Oregon area, this week launched a process for creating a new Pedestrian Plan.

Panel Recommends Federal Bike Helmet Law
The National Transportation Safety Board recommends that all 50 states require people on bikes of all ages to wear helmets.