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.

Dramatic Overhaul Planned for Key North Philadelphia Intersection
An architecture critic writes about plans for a key intersection in North Philadelphia: "By all means, straighten out the street and make it safe, but keep the twists and turns that make this an authentic Philadelphia place."

Sudden Demise of Solar Project Raises Questions in Ohio
The Ohio Power Siting Board through a wrench in plans for a solar project in southern Ohio, raising questions about the viability of renewable energy in the state.

The Affluent, White Suburb With Toxic Polluters in its Midst
Ascension Parish, Louisiana, located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans along I-10, would look like a typical affluent, growing suburb, if it weren't for the toxic pollution emitted from nearby petrochemical facilities.

A Tiny Lot for Sale in Vancouver, But There's a Catch
It seems like a tiny homes would be a good fit for such a small lot as this example in East Vancouver. But this lot is too tiny for even a tiny home.

Is New York Ready to Change its Parking Culture?
Conversations about radically overhauling parking regulations in New York City, as the Big Apple is surprisingly behind the times when it comes to innovative approaches to parking.