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.

New Historic Preservation Fund for Residents Proposed in Philadelphia
Defraying the costs of maintaining a historic home can help more families stay in their homes, according to the logic behind a preservation fund proposed in one of the most historic cities in the country.

The Benefits of Gaming to Planning Education
"Popular games that invite players to take on the role of developer or city planner are a familiar part of the cultural landscape," according to this article.

Bipartisan Coalition of Mayors Support Tax Credits for Solar Power
One issue has solidly bipartisan support at the local level: tax credits for investments that build new solar power capacity.

Seattle Suburbs Prepare for Light Rail With Zoning for Transit-Oriented Development
Mountlake Terrace is the latest Seattle suburb to make substantial space for new development in anticipation of a forthcoming Link light rail line extending north of Seattle.

Sacramento Gaining an MLS Team, a New Stadium, and a Big Mixed-Use Development
Sacramento Republic FC will have a new home in Sacramento's Railyard District, expected for completion by 2022.