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.
Planning for Jails in New York City Neighborhoods
With a 9-3 vote, the New York City Planning Commission recently approved a plan that would relocate jails into the city's boroughs after shutting down the jail on Rikers Island.
Resistance to Federal Highway Administration's Anti-Painted Crosswalk Position
As the Federal Highway Administration continues its anti-painted crosswalk crusade, attracting new attention at the national level, cities are resisting the notion that rainbow crosswalks are a safety liability.
Inclusionary Zoning and the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court might decide on the constitutionality of inclusionary zoning. Local land use regulations and affordable housing policies in cities and communities all over the country hang in the balance.
Kentucky Gets 25% of the Transportation Secretary's Time
When it comes to grants, one state has the attention of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao above all others.
Federal Approval Clears Way for Bus-Only Lanes in Portland
Portland will soon be spreading out the red carpet for buses.