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 New 'Cultural Districts' in Minneapolis
Planners are giving shape to one of the potentially controversial aspects of the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

Jersey City Building More Apartment Than Manhattan
And other perhaps surprising data from the multi-family housing development industry.

When the Federal Government Ties Homeless Funding to Unemployment Rates
A strong economy can lead to a lack of affordable housing and a lack of affordable housing can lead to higher rates of homelessness. But a stronger economy can also disqualify regions from federal support for homelessness.

Anti-Development Forces Strike at L.A.'s Transit Oriented Communities Program
There's a new front in the city of L.A.'s ongoing conflict between anti-development forces and efforts to add density at and around transit.

Good News for Traffic Fatalities in Chicago
At least one of the country's largest cities has positive progress to report when it comes to reducing the number of people killed on streets.