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.
A New Kind of Planning Controversy: the Emoji House
A complaint about an illegal Airbnb, a very visual response, and a headache for city officials in the city of Manhattan Beach, California.
Large Doses of Skepticism for Chicago Casinos
The idea of a casino in Chicago didn't sound like a good idea to a state-hire consultant, nor does it seem like the city's Pulitzer Prize winning architecture critic likes the idea either.
Rezoning for Larger Homes in a New York City Single-Family Neighborhood
A rezoning process for a neighborhood in Queens will allow homes to be built wider and deeper. Supporters say the space is needed for large families.
New D.C. Development Guidelines Require More Consideration of Walkability
Washington, D.C. recently released its first new guidelines for transportation review of new developments since 2012.
Toxic Algae Blooms, Explained
Toxic algae is in the news again, so it's a good time to learn as much as possible about the environmental threat that is likely to be a reoccurring theme in the era of climate change.