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 Call for Action as Construction Slows in California
An editorial by the Los Angeles Times calls for the state to remove barriers to housing shortage after a report finds declining numbers of residential permits around the state.
Delivery Drivers Can Reserve Curb Space Ahead of Time in D.C.
An innovative pilot project is under way in Washington, D.C., which is pursuing radical steps to rethink the use of on-street curb spaces in an era of transformative transportation technology.
Rent Control Challenged as an Illegal Taking of Property
A potential precedent setting case against rent control is underway in New York. A Next City article takes an in-depth look at the legal argument made by landlords against the state of New York's new rent control law.
Inclusionary Zoning Changes Near Final Approval in San Diego
The San Diego City Council is poised to give final approval to significant changes to the city's inclusionary zoning requirements,
Proposal Would Shift CA High-Seed Rail Funding to Southern California
A new proposal for building high-speed rail in California would refocus funding to the urban ends of the complete, state route, by funding rail improvements first in Southern California.