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.
Satirizing Mayors Who Campaign for President During a Flood
The Onion took some shots at presidential hopeful and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio after summer rain showers flooded streets and sent water cascading into the city's subway system.
That's How You Promote Better Bus Service
Along with new, improved bus service, Vancouver's TransLink launched some snazzy promotional materials.
Hastily Constructed, Thoroughly Opposed: MTA Restructuring Plan Still Approved
The MTA board approved a new restructuring plan despite not hearing any words of support from the public.
New York City Settles in 'Historic' ADA Lawsuit
A lawsuit has forced New York City to invest significant funds and people power to making the public realm more accessible to people with disabilities.
Oregon Residents Wondering What Will Come as Statewide Zoning Reform Takes Effect
House Bill 2001 didn't ban single-family houses altogether, just single-family zoning, so change will take time, and money. There are a lot of unknowns for residents to grapple with when it comes to statewide upzoning.