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.

Systemwide Evaluation of Bus Stops Underway in the Pittsburgh Region
The Port Authority of Allegheny County is evaluating how to make improvements at

New Price Tag for L.A's Biggest Rail Dream: $13 Billion
The Sepulveda Transit Corridor could offer tens of thousands of Los Angeles commuters an alternative to the infamously congested I-405 freeway, if local officials can find the funding.

New Chicago Residential Tower Sets a New Standard in a City Famous for Height
The newly opened Nema Chicago tower, at 76 stories, is the city of Chicago's tallest residential building.

The Case for Better Bus System Design in Miami-Dade
The Miami-Dade Transit system includes only five routes with headways at 15 minutes or less during midday and only six percent of residents live near frequent bus service, according to a recent study.

Controversial ADU Allowances Approved in Maryland
Spirited protests weren't enough to stop the Montgomery County Council from allowing accessory dwelling units (ADU) in parts of the county.