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.
Kamala Harris and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Release Fair Housing Legislation
The two leading figures of the Democratic Party in Washington, D.C. released the "Fair Chance at Housing Act."
Land Trusts Find Traction in the Spiking Colorado Housing Market
According to an article in The Denver Post, more community land trusts are being created in Colorado to help more find their footing in the housing market.
Urban Rivers Everywhere Follow the Cuyahoga's Lead
On the 50th anniversary of the Cuyahoga River catching fire in Cleveland, it's a good time for urban river keepers everywhere to reevaluate their work and redouble their efforts to make safe and healthy rivers for everyone.
A 'Green New Deal' for Seattle
The city of Seattle has taken the first steps toward creating a "Green New Deal." Now comes the hard part of deciding on specific policies.
Another Benefit of Zoning Reform: More Flexibility for Historic, Non-Conforming Uses
Non-conforming uses, usually historic buildings that predate the strictures of 20th century zoning codes, can get a little more comfortable under the reforms approved by the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan.