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.

Local Government Expect a Pinch After Texas Caps Property Taxes
Texas overhauled its property tax system with two bills in June. The debate about the consequences of that bill continues.

Strict Growth Limits Set By Colorado's Fifth-Largest City
Residents of the city of Lakewood have approved a ballot measure that caps annual residential development and requires City Council approval of all developments over 40 units.

To Solve Climate Change: Plant a Trillion Trees
A new study suggests planting enough trees to cover a landmass the size of the United States.

D.C. Updating its Comprehensive Plan Framework
The D.C. Office of Planning has been updating its Comprehensive Plan since 2016. Next up is the very first chapter of the comp plan.

8 Frank Lloyd Wright Buildings Named World Heritage Sites
Eight buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright are the first works of U.S. modern architecture to be named UNESCO World heritage sites.