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.

2019 ParkScore Rankings Now Available
The trust for Public Land today announced the 2019 ParkScore rankings.

Streets in Dense Urban Areas Safer Than Suburban 'Stroads,' Study Finds
A new study considers urban form, roadway characteristics, traffic collisions, and fatalities in the Philadelphia region, to show that the densest parts of regions are the safest places to drive and walk.

ADU Development Reaches 'Fever Pitch'
Accessory dwelling units, also known as granny flats of mother-in-law units, are gaining popularity all over the country.

Tech Momentum Gathers Outside the Silicon Valley and New York City
Think Columbus, Ohio and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Political Fireworks as HUD Secretary Carson Testifies to Congress
U.S. Department of Housing and Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson testified before the Financial Services Committee yesterday. The media had plenty to report after the hearing.