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.

Tolling on the Agenda for Connecticut
Connecticut political leaders are heading toward a vote that would implement tolling on several of the state's highways to help fund transportation infrastructure projects around the state.

Mayoral Housing Initiative Would Spread Affordable Housing Around D.C.
Planners are expected to play a major role in an ambitious housing initiative proposed by Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.

Electric Scooters Less Common in Low-Income Neighborhoods, Despite Local Regulations
Regulations for the operation of electric scooter share in Columbus, Ohio require companies to distribute scooter in low-income neighborhoods. The companies haven't been living up to their part of the deal.

What the World's 'Blue Zones' Teach About the Built Environment
Public health outcomes, like long life spans, result from a built environment that encourages movement.

Opinion: Less Is More When it Comes to Politics in Planning
A proposal from the provincial government of Ontario would revive an appeals process for planning and development processes in Toronto. An elected official and former planner writes to oppose the idea.