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.
Speed Limits Could Increase on Ontario Highways
Ontario Transportation Minister Jeff Yurek says it been too long since the province raised speed limits on many of its highways, despite the safety risks of speeding.
Zoning Reform for Coastal Resilience in New York City
The New York City Department of City Planning has released a large set of recommendations for zoning changes designed to help the city's many coastal areas weather the inevitable extreme weather events of climate change and sea level rise.
Toward a More Useful, and Accurate, Definition of Gentrification
Recent studies have called into question the predominant narratives on gentrification. A more precise definition of the term as it works in the United States is required.
Amazon Promises Better Planning Outcomes for Virginia
Northern Virginia's housing market won't follow the path of the Seattle housing market, according to Amazon officials, because they have a new growth plan.
Environmental Lawsuit Against Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan Tossed by Judge
The Audubon Chapter of Minneapolis, Minnesota Citizens for the Protection of Migratory Birds, and Smart Growth Minneapolis sued Minneapolis on environmental grounds after the city approved its landmark Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan.