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.
Social Use Venues, or Marijuana Lounges, Now Legal in Las Vegas
It's legal to smoke marijuana in Nevada, but the adult tourists traveling to Las Vegas have had a hard time finding places to smoke marijuana legally.
CDC Releases Report on Electric Scooters and Public Health
A highly anticipated analysis of public health outcomes caused by the proliferation of electric scooters has been released. Most of the reported are considered preventable.
Proposed Bills Would Protect Funding for Texas State Parks
When lean times hit, money for state parks is some of the first to get diverted to other purposes. A package of legislation proposed in the Texas State legislature would change that.
Dam Removal Movement Gains Ground in Wisconsin
More cities are reclaiming a natural, free flowing river as a resource for quality of life and economic development.
Infrastructure Funding Deal for New Orleans Requires Major Politicking
Infrastructure funding has been the subject of major negotiations between politicians at the state of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans.