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.

Where Americans Are Most Likely to Live With Housing Cost Burdens
New analysis reveals the geographic patterns of housing cost burdens in the United States.

'Rental-Only Zoning' a Tough Task
Richmond, British Columbia is trying to develop "rental-only zoning" for 60 properties in the city.

Mayoral Election Likely to Have Consequences for Chicago Mega-Development
The most recent citywide election in Chicago was considered a referendum on the old way of operating the city. The $6 billion Lincoln Yards project, on the brink of approval, could be included in that referendum.

One City Was Skeptical Enough About Opportunity Zones to Declare a Development Moratorium
Boulder declared a moratorium on development in a federally designated Opportunity Zone back in December. Here's how the decision has played out so far.

The Idaho Stop Now Legal in Arkansas
The state of Arkansas is now the second station in the nation to completely legalize the Idaho Stop—a frequently practiced maneuver on bikes that advocates say is a key to bike safety and comfort on the streets.