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.

Seattle Gives Final Approval to 27 Upzones
An historic moment for planning in Seattle: Density bonuses for affordable housing are now allowed all over the city as Seattle implements a big piece of its long-percolating Mandatory Housing Affordability plan.

Recycling Is Cancelled
Trouble in the global market means trouble at home when it comes to recycling. Municipalities are having trouble paying the extra cost for recycling programs as China stops accepting U.S. waste.

Trump Official Done with a Month-Long Stay in New York Public Housing
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Regional (HUD) Administrator Lynne Patton's decision to live in New York public housing for a month was called a publicity stunt. One thing it is for sure: over.

Google Doodle Commemorates Those Bumps on the Edge of the Transit Platform
Today's Google Doodle celebrates an important component of accessibility and mobility for the visually impaired.

Express Bus Service Coming to the Suburbs South of Seattle
New intercity bus transit service is in the works in King County, Washington.