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.

Suburbs Encouraging Accessory Dwelling Units
Renton, a suburb of Seattle dealing with skyrocketing housing prices like many of the communities in the region, is allowing new density in residential neighborhoods in the form of backyard cottages.

Financial Woes at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
A $25 million operating deficit will inspire some soul searching, and structural changes.

Transit Catastrophe After Toledo Funding Change Misses the Ballot
A ballot initiative intended to solve the Toledo Area Transportation Authority's budget deficit didn't appear before voters in November, and now less bus service will cost more to ride.

Slideshow: Walkable Houston
The Houston Chronicle shares the views in the most walkable sections of the city of Houston.

Residential Parking Permits for One of Cincinnati's Hottest Neighborhoods
Residents are looking for more reliable parking as Over-the-Rhine continues to boom.