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.
Tracking Transit Ridership's Slow Decline Since 1970
New research reveals the regional and national trends of transit ridership—where transit is still a viable option and where travelers have increasingly relied on automobiles.
Development Fees Set to Increase in Fremont
The Silicon Valley city of Fremont, already home to some of the highest development fees in the region, is set to increase the cost of most forms of development again. The one exception—affordable housing.
Introducing the New Planetizen Website
Planetizen has a whole new look.
'Penn Center Transit Gateway' Planned Near Philly's City Hall
Public realm and urban design improvements are planned for a "languishing" pedestrian mall located near Philadelphia's City Hall.
Wales to Cease Road Construction Projects in Bid to Achieve Net Zero Emissions
The Welsh government is taking a bold stand for climate action.