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.
Downzoning for Society Hill Back on After the Philadelphia City Council Overrides Mayoral Veto
One of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Philadelphia is increasing parking requirements and limiting building heights at all costs.
Key Planning Agency Rejects Maryland Highway Widening Proposal
A plan to widen interstates 495 and 270 failed a critical step on the way to approval, in a decision likely to lead to a lawsuit when the Maryland Department of Transportation settles on a final plan.
Video Explainer: Why Public Transit Doesn't Work for Most Americans
Vox's popular video explainer production team explains the consequences of U.S. auto dependency, and how to make transit work in the world we live in.
'Better Bus' Is Nashville's Latest Attempt at Transit Upgrades
The Better Bus plan is the latest effort at rethinking public transit in Nashville.
The Trump Administration's Trail of Broken Environmental Regulations
Critics of the Trump administration who chide the president for a lack of accomplishments should check the environmental record.