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.

Aldermanic Obstruction Too Strong for Former Chicago Spire Site Plans
Developers Related Midwest have new plans for the infamously failed development site, but have so far been stymied by demands from the office of Alderman Brendan Reilly.
The New York Wheel Stops Spinning
Actually, the New York Wheel never started spinning, but now the project is permanently dead so it will never get the chance.

World's Longest Sea-Crossing Bridge Opened Today in China
A $20 billion, 55-kilometer bridge connecting Mainland China to Macau and Hong Kong opened Wednesday morning.

Mapped: Racial Demographics, Down to the Census Block
An interactive map created by National Geographic creates a detailed look at the racial makeup of the United States.

Is There Science in Planning?
A survey of planning offices in the United States reveals an important dynamic of professional practice.