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.

Unequivocal Praise for the National Memorial for Peace and Justice
The Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, opened in April, are worthy memorials to one of the nation's greatest tragedies, according to this review.

Legislative Attempt to Block Mojave Water Drilling Project Dies
A proposal to drill for water in the Mojave Desert will have an easier path to approval, after a bill requiring Additional environmental review of the project dies int he California State Senate.
Riverfront Trail Takes Shape in Atlanta
Open space and mixed-use developments could make the Chattahoochee River, where it runs along the border of Atlanta, more accessible. A proposed trail along the river took a tangible step forward recently.

Advice on How to Get More Involved With Planning
A roundtable discussion tackles the question about how to make those first steps toward more involvement with planning in the local community.

The Ambition of Trulia Neighborhoods, Served With a Side of Caution
Can Trulia succeed in making sense of neighborhoods for an online platform?