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.

Signs Gas Prices Are Curbing Driving in Colorado
Surveys and transit ridership both show some signs, with significant caveats, of the limits of the appetite for gasoline in Colorado.

Louisville Slowly Working Toward Vision Zero Commitment
If approved, an ordinance under consideration in Louisville would commit to eventually eliminate traffic fatalities…20 years in the future.

Congestion Pricing Would Make New Yorkers Drive Less, Ride Transit More, Survey Says
Almost half of New Yorkers would drive less if a long-awaited congestion pricing plan is implemented in Manhattan, according to a recent poll.

Scandal: Large-Scale Developments Approved Without Architect's Involvement
A New York Times investigation has revealed evidence of a development company repeatedly misleading the New York City Department of Buildings.

Denver Adopts Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning
The Denver City Council recently adopted the “Expanding Housing Affordability” policy.