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.
Conservation Easements: Crafted With Good Intentions and Now Exploited for Tax Benefits
A tax break designed to protect land has become just another massive tax loophole. It looks like conservation easements are here to stay.
Friday Eye Candy: 2017 Pictured From Space
More than ever it seemed, the scale of natural and human events were visible from space in 2017.
10 Stats That Explain the World in 2017
Looking for lessons about 2017?
An Early Look at Louisiana's 'Strategic Adaptations for Future Environments' Plan
The state of Louisiana could be the first state to adopt a massive plan to push residents out of coastal areas threatened by sea level rise and coastal erosion. More states are expected to follow Louisiana's lead.
No Free Rides on D.C. Metro for New Year's Eve 2018
The D.C. Metro system's extended New Year's Eves hours will be cut a little short this year, and there will be no free rides.