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.
Authorization of Federal Bronwnfields Program Moves Forward in Congress
The U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 3017 last week, which would extend the U.S. EPA brownfields through 2022.
Smart City Master Plan Announced Near Boston
"Smart city" plans are being announced at a steady clip. The latest master planned "smart city" proposal comes for a former U.S. Navy-owned site near Boston.
Louisville's Tree-Protection Plan in Final Revisions
Faced with a costly urban heat island effect, Louisville is working on a new tree-protection ordinance that could be headed for a vote this week.
Vancouver Studying the Possibility of a Streetcar
Vancouver, often cited as a model of transportation planning success, is very carefully considering the idea of a streetcar.
San Francisco Considers Citywide Demand-Based Parking
San Francisco could become the first U.S. city to use demand-based parking rates citywide.