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.
Critiquing the Bike Friendliness of a City with a Reputation for Bike Friendliness
One opinion writer thinks Denver is getting more credit than it deserves as a bike friendly city, but to be fair, a lot of cities have gotten good at overselling their bike friendliness.
Lawsuit Would Recognize the Human Rights of the Colorado River
Corporations have rights in the United States, and an organization called Deep Green Resistance is going to federal court in Colorado to argue that rivers should too.
Property Tax Relief for Longtime Residents Impacted by Gentrification
The city of Lexington in Kentucky is looking for ways to insulate long-time residents from rising property tax bills.
The Calm Streets Project Launches in St. Louis
The Calm Streets project, intended to improve traffic safety, walkability, and economic development opportunities in St. Louis, picked up new momentum in the form of grant funding.
Trump Nixes Public-Private Partnerships for $1 Trillion Infrastructure Plan
Tory Newmyer and Damian Paletta report that President Trump is changing his tune on the $1 trillion infrastructure plan promised since the campaign.