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.
Awarding the Best Ideas for Successful Cities
The Knight Foundation asked: "What’s your best idea to make cities more successful?" When it came time to pick the best ideas, design and planning ideas for places like Wichita, Biloxi, and Akron emerged.
New Web Based Tool Helps to 'Design Your Town'
A new tool produced by the Regional Plan Association, the Orange County Department of Planning, the Pace University Land Use Law Center, and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy offers a starting point for people with big ideas.
Huge Swath of Land Preserved in Pennsylvania's Fastest Growing County
Preservationists have bought one reprieve from the ongoing expansion of developed land in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
The Best of the Best Complete Streets Policies
Complete streets policies are keeping planners busy across the country. An annual report features the best of the best when it comes to transforming city streets for the safety and activity of all users.
Commuting by Kayak Across Lake Austin
This story about man whose commute to work involves "water like glass" and chirping birds might make car commuters and straphangers envious.