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.
Climate Change Will Be Worse for Big Cities
Blame it on the urban heat island effect.
Oregon Considering a Bike Tax
Oregon lawmakers have proposed a new tax on the sale of bikes—if it passes it would be the first of its kind in the country.
Dallas Skyline Gaining a Striking New High Rise
Not since 1987 has a taller building been added to the Dallas skyline than a planned 48-story tower that could be complete in two years.
Residence in Chicago's TODs Come With a Major Caveat: No Parking Permits
One big idea behind transit oriented residential developments is that residents will be liberated from their cars. New developments in Chicago are making sure residents won't be parking on streets to get the best of both worlds.
Explained: The Many Definitions of Rural
Wisconsin provides a case study in the varied methods for defining rural, and why that matters. "Rural is not simple to define, perhaps because the real question is rural for what purpose?"