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.
A New Years' Resolution for Atlanta: Prioritize Preservation
A call to action for Atlanta: some of the city's treasured landmarks could disappear in 2017 if the city doesn't embrace a culture of preservation.
Blue Lines on Streets to Honor Police Run Afoul of Federal Regulators
The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) has prohibited local municipalities from painting a blue line down the middle of streets near police stations. State and local governments are pushing back, saying the prohibition "defies common sense."
Wyoming Law Would Penalize Utilities for Using Renewable Energy
Republican legislators in the state of Wyoming are choosing sides in the energy market—with dire consequences for consumers and the environment.
'Define Each and Every Acronym'
A participant in some of Seattle's most consequential planning processes puts out a call for a more inclusive use of language.
Where Land Is More Valuable than Homes
It's surprisingly common to find cities where land is worth more than buildings. Start with California, for instance.