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.
Illustrating the State of Homelessness in the U.S.
Words and pictures haven't ended homelessness in the United States, but they can help people understand how widespread and deep the challenge is.
$10 Billion Overhaul of JFK International Proposed
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo continued his track record of pushing for big, splashy infrastructure projects last week, this time turning the state's attention to JFK International.
13 Years Later—Environmental Review for San Francisco Bus Rapid Transit Project Complete
The California Environmental Quality Act-mandated review process for a proposed bus rapid transit project in San Francisco took 13 years to complete.
More States Diverting Funds for Walking and Biking
The Transportation Alternatives program is designed to give states power over federal transportation funding for pedestrian and bike infrastructure projects. A loophole is defeating that purpose, however.
EPA: Fracking a Threat to Drinking Water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finally spoken out about the risks posed by fracking to drinking water supplies. The Trump Administration seems very unlikely to head the warning.