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.
Record Number of People Displaced Around the World in 2015
The United Nations is calling for action in the face of a record number of people were displaced—more than half of all refugees around the world came from Syria, Afghanistan, or Somalia.
How Self-Driving Cars Could Lead to More Sprawl
Much of the focus on the potential of self-driving cars to effect change in the built environment has focused on dense, urban environments. But what is self-driving cars mostly enable continued outward expansion?
'Native Plants' Won't Save Urban Biodiversity
Part literature review, part political appeal, this article makes the case for rethinking the concept of what makes plants native—especially in the face of climate change.
Portland Approves New Comprehensive Plan
The Portland City Council voted unanimously to approve a new Comprehensive Plan.
University of Washington Prevails in Preservation Battle Over its 'Nuclear Reactor Building'
It's a story of Goliath beating David in a preservationist fight in Seattle, but not before raising questions about how a university fits intot he city's regulatory environment.