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.

With Mayoral Support—What's Next for Proposed MetroLink Extension in St. Louis
The long-time mayor of St. Louis has announced his top priority for his final year in office, and it's good news for transit advocates.
New Relay Bike Share System Latest Step Toward Atlanta's Multi-Modalism
Atlanta is the latest among a roster of cities offering bikeshare systems around the United States. Few of those cities, however, are so decidedly devoted to the automobile.

Calling for a Moratorium on Skywalks in Spokane
Despite declining use of existing skywalks in the city and a new appreciation of the importance of a pedestrian-friendly streetscape, developers are moving forward with several plans to add new skywalks around downtown Spokane.

A Dissenting View of the 'Build Baby Build' Agenda in Boston
The Boston Globe casts doubt on the idea that large amounts of new housing in Boston will be able to reduce already high housing prices in the city.

Domino Sugar Redevelopment Granted Catalytic Status on Williamsburg Waterfront
Crain's New York Business surveys the development investments that have followed the Domino Sugar Refinery redevelopment to the Williamsburg waterfront.