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.
The Consequences of Sea Level Rise in the Florida Everglades
In South Florida, much of the focus in dealing with seal level rise has been on pumps and property values. A strong case is emerging, however, for the protection of the natural environment of the Everglades.
Portland's Plan to Move its Open Air Reservoirs Underground
Though the plan to move water storage capacity for the Washington Park reservoirs underground is getting more expensive, the project must be completed to comply with federal regulations.
Columbus Pilot Project Gives a West Cherry Street to Pedestrians
This summer, a pilot project will close a block of West Cherry Street to cars in Columbus, Ohio. If the project proves popular, more of the street could be permanently given to pedestrians.
One Utility's Plan to Build Thousands of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Southern California Edison wants to add 1,500 public charging stations to its service area, potentially expanding the effort to 30,000 charging stations if all goes well.
Where Million-Dollar Homes Are the Norm
Recent data from Trulia reveals that the number of homes worth at least million dollars doubled in the past four years. Some places have a veritable monopoly on ritzy domiciles.