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.
An Interview with the General Manager of the Los Angeles DOT
What's it like to lead the department of transportation in a city trying to overcome decades of car-centric planning? Let LADOT General Manager Seleta Reynolds tell it in her own words.
The College President With the Sterling Redevelopment Résumé
John A. Fry lacks a terminal degree, but what he doesn't lack is land use and redevelopment know-how. Drexel University in Philadelphia is the latest to employ his talents.
The Why and How of Locating a School in Downtown Seattle
A Seattle writer makes the case for a new school to be located in Downtown Seattle.
New Yorkers Bracing for L Train Closures
Two alternatives for repairs on the New York subway's L Train line will have severe consequences for 225,000 riders who cross the East River daily.
Chinese Developer Building $300 Million Project South of Houston
The Ivy District is notable for its scale as well as for the funding mechanisms that made the project happen.