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.

Where Have All the Writers Gone?
Aaron Renn identifies the negative effects of ongoing concentration of media professionals of the "writer" variety in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.

What the Growth of D.C. Looked Like From Space
A history of growth and expansion is visible to the naked eye with photos covering a wide breadth of the planet and just a few short years.

On the Meaning and Value of America's National Parks
An editorial from a surprising source argues for an honest discussion about the unintended consequences of uncritical exuberance.

Seattle Light Rail Extension Already Beating Ridership Expectations
The new Sound Transit light rail link between downtown, Capitol Hill, and the University of Washington is already drawing a crowd.

St. Petersburg's Pier Has a New Look
A $50 million project will replace the now demolished inverted pyramid pier off the coast of St. Petersburg.