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.
Arguing for Philly's Viaduct Rail Park Provide as a Mobility Solution
The High Line is a famous example of urban revitalization, but a useful commuter path it is not. Can a similar proposal in Philadelphia offer the benefits of beautification and mobility?
Economic Development in Eagle, CO: A Riverfront Park and Whitewater Play Area
A sure way to turn out the vote in Eagle, Colorado: hold an election asking for a new sales tax to fund a whitewater play park on the local river. Voters overwhelmingly supported the project.
Northeast Ohio Long-Term Planning Aims to Reverse Legacy of Car-Centric Planning
The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) will begin a new long-term planning process. Early indications are that the new plan will focus on providing transportation options to low-income people with no access to cars.
Road Through D.C.'s Rock Creek Park Closing to Cars
A long-discussed, and perpetually controversial, proposal to close Rock Creek Park to automobile traffic is headed toward construction. Questions about the impact of the project remain.
New Apps for Discovering Street Food
Apps that improve city living and quality of life in cities are coming to the market seemingly every day. That's fine: it would be impossible to have too many apps for exploring options in street food.