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.

How Neighborhood Trees Improve Public Health
New research reveals more of the details of how trees provide therapeutic effects for humans.

The New Political Map of the United States
A new book published by the Pew Research Center details the demographic changes that will shape the politics—beyond presidential elections—of the future.
Nashville Leaves Room to Maneuver on Transit Planning Future
Nashville residents are being asked to choose their preference among a menu of transit planning options. The most expensive version of the plan would cost $5.4 billion, the least $800 million.
Millennial-Focused TOD Proposal Overcomes Opposition in Aurora, CO
Aurora, Colorado recently approved a large, transit-adjacent project designed to appeal to a younger set than is currently living in the city. Some entrenched interests were not happy with the decision.
Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority Adopts Open Data Policy
It makes sense that the transit agency serving the Silicon Valley would be one of the first to adopt a formal open data policy.