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.
Army Corps Finally Clears Way for Dallas' Trinity River Project
A long time coming—the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers now supports a comprehensive plan to transform the Trinity River in Dallas.
Legislation to Curb Local Laws Moving Forward in Oklahoma, Texas
The Oklahoma State Legislature is well on its way to passing Senate Bill 809, which would limit local power to regulate oil and gas drilling. In Texas, Senate Bill 343 would end "home rule" on many issues, fracking included.
'Heroic' Transformations Targeted by Pittsburgh Planning Director Ray Gastil
Pittsburgh Planning Director Ray Gastil was profiled by Pittsburgh Magazine.
First U.S. Off-Shore Wind Project Breaks Ground
A ceremonial groundbreaking kicked off what will become the country's first off-shore wind project near Block Island in Rhode Island.
Nepal Earthquake a Reminder of the Critical Role of Planning Enforcement
It's too late to save the lives of thousands in Nepal, but can other cities in South Asia and around the world learn from the mistakes of unplanned growth before another catastrophic event?