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.
Report: 2014 Carbon Emissions Down as World's Economy Grows
A recent report offers optimism that will world is making progress in the right direction to reduce carbon emissions.

How Drones Can Improve Planning and Design
In February, the Federal Aviation Administration released rules for the commercial operation of drones that were (to many observers) surprisingly business friendly. A landscape architect imagines the potential of drones for planning and design.
Proposal Would Make an Urban Agriculture Incentive Zone for Santa Clara County
The county of Santa Clara is exploring the possibility of establishing an Urban Agriculture Incentive Zone—a relatively new land use incentive enabled by recent statewide legislation.
Obituary: Michael Graves, Leading Post-Modern Architect
Michael Graves, founding principal of Michael Graves & Associates, who produced some of the world's most recognizable examples of post-modern architecture, passed away this week at 80 years old.
Change of Venue for Denver's Transit CEO: Los Angeles
Phillip Washington will leave his role as CEO of the Denver Regional Transportation District to take the same position at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.