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.
So Long Pay Phones—7,000 'LinkNYC' Towers Coming Soon
Pay phones are over in New York City. Soon, however, 7,000 futuristic looking Link towers will be a standard presence among the New York streetscape.

Cities Dominating the Economic Recovery
The affordability crisis and congestion are just two of the signs of the dominance of cities in the economic recovery, according to an article in the Washington Post. In fact, outside of cities, it doesn't look much like a recovery at all.
Would Soccer Stadium Conflict with Olympic Stadium Plans in South Boston?
The New England Revolution Major League Soccer team would like to leave the cavernous and distant Gillette Stadium, also home to the New England Patriots. Is a location in South Boston, also central to a potential Olympic bid, the best fit?
Arlington County Nixes Streetcar Plans to Chagrin of Fairfax County
A decision by Arlington County to cancel plans for the Columbia Pike and Crystal City streetcar projects has dealt a blow to Fairfax County's redevelopment efforts. The line was expected to open in 2020.
Smart Planning for Watershed Protection
Planning for growth impacts watersheds in rural and urban settings. Kaid Benfield provides access to best practices for both ends of the development spectrum.