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.
Baltimore's Greenmount West Neighborhood Faces Fears of Gentrification
The neighborhood of Greenmount West provides a case study of neighborhoods exposed to the risks of gentrification as a result of cultural changes and pointed policy measures meant to reverse the status quo in crime and poverty ridden neighborhoods.
The Dangers of Building Too Tall
An article by Steven Snell summarizes the drawbacks of building vertical cities.
A Proposal for an NFL Stadium in Downtown Buffalo
Few cities have such a passionate love affair with their NFL franchise as does Buffalo with its Bills. Given the current questions about ownership and the age of its current stadium, could a new stadium help revitalize the city?
Review Pans World Trade Center's 'Calatrasaurus' Transportation Hub
Steve Cuozzo absolutely eviscerates the under-construction World Trade Center Transportation Hub in New York City, designed by Santiago Calatrava.
Instagram Opens Doors to the Beautiful Homes of Philadelphia
Many users of Instagram have recognized its potential to build awareness about the beauty of urban environments. If you're still unfamiliar, consider the example of an Instagramming duo in Philadelphia.