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.

The Least Popular Posts of 2014
Through the first six months of 2014, some Planetizen posts proved less than enticing to our readers. Instead of dwelling on that distinction as ignominious, let's consider how these neglected few might provide insight into the planning discussion.

Phoenix Approves Complete Streets Ordinance
Phoenix's new complete streets ordinance, approved on an 8-1 vote, is a first step toward changing the city's reputation for car-centric planning.
Op-Ed: No Room for Subjectivity in Los Angeles Design Guidelines
Sam Lubell outlines the good and bad of recent small lot design guidelines approved by Los Angeles.
Baltimore Launches 'Anchor Plan' for Partnerships with Colleges and Hospitals
The city of Baltimore, led by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, has launched "The Baltimore City Anchor Plan"—a plan that prioritizes strategic partnerships with the city's "eds and meds" sector.
Big Plans for 'Razorback Greenway' in Springdale, Arkansas
The city of Springdale, Arkansas is hoping to leverage plans for the Razorback Greenway into a downtown revival.