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.
Ranking the Cities Leading the Industrial Revival
Forbes has produced a list of 'The Big Cities Leading A U.S. Manufacturing Revival.'
Gone Viral: Swett, South Dakota for Sale at $400,000
A tiny prairie town, unincorporated and controlled by a single owner, can be yours if you have the funds available. The town is a local draw thanks to its bar, the Swett Tavern.
Proposed 'Transit Oriented Denver' Strategic Plan Targets Station Area Investments
The city of Denver recently released its "Transit Oriented Denver" strategic plan to the public. The plan does not revise existing station area plans, but does aim to coordinate between multiple city departments on a "concise work program."
McMansions Spark Debate in Decatur, Georgia
Call them teardowns, infill, or McMansions, the affluent suburb of Decatur, Georgia is dealing with growing concern about neighborhood character and tree canopy as property owners adopt the trend toward new, large houses in existing neighborhoods.
New York City's Suburbs Building More Housing than its Boroughs
John Petro analyzes American Community Survey data to find that suburban areas like Hudson and Suffolk County are adding housing units at a much faster pace than all of New York City except for Brooklyn.