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.
New Hampshire Increases Gas Tax to Fund Highway, Road, and Bridge Projects
The New Hampshire Legislature recently approved a bill that would raise the gas tax in the state by 4.2 cents*. At that rate, the cost of the new tax to someone who drives 10,000 miles a year at 25 miles per gallon would total about $16 a year.
California Bill Would Fund Low-Income Housing by Charging for Real Estate Documents
A controversial bill working its way through the California Legislature would charge a $75 for recorded real estate documents, such as refinance, mechanic's lien, and foreclosure, to fund low- and moderate-income homes.
The Reviews Are In: Denver's West Rail Line
After a year of operation, Denver's 12.1-mile West Rail Line has provoked an ambivalent public response.
Moment of Truth for Cincinnati's Central Parkway
The Cincinnati City Council might vote to rescind an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation to complete a protected bike lane from Clifton to downtown along the Central Parkway.
The Best Urban Crowdfunding Projects
Guardian Cities has compiled a list (with pictures!) of the "smartest" urban crowdfunding projects from around the world.