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.

Can the U.S. Preserve 30 Percent of its Lands and Waters?
The Biden administration released its preliminary report on a plan to conserve 30 percent of the nation's lands and waters by 2030, one big, ambitious component of the administration's climate plans.

The Changing Demographics of Denver's Suburbs
The Colorado Demographer's Office is projecting big changes for the demographics of the suburban counties and cities surrounding Denver—even as overall growth for the region is expected to slow.

Earn Rewards for Traveling for by Foot, Bike, Bus, or Train
The city of Orlando is partnering with the Miles app.

Public Input Sought to Inform Designs of $646 Million in New Rail Cars for Atlanta
Atlanta's new fleet of rail cars, expected for delivery in 2023, will include open gangways. Other design features of the new cars are still to be determined.

How Historic Districts Supersede Local Zoning Regulations
How one historic district in a growing corner of Washington, D.C. is able to effect downzoning.