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.

Louisiana Coast Will Disappear, Study Says. The Only Question Is How Soon.
Sea-level rise has passed a tipping point in the Gulf of Mexico.

NACTO Releases Pandemic Streets Design Guide
After three months of study and analysis, NACTO is providing authoritative guidance on new ways of thinking about rights of way now that the coronavirus has changed the way we live and work in cities.

Overcoming the Obstacles to Congestion Pricing
The technology for congestion pricing already exists. The leadership and vision required to implement congestion pricing is still a work in progress, according to a report.

Recording the Quiet of Cities During the Pandemic
The usual sounds of the city have subsided, replaced by birds and quiet that at times can be eery and unsettling.

New York's Open Streets Program Leaves Out Neighborhoods That Need Open Space Most
New York City has opened an increasing number of street miles for pedestrians and people on bikes, but far fewer streets have been opened in the neighborhoods that need it most—low income neighborhoods lacking walkable access to parks and open space.