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.

Controversial Redevelopment Approved in Coastal Agricultural Area
A city on the northern edge of San Diego County has approved a controversial redevelopment. Supporters tout that agricultural components of the project. Opponents of the project say developers shouldn't be breaking ground in an agricultural area.

Rose Bowl Property Ready for a Makeover
A famous local architect has been tapped to rethink the Rose Bowl's expansive property in Pasadena.

Preserving Affordable Housing Along the Brightline in South Florida
The South Florida Housing Link Collaborative is working to develop and preserve affordable housing along South Florida's intercity rail line, in the process of transitioning to the Virgin Trains USA brand, as prices along the route climb.

'Project Connect' Bus System Plan Underway in Austin
Austin is the latest city in the United States to undertake a massive overhaul of its bus system, designing for a high frequency grid.

Flood Barrier Approved for Manhattan's East Side
A plan to build a flood barrier between Manhattan and the East River overcame some last minute controversy on its way to approval this month.