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.

The $64 Million Intersection
The Virginia County of Chesterfield is planning six so-called "superstreet" treatments for junctions in the county. One junction, where Route 10 meets Rivers Bend Boulevard, will cost $64 million.

The U.S. of Breaking and Broken Dams
New analysis of high-hazard dams reveals the ubiquity, and risks, of the infrastructure challenges facing the United States.

Vacant Properties Weren't Just a Foreclosure Crisis Problem
There are more vacant properties now than there were at the height of the foreclosure crisis in the United States, and many vacant properties are hanging around in growing cities with a shortage of affordable housing.

Minneapolis Officially Ends Single-Family Zoning; Change to Take Effect January 1
The end of single-family zoning, a key component of a comprehensive plan adopted last year in Minneapolis, has now been set in code.

Amtrak Continues Positive Gains in Revenue, Ridership
Amtrak is hoping to turn its first-ever profit next year.