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.
Saving Habitat: Just as Much for Humans as for Everything Else
Edward O. Wilson, famed for pressing for the conservation of half of the planet's land and oceans, recently turned 90 years old.
Editorial Board Calls for Tax Increment Financing Reform in Chicago
The Chicago Tribune says the city of Chicago can't be trusted with tax increment financing (TIF), so it's time for a do-over.
Where Subway Service Improved in New York City
Some trains are running faster in New York City. The New York Times created a series of infographics to show which lines have sped up, and by how much.
HUD Secretary Carson Supports Minneapolis-Style Upzoning
U.S. Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson, in Minneapolis last week, expressed support for the planning reforms included in the Minneapolis 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Details on the Portland Region's Proposed $2.7 Billion Light Rail Line
The Southwest Corridor light rail project has a preferred alternative route, but there's still a lot of work to do before the ambitious project can begin construction, much less begin shuttling riders between Portland and Bridgeport Village.