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.
U.S. Department of Transportation Launches Two New University Transportation Centers
The University of South Florida and Washington State University were chosen as the locations for new University Transportation Centers (UTCs) over 51 competitors. There are now UTCs at 37 universities.
What Seattle Learned From Studying its Public Golf Courses
Seattle recently completed a strategic business plan for its city-owned municipal golf courses. The first recommendation of the report: "commit to golf as a recreational program offered by the City on par with other recreational offerings."
Overcoming Misconceptions About Disabled Cyclists
Not everyone can ride a traditional two-wheeled bicycle, and it's ableist to assume they can, according to this op-ed. It's time to consider adaptive cycling as a crucial tool for providing access to mobility.
Poll: On Housing, Californians Want What the Legislature Won't Give
"This particular solution, which has been very controversial in the Legislature, is not very controversial when it comes to the general public."
O'Hare Tunnel, Proposed by Elon Musk, Looks Dead on Arrival in Chicago's New Political Regime
Advocates are relieved Elon Musk's proposal to build a new subterranean connection to O'Hare is dead, but still disappointed at the wasted brainpower and public funding devoted to the idea.