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.

Busy Bus Routes on the Chopping Block in Montgomery County
One of the most famous suburban counties in the country could become a little less urban this week, if a proposal to cut bus service makes it past the Montgomery County Council.

A Surprising Place for Climate Relocation: Washington State
The city of Hamilton in Skagit County, Washington showcases another kind of community at risk from the effects of climate change and considering relocation to higher ground.

Revisiting a Pre-Recession Plan to Transform North San Jose
San Jose wants to remake the North San Jose neighborhood as "Uptown San Jose," but the amount of development that will require isn't proving an easy sell with some locals.

The Noisiest Places Are Found Far From the City
Humans can't always hear the sound, but there is plenty of noise in what we think of quiet corners of the United States.

A Transit Agency Showdown, and You Have the Power to Choose the Winner
It's a popularity contest, sure, but it's our popularity contest.