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.

Lessons in Congestion Pricing
New York City might need some courage to go through with its idea sto charge drivers to enter parts of Manhattan. Luckily there are International models of success to choose from.

Big Redevelopment Opportunity Pops Up in Seattle
This unique redevelopment opportunity is possible because the Washington National Guard plans to abandon a 25-acre property in Seattle, with a mandate to achieve the "highest public benefit" for taxpayers as a result of the redevelopment.

Soccer Stadium Plans Amended Over Concerns About Displacement in Cincinnati
Planning Commissioners in Cincinnati talked a lot about the severed trust between the city, residents, and the Major League Soccer team FC Cincinnati at a hearing last week.

Revealed: A Plan to Build a Continuous Bike Trail Across the United States
Motorists have been able to drive across the country for more than a century. People on bikes will get their day soon, too.

New Density Bonus Approved in Austin
The city of Austin is using density bonus as an incentive for developers to include affordable housing in new developments.