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.
Congestion Pricing Marks the End of an Era
A New York Times article marks the historic significance of congestion pricing—gone are the days of treating roads like they're free while ignoring their costs.
Cities Increasingly Piloting Autonomous Shuttle Services
There is no shortage of autonomous shuttle services operating around the United States, which means there are plenty of lessons to be learned.
Op-Ed Supports Staten Island Rezoning for its Green Benefits
A rezoning proposal for Staten Island in New York City gets support from a local resident with deep involvement in the community.
Las Vegas' Growth Tied to its Dwindling Water Supply
Las Vegas has almost maximized its growth potential given projects for its future water supply—something has to give.
Zoning Code Rewrite Paused in Newton, Massachusetts
The mayor of Newton says the city's planning department is stretched too thin, with several ordinances and large development proposals in the works.