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.

1.5 Million SF of Development Proposed for Brooklyn Waterfront
Current zoning doesn't support the range of uses proposed for a new "Innovation Economy District" at the Industry City location on the Brooklyn Waterfront.

The Past and Future Role of the Shotgun House
Dallas provides the setting for a deep exploration of shotgun houses. The city keeps knocking them down, but according to this architecture critic, they could play a key role in solving the city's affordable housing crisis.

Walmart Getting Into the Freight Rail Business
Walmart will soon be seen side by side with CSX and BNSF.

Western Hills Viaduct Replacement a Top Infrastructure Priority in Cincinnati
New political leadership in the state of Ohio has Cincinnati regional leaders hoping for big state funding for a project to repair and replace the Western Hill Viaduct.
Street Makeover On the Way in Portland
The work of the Portland Bureau of Transportation on NE Tillamook Street is a perfect example of how a little bit of money can go a long way for traffic safety.