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.

Transportation Projects Stall During Government Shutdown
A big capital project in Monterey County, on California's Central Coast, is on hold during the federal shutdown. It's probably not the only one.

An Interstate High-Speed Rail Authority on the Legislative Agenda in Washington
A big idea is gaining momentum.

Bike Infrastructure Funding Raided to Fund Baltimore's Complete Streets Program
Robbing Peter to pay Paul.

Change Order Reform Proposed for New York's Department of Design and Construction
A new report proposes changes to the New York City Department of Design and Construction in the hopes of limiting extreme cost overruns and delays.

The Most Expensive Home in U.S. History Is a New York Penthouse
The richest person in Illinois just set a record for the most expensive home ever bought in the United States.