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.

EPA Enforcement Activities Hit 30-Year Low
Under the Trump administration, criminal prosecution of polluters is an historically rare activity.

Defense Department Calls Climate Change a National Security Threat
The new “Report on Effects of a Changing Climate to the Department of Defense” isn't the environmental win that it could be.

Inland Waterways Looking for a Comeback
Inland waterways have capacity to spare to help deal with an expected surge in freight movement around the country. Some TLC will be required to maximize that potential, however.

The 'Latino Homeless Paradox'
The city of Philadelphia provides a case study of the so-called "Latino Homeless Paradox." There are many more low-income and homeless Latinos than reflected in the numbers of those using supportive services in the city.

Seattle Rebrands its Planned Bus Rapid Transit System: Stride
Branding and bus rapid transit go hand in hand.