James Brasuell is a writer and editor, producing web, print, and video content on the subjects of planning, urbanism, and mobility. James has managed all editorial content and direction for Planetizen since 2014 and was promoted 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.
![A map of a planned high-speed rail connecting Portland to Seattle and Vancouver.](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/16x9-Cascadia-Rail-Map-2019-1024x576.png.webp?itok=xFe9GlvU)
Cascadia High-Speed Rail Corridor Seeking Federal Funding
The state of Washington is hoping federal infrastructure funding can pay for $198 million of the $348 million necessary to plan the Cascadia High-Speed Rail project.
![Highway Widening](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/MarylandHighwayWidening.png.webp?itok=puTBjOkf)
Maryland Highway Widening Plans Moving Forward Under New Governor
Maryland Governor Wes Moore is differentiating his new administration from his predecessor’s, but some projects, like the widening of federal highways in the Capital Beltway, stay the same.
![View of concrete schoolyard in New York City through fence](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/shutterstock_1676507758.jpg.webp?itok=lbDFKEbX)
An Urbanist Agenda for Education
An opinion article by Angie Schmitt addresses the neglect of education policy in the urbanist political platform, and proposes two specific education policy goals for urbanists to get behind.
![Wood-frame building under construction with robust palm tree in front](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/AdobeStock_219246147.jpeg.webp?itok=KIVyGCC3)
Five Years of California’s Landmark Land Use Law, SB 35
It’s been five years since the California Legislature approved Senate Bill 35 to clear hurdles to housing construction. How much of its intentions has the law accomplished, and what should planners look for in the next few years?
![A pregnant woman holds hand with a man in an urban setting.](/files/styles/small_400/public/images/Pregnancy.jpeg.webp?itok=IrJ0sT5e)
Walkable Neighborhoods Connected to Healthier Pregnancies, Births
More evidence of the public health benefits of walkable neighborhoods.