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.
Concerns Raised About the Brooklyn-to-Queens Streetcar Proposal
We've gathered a sample of the responses to Mayor Bill de Blasio's proposal for a $2.2 billion streetcar to connect Brooklyn to Queens.

Controversy Over Drive-Throughs in Minneapolis Gains National Attention
A proposal in Minneapolis would restrict the development of drive-throughs, in pedestrian-friendly parts of the city, as a safety measure for all non-car users of the street.
Oregon Considering Payroll Tax for Transit
Traditionally pro-transit organizations have come out against a proposal to create a new payroll tax to fund bus transit improvements.
$25 Billion Paris Métro Extension—Grand Ambitions Included
The scale of the Line 14 subway extension is enough to impress any American transit advocate.

Friday Eye Candy: London From Above
A new book, "London Rising," collects photos taken in not-quite-legal fashion from the tops of London's tallest buildings and structures.