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.

Hyperloop Gets its First Human Test Subjects
It has a long way to go to match the speed and capacity of high-speed rail technology, but at least the Hyperloop has achieved one critical benchmark: a test involving human passengers.

Roanoke Finds a Planning Work Around to Approve New Transit Station
With Planning Commission approval in hand, the Roanoke City Council will soon consider a controversial proposal for a new transit station in the city's downtown.

New Car Owners, Fewer Parking Spaces—Chickens Come to Roost in New York City
Many cities like New York have reallocated space formerly reserved for moving and storing cars to help restaurants and stores weather the pandemic, but as more residents rely on cars for the same reason, the dynamic threatens to boil over.

Why Have ADUs Proliferated in Portland, Lagged in D.C.?
A new report by the Urban Institute examines the consequences of small differences in land use regulations.

California Voters Chose Uber Over Employment Law—What it Means for the U.S.
After the most expensive initiative campaign in California history, California voters approved Proposition 22 by a wide margin. The consequences of the vote could go national.