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.

Trump Administration Puts Covid Funding at Risk for Transit in 'Anarchist Jurisdictions'
A September 2 memo by the Trump administration warned of punitive actions against New York City, Seattle, Portland, and Washington, D.C. A recently announced federal funding opportunity makes good on the threat.

Urban Plan Ready for Public Scrutiny in Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island is undertaking a major planning initiative during the pandemic.

Big Tech Bets on the Big Apple
Amidst the uncertainty of the pandemic, the four biggest U.S. technology companies have leased or bought enough office space in New York City for 22,000 employees.

Outdoor Dining No Refuge From the Danger of Cars
A driver lost control of his SUV in San José, California this week, plowing into an outdoor dining area and killing one customer.

Biden Would Finally Get the Gateway Project Moving, Advocates Say
A group of regional experts and advocates provide details on how a win by former Vice President Joe Biden might change the direction of the Gateway Project to repair the rail link between New Jersey and New York.