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.

California Awards $500 Million in Grants for Low-Emissions Transportation Projects
The Amtrak route between Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Luis Obispo is one of the projects to receive a boost from the California State Transportation Agency's 2020 Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP).

Shared Bikes a Popular Option in Wuhan Following Lockdown
Shared bike companies in China report that many residents in Wuhan have been relying on bikes for transportation in the immediate aftermath of a 76-day lockdown.

Late Action, Local Opposition Frustrate Emergency Homeless Shelter Plans
Some progress, but not nearly enough, has been reported as California and its cities scramble to procure temporary shelters to house homeless people during the pandemic.

$1 Billion Carbon Neutrality Plan Paused in Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor City Council wants a more specific consideration of expenses before it will hold a final vote on the A2Zero carbon neutrality plan.

A Death Knell for Department Stores
The latest chapter of the retail apocalypse is not a happy one.