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.
The 'Love Trolley' Is for Everyone
Gary Mason has been decorating a SEPTA trolley for Valentine's Day since 1993.
A New Mixed-Use Superblock for Portland
A former industrial site on the edge of Portland, Oregon's urban core is planned with major urbanism ambitions.
Airbnb Hits a Snag
For a long time Airbnb shined in the profit-making department, when compared to other tech companies valued over a billion dollars. Now the once-profitable short-term rental platform is losing money, quickly.
Mobility on Demand Partnerships Depend on Data
Private companies and public transit agencies will share a lot of data to ensure that new mobility on demand (MOD) services are effective and sustainable. Lessons on the kinds of data necessary to make MOD work are emerging in L.A. and Seattle.
Local Restrictions on Dollar Stores Gaining Popularity
Cities and counties all over the South are restricting further development of dollar stores.