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.

Pop Quiz: Can You Name These Movies Where the NYC Subway Plays a Role?
You're allowed to guess.

Idea for Saving an Aging Shopping Center: Remove Cut-Through Car Traffic
Planners like the idea of blocking car traffic on Shaker Boulevard through Shaker Square in Cleveland, The public is less sure.

Denver Won't Ease Restrictions for Social Marijuana Uses
The ongoing evolution of land use regulation related to legal marijuana hit a roadblock in Denver this month, although the city has already allowed nearly unprecedented freedom (in the U.S., at least) to buy, sell, and consume marijuana in the city.

Permanent Food Truck Park Opening Soon in Cincinnati
Cove Food Park is coming to the East End of Cincinnati.

G-Line Commuter Rail Opens Today, Connecting Denver to Suburbs
A new commuter line is open today in Denver, after facing challenges and delays that continue to plague other previously opened rail lines in the region.