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.

Thresholds of Rent Affordability Trigger Homelessness
New research reveals details of when and where rising rents trigger homelessness.

Showdown Over Late Night Hours on D.C. Metro
The general manager of D.C. Metro wants to extend limited late night rail service, in place for two years, into 2019 and beyond. Metro board members have had enough.

$1.5 Billion in BUILD Grants Announced
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced funding winners for the BUILD grant program, which replaced TIGER this year. The differences between the two programs are immediately obvious.
Tiny Houses for the Homeless Planned for San Jose
The Bay Area's most populated city is taking a small step to house its homeless population.

All of L.A.'s Rail Lines Will Get New Names
Goodbye, Blue Line. Welcome, A Line. Goodbye, Red Line. Welcome, B Line.