Resident Storyteller

James Rojas is an expert in US Latino cultural influences on urban design. He holds a Master of City Planning and a Master of Science of Architecture Studies from MIT. His thesis has been cited in the LA Times, New York Times and in numerous magazines and books. His research led to the founding of the Latino Urban Forum, a volunteer grassroots organization of architects, urban planners, and activists interested in improving the built environment through organizing, advocacy and policy. LUF organized residents in East Los Angeles to help create the Evergreen Cemetery Jogging Path, help to save the LA Urban Garden in South Central, and is currently organizing residents in Northeast Los Angeles to protect hillsides and create more open space. James Rojas was in for Peace Corps for 3 years in Eastern Europe where he organized environmental groups for sustainable transportation. Currently, Mr. Rojas is a project manager for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Central Area Team.