SPUR — the San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association — is a nonprofit public policy organization. We bring people together from across the political spectrum to develop solutions to the big problems cities face.

5 days ago · This spring, SPUR will convene community leaders, policy experts, advocates, city staff, and decision makers to engage in important conversations regarding Oakland’s budget. Our first event, on February 20, will provide an overview of how the city’s budget works and which budget fixes are being considered.

Nov 11, 2024 · Roberto Bedoya led the creation of Oakland’s cultural plan, Belonging in Oakland, framing it as a prompt that enlivens civic life, place, and belonging. In this essay, he argues that facilitating social cohesion among residents needs to be framed as a municipal goal. And cities need to invest in this goal as our social networks are changing, collapsing, and being reimagined.

California has already begun to implement reforms in the insurance industry, but more must be done. SPUR highlights the urgent need to accurately price hazard risk, advance risk mitigation through smart land use planning, and establish voluntary buyout programs for high-risk properties.

Oct 8, 2024 · For the November 2024 election, SPUR analyzed local and state measures related to our policy areas on the California, San Francisco, San José, and Oakland ballots. Our analysis includes the background behind the measures, equity impacts, pros and cons, and a recommendation on how to vote.

6 days ago · Oakland, San Francisco, and San José are exploring how cultural districts can mitigate the economic and social impacts of office vacancies and reduced foot traffic in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Successful examples from Boston, Cleveland, Denver, and Philadelphia show how place-based cultural strategies can reactivate struggling …

SPUR's Recommendation Funding for school facilities is essential to ensure that California students continue to receive quality education. This measure provides an opportunity to address much-needed repairs and investment in new facilities for districts across the state.

5 days ago · SPUR President and CEO Alicia John-Baptiste will be leaving SPUR to take on a newly created policy chief role with the San Francisco Mayor’s Office. On February 3, she will join Mayor Daniel Lurie’s administration as Chief of Infrastructure, Climate & Mobility.

SPUR membership offers opportunities to network, learn and participate in discussions on important issues. Support our work toward a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous Bay Area. Join a community of thousands of individuals who care about the future of our region.

Jan 17, 2025 · This week, Senator Scott Wiener introduced Senate Bill 71, which would make permanent a successful pilot project that has jumpstarted dozens of sustainable transportation projects in California. SPUR has been a driving force behind this exemption and is …