SPUR is a broad-based public policy organization. We work on a lot of issues, but not all with the same degree of focus. Every idea we introduce goes through several stages of review and debate before it reaches maturity and, if we are successful, impacts our lives. At SPUR we aim to be broad in what we pay attention to, but selective in what we work on.

Stage One—Investigation
In the early stage, we identify problems and frame questions. Generally, we do this in public, as part of an educational process in which all interested parties can participate. This takes the form of lunchtime forums, public debates, articles in the Urbanist, guest editorials in local newspapers and the other basic work that we do to spark constructive dialogue around any one issue.

Stage Two—Task Force
Next, a group of SPUR members may decide to investigate a problem in greater depth, forming a study group or task force. Typically, we form more task forces than ultimately result in published SPUR positions.

Stage Three—Official SPUR Position
After serious study, a group of members on the task force or committee drafts a position paper. The committee debates and amends the position paper and eventually forwards it to the full Board of Directors. Here, again, the paper is debated, amended and usually sent back to committee for another round of editing. Finally, the Board adopts an official policy paper. Typically, of these are published in the Urbanist (and posted on this website).

Stage Four—Outreach
Once we have taken a position, we try to make sure people know about it. Neighborhood groups invite Board members to speak on the issue, we testify before the Board of Supervisors, we give interviews to reporters or we present educational public forums to get the word out.

Stage Five—Implementation
With a certain number of proposals, we will help the city implement our policy reforms. It is at this stage that the city as a whole will hear about what we do. This may be in the form of legislation at the Board of Supervisors, or in some cases, going directly to the voters with a proposition.