Join Civitas Society

Civitas
SPUR's Civitas Society is for those individuals who provide core support for the work we do. This Latin word means "city" as well as "citizenship," and we invite you to play an important part in laying the foundation for the future of the city through SPUR. Civitas Society members share a commitment to urbanism, democracy and the future of San Francisco.

How does one qualify to be a member of the Civitas Society?


Civitas Society members are individuals who contribute more than $1,000 every year. Those who have made life estate gifts and those who are significant donors to the SPUR Campaign for the Urban Center are also invited to join Civitas.


When does the Civitas Society gather?


Several times a year, SPUR Civitas Society members gather for exclusive evening receptions with political, business, literary and other luminaries who guide our conversations about the evolving nature of city life. Each meeting features a prominent guest speaker ready to engage in an open discussion. We meet in the homes and offices of fellow Civitas members, enjoying cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and stimulating conversation.


What have past events been like?


Past events have included:

  • A dialogue about culture and its role in urban development with David Gockley, General Manager for the San Francisco Opera.
  • A fireside conversation on urbanism with Kevin Starr, State Librarian Emeritus, author and recipient of the 2006 National Humanities Medal.
  • A private tour of the Lucas Digital Arts Center, including many of the working studios, galleries and the adjoining park.
  • A conversation with Lawrence Halprin, the world¹s preeminent landscape architect, winner of the Presidential Medal of Honor for Design and designer of countless masterpieces worldwide.
  • A pre-opening, behind the scenes tour of the de Young Museum led by Harry Parker, Director of Museums for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.
  • A conversation about the future of California and its cities with Dr. Anthony Downs, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and Visiting Fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California.
  • A discussion with the Honorable Ronald M. George, Chief Justice of California, in the courtroom itself.
  • A gathering with William Hudnut III, former Congressman and four-term Mayor of Indianapolis, then a Senior Resident Fellow at the Urban Land Institute.