The November 2026 SPUR Voter Guide

This year’s ballot is a beast. We did the research for you.

photo of traffic congestion on the Bay Bridge

Bumper to Bumper

How potential transit service cuts could affect Bay Area traffic, affordability, and carbon emissions

SPUR's Guide to California Housing Laws

A comprehensive analysis for planners, housing advocates, project sponsors, and community stakeholders

People walking in San Jose's San Pedro Square

The SPUR Annual Report

Learn about our impact

new multifamily housing under construction

Permitting Progress

How charter reform can help San Francisco speed delivery of housing, transit, new businesses, and more

Illustration of a crane stacking cargo containers that say "sound fiscal policy," "structural change" and "economic growth"

Balancing Oakland's Budget

Closing the city’s structural deficit to move toward fiscal solvency and economic growth

November 2026 Voter Guide

Voter Guide / November 2026

For the November 2026 election, SPUR analyzed local, state, and regional measures related to our policy areas that will appear on San Francisco, San José, and Oakland ballots. Our analysis includes each measure's backstory, equity impacts, pros and cons, and SPUR's voting recommendation. San José voters, the city did not place any measures on your ballot this election. Please see the California and Bay Area sections for our recommendations on state and regional measures.

photo of older homes in a residential neighborhood

How Much Money Is Available to Help Bay Area Homeowners Install Heat Pumps?

News / September 30, 2026

How much money is available in the Bay Area for homeowners who need financial help to install heat pumps?The funding and financing landscape for clean energy has fluctuated significantly. Investments in heat pump incentives will be especially important for the equitable implementation of the Air District’s zero-emission heating rules. SPUR previews findings from our forthcoming report analyzing the first comprehensive dataset on local, regional, state, and federal funding sources for heat pumps and home efficiency programs in the Bay Area. There’s good news.

Bumper to Bumper

Research / September 22, 2026

BART, Caltrain, Muni, and AC Transit face large operating deficits stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and lasting changes to commutes. Without new funding, agencies are preparing for severe service reductions that could include station and route closures, sharply decreased service frequencies, and the elimination of some weekend and late-night service. What would these transit cuts mean for the region? Our latest research brief reveals their extensive consequences for transit access and equity, traffic delays, pollution, and cost of living.

Photo of a multi-family apartment building in Oakland

The Six November Ballot Measures That Would Impact Housing and Development the Most

News / September 21, 2026

On the November 2026 ballot, Bay Area voters will decide on six measures poised to reshape housing affordability or development: two at the state level, three in San Francisco, and one in Oakland. Why are there so many measures related to housing and development, are some more effective than others, and what, if any, effect would they have on each other if they pass? We explain these measures ahead of the October 1 release of the SPUR Voter Guide.

From Ideas to Action: SPUR Policy on Your November Ballot

News / September 18, 2026

This November, Bay Area voters will decide on five measures informed by SPUR research and advanced to the ballot through years of SPUR coalition-building and advocacy. Four measures aim to improve governance in San Francisco and Oakland and one to secure regional transit funding. They underscore our commitment not only to shaping policy but also to ensuring its effective implementation.