Connect Bay Area, a proposed 14-year sales tax measure to fund transit, has gathered enough signatures to qualify for the November 2026 ballot. In three of the five counties covered by the measure, most funds would alleviate looming operating budget deficits for regional transit — but in Santa Clara and San Mateo, significant funds would be available to support local transit improvements. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority and SamTrans boards have outlined investment frameworks for the potential new resources.

San Francisco’s permitting system plays a pivotal role in housing availability, business openings, and public infrastructure projects. But the current system causes lengthy delays and increased costs. City staff and policymakers often feel disempowered by rules they can’t change, while residents distrust their leaders and sense governmental obstruction. We spoke to SPUR’s Annie Fryman about her latest report and how charter reform can modernize the permitting process to meet the evolving needs of residents and businesses.

The Bay Area Air District has proposed a robust exemption framework for its landmark zero-emission water-heating rule. The framework addresses genuine barriers to compliance — income constraints, physical and electrical limitations, and specialized equipment needs — while preserving the market transformation these rules are designed to drive. SPUR explains what’s being proposed, how the most common concerns are largely addressed, and what still needs attention.