California faces increasing wildfire risks and escalating insurance rates, a double whammy that could be addressed through community-scale home hardening. Because the costs of retrofits can be prohibitive, the state legislature is considering proposals to make them more financially feasible. SPUR identifies the bills’ pros and cons and their standing in the legislature.

Heat pumps don’t emit pollution and can reduce home utility bills. They’d be ubiquitous appliances for home heating and cooling if their installation costs could be slashed. A larger, more knowledgeable pool of installers, smarter electrification planning by contractors and building departments, and streamlined permitting will lower those costs, accelerating the electric transition already spurred by Bay Area Air District rules phasing out gas appliances.

This summer, SPUR is hosting a talented group of policy and engagement fellows through partnerships with programs at high schools, colleges, and graduate programs. Learn more about the work they’re doing with SPUR and where they’re headed after collaborating with us.

The Bay Area has a real shot at cutting greenhouse gas emissions from buildings by switching home energy use from natural gas to electricity. One of the challenges is ensuring that transition costs don’t unduly raise rents or spur evictions. Cities are now considering how to build affordability and tenant protections into their electrification policies in order to safeguard affordability while protecting the interests of both renters and building owners.

California’s persistent housing crisis has prompted a significant increase in legislative action, with more than 200 housing-related laws passed between 2017 and 2025. The volume of new laws has made it increasingly challenging for housing developers, planners, and community advocates to navigate the legal landscape effectively. Our new guide to California housing laws details nearly 100 laws in four key areas: project approval, affordability, density, and design standards. We spoke with the author, Erika McLitus, to explore how the guide can facilitate a more accessible housing development process in California.