Balancing Oakland's Budget
Closing the city’s structural deficit to move toward fiscal solvency and economic growth
Go Big and Go Home: Why the Housing Bonus Program Is Good for SF
News / On June 13, Mayor Lee and Supervisor Tang’s Affordable Housing Bonus Program heads to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors’ Land Use and Transportation Committee. The program has come under fire from both housing advocates and neighborhood opponents. Recently, Supervisors Mar and Peskin announced a competing proposal. But we still think the original plan is the way to go. Here’s why.
Three Ways Downtown San Jose Just Got a Lot More Urban
News / In the past few weeks, San Jose has taken three big steps toward creating a more urban and active downtown. These milestones took place with little fanfare, but we think they’re worth celebrating.
Governor Brown’s Solution to the Affordability Crisis: Allow New Housing “By Right”
News / In May, Governor Jerry Brown proposed streamlining the approvals process for multi-family housing developments that are built in urbanized areas and include affordable housing. If the proposal passes, eligible housing projects would be approved “by right,” and not subject to local approval or review under CEQA. The governor's proposal is not a panacea, but it is a practical, modest step in the right direction.
Beyond Boom and Bust: Where Is Silicon Valley Taking Us?
Urbanist Article / How long will the Bay Area's competitive advantage last? The Urbanist examines the boom-bust economic cycle and asks questions about the longer-term fate of our region. Where is the set of innovative clusters we call “tech” going to take us?
Back in the Black
SPUR Report / San Jose needs more money. Although the “capital of Silicon Valley” has the highest median household income of any major city in the country, years of budget cuts and staffing reductions have left the city in a precarious position. This report, a collaboration between SPUR and Working Partnerships USA, explores how San Jose can bolster its resources and deliver high-quality public services.