Balancing Oakland's Budget
Closing the city’s structural deficit to move toward fiscal solvency and economic growth
New Data Shows Bay Area and State Economies Are Booming
News / Our state and region are booming. After dropping from the world’s fifth largest economy to its 10th, the state has risen back up to eighth place. But challenges remain. Housing costs are soaring, unemployment remains high and few middle-wage jobs exist. The Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy shares new economic data about the region and state.
Freedom to Move
SPUR Report / Santa Clara County grew up around the car. Now traffic is stalling economic growth, social equity and quality of life. How can we get the South Bay, its people and its economy moving in a more sustainable way? SPUR's new report offers seven strategies to expand the range of transportation choices.
The Future of the Berryessa BART Station
Urbanist Article / With the extension of BART into Silicon Valley, San Jose has a unique chance to shape growth around its first station, at Berryessa. Developing land uses that support BART ridership will be key to the success of Berryessa Station — and the future of the area around it. Substantial planning has already been done, but there are still opportunities for improvement.
San Jose Approves Big Plans for Diridon Station
News / San Jose’s City Council approved the Diridon Station Area Plan (DSAP) after a five-year process. The DSAP focuses on dense mixed-use growth in a transit-rich infill location, includes needed improvements to the pedestrian and bicycle network and commits to better transportation management planning. However, close oversight will be important moving forward to ensure that Diridon Station becomes the transit-rich hub it was envisioned to be.
SF Poised to Create State's First Urban Agriculture Incentive Zone
News / San Francisco is once again poised to be a pioneer in urban agriculture policy. In June, Supervisor David Chiu introduced an ordinance that create California's first urban agriculture incentive zone and allow property owners who contract their land into urban agricultural use for at least five years to receive a property tax reduction