We All Deserve to Be Counted: The Importance of the 2020 Census
April 25, 2019The 10-year census is a profound expression of who our nation is and who deserves to be included in our political systems and public services. With the 2020 census less than a year away, SPUR is hosting a series of events to look at ongoing local strategies to make sure everyone in the Bay Area gets counted.
My Rider Is Your Rider: What the Bay Area Can Learn from Germany’s Collaborative Transit Planning
April 24, 2019In cities and regions across Germany, dozens of transit operators work together to provide riders with one simple and convenient transit system that is competitive with driving for many trips. It’s a far cry from the Bay Area, where transit services all have separate fares, schedules and maps. How were Germany’s cities able to align multiple operators into one seamless system?
The Politics of Potholes in Oakland: Fairness, Equity, City Budgets and the Public Good
April 18, 2019In recent weeks the Oakland Department of Transportation has begun publicizing its new $100 million, three-year paving plan. Ordinarily a plan that triples annual spending would meet with universal acclaim. But this plan — which incorporates equity in deciding how to spend money on paving streets — has some parts of town happy and other parts up in arms.
Re-Envisioning the Guadalupe River Park
April 18, 2019From New York City’s High Line to Atlanta’s BeltLine, communities across the country are transforming underutilized infrastructure into engaging public spaces. Building on this national momentum, SPUR has launched a project to reconsider the Guadalupe River Park, an underappreciated gem in downtown San Jose.
Big Win: A Taller Skyline for San Jose
March 27, 2019For years, people have asked why downtown San Jose’s skyline is so … diminutive. This month, the city made a big decision that will finally allow its downtown to grow upward: Changing flight paths at Mineta San Jose Airport will allow taller buildings — meaning more jobs and housing near transit.