San Francisco’s proposed Family Zoning Plan would allow thousands of new housing units to be built in west side neighborhoods that haven’t seen much growth in decades. What would a population increase like this mean for traffic and mobility in this part of the city? SPUR delved into local transportation data and made some surprising discoveries about traffic and commute patterns.

Bay Area Air District rules phasing out the sale of gas-fired space and water heating equipment will lead to the steady transition to heat pumps in homes and the realization of enormous health and environmental benefits. A thoughtful implementation process will ensure the rules are on track for success. SPUR recommends four actions to strengthen that process.

Most residents are unfamiliar with their city’s charter — the foundational legal document that functions as a city’s local constitution and shapes nearly every aspect of its governance. As San Francisco and Oakland consider changes to their city charters, SPUR dives into what a charter is, how it works, and why it’s important to everything from the powers of elected officials to how public services are delivered.

In California, it takes too long and costs too much to build infrastructure of all kinds, including transit. A new report from Circulate San Diego in partnership with SPUR details the challenges that transit projects face during the permitting process and ways to overcome them. Powerless Brokers charts a set of possible next steps for the state legislature following a momentous year for infrastructure streamlining.

Hazard mitigation and climate adaptation investments — overlooked until disaster strikes — reduce long-term damage, save lives, and lower recovery costs. Yet just as the stakes of climate hazards skyrocket, the federal government has begun to retreat from its leadership role in mitigation, leaving states and local governments scrambling to fill the gap.