Sarah Atkinson

Sarah leads SPUR’s climate initiatives, advancing research and policies that make the climate transition more equitable, affordable, and actionable. Since joining SPUR in 2022, she has led policy and advocacy efforts on seismic safety, climate adaptation, and disaster resilience, with a focus on strengthening the region’s ability to prepare for and recover from hazards such as sea level rise, flooding, and wildfires. Before joining SPUR, Sarah worked in environmental communications, sustainable construction, food systems, and public health research in both California and Massachusetts. Her graduate work focused on community-led planning, disaster recovery, and healthy, climate-resilient housing, shaping her interdisciplinary approach to urban policy. Sarah began her advocacy work as an undergraduate, where she helped advance the University of California’s zero-waste policy and sustainable food procurement initiatives. Sarah holds a Master of City and Regional Planning and a Bachelor of Arts in environmental sciences from the University of California, Berkeley.