Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee’s Charter Reform Working Group has released its final report following a five-month community engagement process launched in August 2025. The League of Women Voters of Oakland and SPUR will now host informational sessions to help the public understand the proposed government reforms.

In December, SPUR released Getting in on the Ground Floor, a policy brief highlighting recommendations for how San José can activate vacant spaces and employ a revitalization strategy rooted in arts and culture. Join SPUR and SVCreates for an in-person forum where San José stakeholders can discuss these recommendations and how to move some of them forward.

This page serves as a landing page for all planned gubernatorial events. These events are designed to introduce candidates to the SPUR community while offering a deeper look at their policy priorities, leadership approach, and vision for California’s future.

SPUR hosts a conversation with Former Mayor of Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa to explore his policy priorities and vision for the future of California. This session offers a deep dive into his leadership approach and strategies for addressing state challenges like housing, transportation, and climate resilience. Attendees will gain firsthand insight into how he plans to navigate economic opportunity and lead the state in the years ahead.

SPUR hosts a conversation with California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond to explore his policy priorities and vision for the future of California. This session offers a deep dive into his leadership approach and strategies for addressing state challenges like housing, transportation, and climate resilience. Attendees will gain firsthand insight into how he plans to navigate economic opportunity and lead the state in the years ahead.

Muhammad Alameldin, Senior Policy Advisor for California YIMBY, will be sharing findings from his latest report exploring the possibilities of new home pre-sales in the California market, including a discussion about AB 1406 (Ward) co-sponsored by SPUR and other practical concepts as well based on findings from his comparative analysis.

Join SPUR for a member-only conversation exploring how healthcare providers and Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans (MCPs) are advancing sustainability and resilience strategies in California — from carbon neutrality, microgrids, and all-electric hospitals to housing supports, asthma remediation and environmental justice investments.

Effective advocacy requires a synchronized approach that combines public pressure with direct negotiation to influence decision makers from every available angle. Join SPUR for a conversation with Bay Area author and transit organizer Carter Lavin, who will explore the essential mechanics of “the inside and outside game” in his new book, demonstrating how these two fronts must work together to turn ambitious transportation ideas into reality. Attendees will learn how to leverage campaign supporters and coalition partners to strengthen their position both on the streets and within the halls of power.

SPUR hosts a conversation with Former California State Assemblyman Ian Calderon to explore his policy priorities and vision for the future of California. This session offers a deep dive into his leadership approach and strategies for addressing state challenges like housing, transportation, and climate resilience. Attendees will gain firsthand insight into how he plans to navigate economic opportunity and lead the state in the years ahead.

Join SPUR for a conversation with oWOW, WRNS Studio, and FABRIC Mass Timber on the regulatory shifts and manufacturing innovations driving California's high-rise mass timber movement. The panel explores how mass timber can help to combat climate change, wildfires, and housing affordability simultaneously.

SPUR hosts a conversation with Mayor of San Jose Matt Mahan to explore his policy priorities and vision for the future of California. This session offers a deep dive into his leadership approach and strategies for addressing state challenges like housing, transportation, and climate resilience. Attendees will gain firsthand insight into how he plans to navigate economic opportunity and lead the state in the years ahead.