We believe education empowers people to take an active role in creating a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous region.

Most SPUR programs are free to attend. To view recordings and slide decks from previous events, visit the “Past Events” link below. For more information, see our Events FAQ page.

Location
Audience
Event Format
Policy Area
Date Range

July 2025

sfpl event
Jul
15
Tue
San Francisco
Partner Event to

The Future of Bay Area Public Transit

San Francisco relies on MUNI, BART, Caltrain, and other transit systems to keep the city moving. But as COVID relief funding runs out, major budget challenges are looming for the region’s public transit starting in 2026. Join Sebastian Petty, Senior Policy Advisor at SPUR, for a conversation about the future of Bay Area transit, the funding crisis it faces, and how we can ensure these essential systems survive and thrive. Hosted by the San Francisco Public Library as part of the 2025 Everybody’s Climate program series.
Great Highway Victory Ride w/ SF Bicycle Coalition
Jul
25
Fri
SPUR Member Event
San Francisco
Tour to

Sunset Dunes Ride w/ SF Bicycle Coalition

Join SPUR and the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition for a beginner-friendly bike ride to celebrate a major win for San Francisco’s public spaces! With the passing of Proposition K, the Upper Great Highway is now permanently closed to cars and reimagined as Sunset Dunes — a space for people, nature, and community.
Oakland City Hall
Jul
30
Wed
Online
Digital Discourse to

City Charters 101: Understanding the Blueprint of Local Government

As Bay Area cities like Oakland and San Francisco consider potential revisions to their city charters, now is the time to deepen our understanding of what a city charter is, and why it matters. A city charter functions as the foundational legal document for local government, outlining the “rules” for everything from the powers of elected officials to how departments are organized and how public services are delivered.

August 2025

Image of SFMTA train below
Aug
8
Fri
San Francisco
In-Person Forum to

Reducing the Friction in Permitting Transit

What does it take to permit a 5 mile busway in California? In one case, a 5 mile busway in Coastal California required approval from 7 permitting entities, which placed 341 pre-construction conditions on the project, costing $15 million more than budgeted. While many permits are necessary for health and safety, the transit permitting process has become defined by the opaque, rigid - and often excessive- procedures that have accumulated over time and can negatively impact the actual delivery of public infrastructure and services. Learn more about these challenges and a policy roadmap to change them.
Image of street art near mid-Market, San Francisco
Aug
12
Tue
Online
Digital Discourse to

From Canvas to Climate Plan: Integrating Arts into Municipal Climate Strategy

How can artists and cultural institutions help cities meet their climate goals—and how can cities support them in return? Join this webinar to hear from leaders in San José and Alameda who are embedding the arts into climate action. Learn how creative partnerships can spark public engagement, advance resilience goals, and build momentum for new programs like climate arts leadership trainings, resilience hubs, and more. Discover how your city can take similar steps to harness the power of culture for climate justice, education, and adaptation.
Image of apartment buildings around Brooklyn Basin, Oakland
Aug
19
Tue
Online
Digital Discourse to

California's Affordable Housing Agenda Facing Trump Administration 2.0

Join us to hear from affordable housing policy and funding experts on the federal budget landscape and updates including the permanent expansion of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act, a new federal tax credit to incentivize creation of affordable homeownership opportunities, and funding for HUD programs including rental assistance and how advocates, developers and states are responding. The panel will also provide a round-up of federal housing policy legislation that has been introduced this session.
Overhead image of Jakarta
Aug
27
Wed
San Francisco
Exhibition Opening to

Jakarta: City of a Thousand Reflections - A Conversation with Abidin Kusno and John Zarobell

In 2023, Abidin Kusno published Jakarta, City of a Thousand Dimensions (NUS Press, 2023), which explored the practice and politics of urban development in the second largest city in the world. The conversation between Kusno and Zarobell will consider some of the complexities that planning in Asian megacities introduces, as well as the everyday lives of its denizens who generate cities of their own. The program will also engage some of the themes of Pedro Lange-Chúrion’s photographs from the exhibition on the first floor, opening after the conversation.
An image of two people swimming in Jakarta near a high-rise
Aug
27
Wed
San Francisco
Exhibition Opening to

Jakarta: City of a Thousand Reflections – Exhibition Opening Night

In 2023, Abidin Kusno published Jakarta, City of a Thousand Dimensions (NUS Press, 2023), which explored the practice and politics of urban development in the second largest city in the world. The conversation between Kusno and Zarobell will consider some of the complexities that planning in Asian megacities introduces, as well as the everyday lives of its denizens who generate cities of their own. The program will also engage some of the themes of Pedro Lange-Chúrion’s photographs from the exhibition on the first floor, opening after the conversation.

November 2025

Save the Date
Nov
13
Thu
San Francisco
Silver SPUR Awards to

2025 Silver SPUR Awards

Join SPUR for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and networking. Save the date — The Silver SPUR Awards are back on Thursday, November 13th!
If, in order to participate in a SPUR event, you need auxiliary aids or services for a disability (e.g., qualified interpreter, qualified reader, written materials, taped texts) please submit your request five business days before the event to [email protected] or 415-781-8726 x132. SPUR will work with you in identifying effective auxiliary aids or services that it can provide. If you need to cancel your request, please notify SPUR at least two business days before the event.