Join SPUR for a timely conversation on seismic safety and emergency preparedness in San Francisco–in commemoration of the 1906 Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire. This event is both a celebration of San Francisco’s accomplishments on seismic safety and a forum for discussing what is needed next. Our speakers will discuss 1.) city initiatives to strengthen its building stock and critical infrastructure, 2.) where hazards remain, and 3.) what is needed next in terms of earthquake risk mitigation and emergency preparedness.
At the start of the event, SPUR will share insights from our forthcoming seismic safety policy brief: 120 Years After 1906: San Francisco's progress toward earthquake-safe buildings — and what needs to happen next. The program will also touch on the growing challenges cities face as the federal government seeks to shift more responsibility for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery onto local jurisdictions. For more context, read SPUR’s recent analysis, When FEMA Steps Back, Who Pays for San Francisco’s Next Disaster?.
The discussion will close with an interactive audience Q&A. After the event, from 6:30-7:00 pm, we invite attendees to stay around to connect with our speakers, meet other attendees, and enjoy drinks and snacks.
Speakers
- Sarah Atkinson | Hazard Resilience Senior Policy Manager, SPUR
- Brian Strong | Chief Resilience Officer, SF Office of Resilience & Capital Planning
- Mary Ellen Carroll | Executive Director, SF Dept of Emergency Management
- Laurel Mathews | Technical Services Program Manager, SF Dept of Building Inspection
This program is part of SPUR’s Earthquake Safety Week, which also includes a SPUR member tour of the UC Law building at 100 McAllister Street—a historic building at Civic Center currently undergoing an extensive seismic retrofit—as well as a presentation in Sacramento to legislators on advancing state action on seismic safety, in partnership with the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute.
This event was graciously sponsored by Plant Construction, HR&A Advisors, and Degenkolb Engineers.
