Upcoming Events

The Los Angeles River is a nearly 50-mile-long concrete, channelized waterway that cuts through the heart of the city. Once a critical water source, the river has faced nearly a century of abandonment and disuse. However, numerous plans are now underway to revitalize the river, restoring nature and activity to its banks. With portions of San Jose’s own Guadalupe River echoing its Southern California counterpart, what lessons can we learn as we plan for its future? + Omar Brownson /...

Homelessness has become an increasingly visible and troubling issue around the Bay Area. Last year, the City of San Jose received permission from the state to pilot emergency “bridge housing communities” as interim solutions for homeless residents until permanent housing situations can be found. Join a conversation with city staff, advocates, service providers and the project designer to see how the city proposes to house more residents with decency and dignity. Generously sponsored by Bank of America. + Jennifer Loving...

San Francisco's Barbary Coast was legendary for gold rushers, gamblers and adventurers galore, but that's only one strand in the history of the city's waterfront. The new book Misfits, Merchants & Mayhem: Tales from San Francisco's Historic Waterfront, 1849-1934 looks at nearly a century of life along the piers - from the Gold Rush to the Jazz Age - and documents how the boisterous bayfront birthed the San Francisco that we know today. Come hear the tales of the characters,...

What will it take to develop a truly livable community on the Berryessa/BART urban village site? AARP defines a livable community as one that is safe and secure, has appropriate and affordable housing and transportation options, and includes needed services and desirable features. These places are designed with all residents in mind, from young children to older adults who want to remain in their community as they age, but livable communities can only be created when all stakeholders have a...

Throughout its history, the Tenderloin has been the target of real estate speculators, moral crusaders and redevelopment bureaucrats, but it has also been a center of affordable housing, community advocacy and nonprofit strength within San Francisco. Despite many challenges, it has remained affordable as the city has evolved around it. But that may be changing, for better and worse. Come learn about the neighborhood's place in the San Francisco of the past, how its role may change in the future...

This event was originally listed on the printed calendar as happening at lunchtime. San Francisco voters passed a tax on sugary drinks in November 2016. Since then, the city has begun collecting taxes, and the advisory committee established by the ballot measure has started considering where that tax revenue should be used. Join us for a discussion of how soda tax implementation is moving forward, where revenue could be directed and how San Francisco should focus its energy on this...

San Francisco's DAHLIA Housing Portal, a product developed out of a civic-tech partnership, is making it easier for residents to apply for affordable housing. Instead of submitting reams of paper applications for competitive housing lotteries, potential residents can now complete applications online in a matter of minutes. Join us to learn about the portal and how it could benefit residents of the East Bay. + Barry Roeder / San Francisco Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development + Zach Berke...

In November 2016, Oakland voters passed a tax on sugary drinks. Since then, the city has begun collecting taxes, and the advisory committee established by the ballot measure has started to consider where that tax revenue should be used. Join us for a discussion of how soda tax implementation is moving forward, where revenue could be directed and how Oakland should focus its energy on this issue in the coming months. Co-presented by the American Heart Association and the Center...

A proposed 170-acre open space at the Oakland side of the Bay Bridge, Gateway Park will create new parkland, provide a distinct entryway to the East Bay, connect to the bridge's new bicycle and pedestrian path and increase shoreline access. In addition, the park will highlight the rich industry, infrastructure and ecology that have shaped the history of the bay. Come explore the new site with the park's proponents and designers. Generously sponsored by Kaiser Permanente. + Will Travis /...

The region’s housing shortage has impacted everyone, and those who rely on affordable housing have been hit the hardest. According to a recent study, the Bay Area’s affordable housing funding gap is estimated, conservatively, to be $1.45 billion a year. It may seem daunting to close that gap, but it’s not unachievable with major measures set forth and approved by voters or state officials. Join us to learn about how we can grow the necessary funding for affordable housing in...

The "border wall" has been a key element of President Trump's speeches since the beginning of his campaign, but how would such a barrier, combined with the administration's immigration policies, impact the architecture and construction industries? Artists, architects, labor experts, immigration advocates and contractors will discuss their understanding of the implications of this administration's policies on our built environment. Co-presented by the Architecture Lobby. Panel 1: The Border Panel + James Heard / uxo + Ronald Rael / University of...

New technologies can now help cities make real-time, data-driven decisions and track how they deliver services. From street sensors that help manage traffic to streetlights that can respond to emergency services and other events, cities have the opportunity to change how we interact with them. San Jose has created a new vision to be a leader in this new global push for “smart cities.” Come learn about the city’s plan, how it's being implemented and what is on the horizon...

Like energy and transportation (which get most of the attention), agriculture is key to our climate future. As a sector, agriculture contributes to greenhouse gas emissions but is also buffeted by the changes caused by global warming. At the same time, farmers are in a position to help sequester carbon and work at the forefront of adapting to climate change. Come learn what climate-smart agriculture looks like, both on the ground and from a policy perspective. Co-presented by Community Alliance...

A key strategy that has emerged in the Bay Area's fight against displacement is the preservation of existing occupied units, which enables residents to stay in their homes while ensuring the long-term affordability of units. Come hear from a diverse panel of partners and stakeholders who are working on acquiring existing buildings in order to keep residents in place, and rents low, for those who need such security the most. + Geeta Rao / Enterprise Community Partners + James Yelen...