SF Politics 101, presented by Joel Engardio, is an entertaining look at how local politics work and the history that shaped San Francisco — brought to life with visuals and narrative storytelling. It’s designed for both newcomers and longtime residents who want to better understand the city they love.

San Franciscans should not be limited to a choice between detached houses, very large apartment buildings with long, dark corridors, and isolated apartment towers. Mid-rise courtyard blocks offer another model. The city’s Family Zoning Plan has created new housing capacity, and “courtyard urbanism” can help turn that capacity into complete neighborhoods that are dense enough to support urban life, fine-grained enough to feel like San Francisco, and humane enough for families to remain in the city.

While the economic outlook is improving in San Francisco, the challenges of housing affordability and access to opportunity persist. Academic institutions of all kinds can help build the economy by attracting talent, while creating opportunities for residents and workforce for businesses. Join us to hear about recent efforts to meet this need with new student housing and the emerging policies, partnerships, and incentives that are in development.