The Circular Economy is a resource and production model that aims to reform our entire economy through reducing material usage, reusing materials, and recycling materials to avoid most or all waste. During this session, SPUR will discuss circular models for coastal reclamation and placemaking in the Bay Area. They will discuss case studies and opportunities for repurposing infrastructure and buildings and creating new and vibrant public spaces along our dynamic and tidal coastlines. Panelists will also answer questions about broader circular economy concepts and explore ways to simultaneously adapt our built environment to rising sea levels and mitigate carbon emissions across the San Francisco-Bay Area. After the discussion, we encourage attendees to explore the SPUR Watermarks exhibit on sea level rise and flood resilience, sponsored by Exygy.

Think you can outsmart rising seas? Try to Stay Afloat at our Living with Water Trivia Night, co-hosted with Arcadis, during San Francisco Climate Week! Test your knowledge of flood risks, climate change, and adaptation strategies while connecting with fellow climate enthusiasts and community members.

Step into the past and see into the future with an augmented reality tour of San Francisco’s evolving waterfront. This walking tour will start at SPUR Urban Center and end at the Ferry Building.

Tourism in the Bay Area has taken a big hit, with reduced visitation from China, sluggish business travel, and low bookings for conventions and large events. But there are many reasons to be optimistic for 2025 and beyond. The Bay Area will host major international sport events in 2026, including FIFA World Cup matches and the Super Bowl, with huge potential to bring more visitors to the Bay Area and to fill up hotels. Big conventions are starting to come back to Moscone Center. Concerts, festivals, night markets, and new entertainment zones are transforming the streets and creating new opportunities for residents, workers, and visitors to enjoy the city. In this panel discussion, we will hear more about the role of tourism in the region's economy, how the industry is positioning itself for transformation and recovery, and the opportunities that lie ahead.

With the vast majority of Bay Area cities now having certified Housing Elements—state-mandated plans outlining how they will meet local housing needs—the focus must now shift to implementation. How do we ensure these commitments translate into real action? Co-hosted with Partnership for the Bay's Future, East Bay Housing Organizations and Public Advocates, this event will explore strategies for tracking cities' progress, overcoming implementation barriers, and leveraging resources to support effective housing production and preservation.

Join SPUR and Partnership for the Bay's Future for a timely and insightful panel discussion exploring how public and social housing can evolve to meet today’s housing crisis. These models—government owned or supported housing that is permanently affordable— are gaining attention as essential tools for housing stability. Panelists will discuss the legacy and challenges of federal public housing, what it will take to build a new paradigm rooted in public investment and equity, and how U.S. housing authorities can be part of a bold vision for the future.

SPUR members are invited to a behind-the-scenes tour of the UCSF Health Oakland Roots & Soul Performance Center, formerly the Raiders training facility. This is your chance to explore the state-of-the-art facilities and see the field where Oakland’s soccer stars train. During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to meet with club leadership to discuss their explosive growth, commitment to community, and the purpose-driven vision that guides their work. Learn about the exciting plans for a custom-built soccer stadium in Oakland, as well as how the club is fostering a new era of soccer in the city.

As the retail landscape continues to evolve, the future of malls and retail spaces is increasingly being redefined. Join us for an engaging panel discussion with leading industry experts who will explore innovative approaches to transforming traditional retail spaces and underutilized malls into vibrant, community-centered hubs. The session will dive deep into how we can repurpose these spaces, leveraging modern urban design and transportation strategies to create thriving, multi-use environments that cater to the needs of today’s consumers.