A photographer observes that after the graffiti’s gone, new works of art emerge.

A new emphasis is being placed on the availability of open data from governments, but what use does this data have for citizens’ daily experience? Open data has the potential to spur economic development, engage citizens, reduce government costs and improve its services. But we’re not there yet.

Demand-based pricing may result in a better match-up of supply and demand than has previously been possible.

From carsharing to clothes-swapping to couchsurfing, collaborative consumption is not only reinventing what we consume but how we consume it.But as it moves out of infancy and toward greater adoption and acceptance, it’s time to look at the ways policy might help facilitate its growth — and how government might help, or hinder, its progress.

It doesn't happen every election, but this November some of SPUR's top priorities appear on the ballot. See how we weighed in on: the Gross Receipts Tax, the Housing Trust Fund, the Parks Bond and four more city measures.

SPUR believes these rules will help individuals and organizations understand what is and is not allowed in specific areas of Oakland. Because we are concerned that some of the regulations may be overly restrictive and stifle future urban agriculture projects that would benefit the city, SPUR suggests that the Planning Department start with a set of regulations that are more permissive than those currently proposed.

Deciding to locate a bus rapid transit (BRT) station directly in front of City Hall, instead of one block further east, provides an opportunity to integrate BRT with major destinations, improve City Hall plaza security through increased activation and use, save the city moand connect to the planned bike sharing program at City Hall . A City Hall station is a less costly option and would be a public demonstration of San Jose’s commitment to prioritizing transit.