On the November 2026 ballot, Bay Area voters will decide on six measures poised to reshape housing affordability or development: two at the state level, three in San Francisco, and one in Oakland. Why are there so many measures related to housing and development, are some more effective than others, and what, if any, effect would they have on each other if they pass? We explain these measures ahead of the October 1 release of the SPUR Voter Guide.

This November, Bay Area voters will decide on five measures informed by SPUR research and advanced to the ballot through years of SPUR coalition-building and advocacy. Four measures aim to improve governance in San Francisco and Oakland and one to secure regional transit funding. They underscore our commitment not only to shaping policy but also to ensuring its effective implementation.

The Bay Area is mere months away from transit service cuts. The Regional Transit Measure and Stronger Muni for All Measure, both on the November ballot, aim to address transit agencies’ deficits. But some critics question whether new taxes are the solution, instead calling for reallocating capital funds to cover operational needs. SPUR explains why this approach won’t avert transit’s immediate fiscal crisis and why we need voters to pass regional and local transit revenue measures.

California faces increasing wildfire risks and escalating insurance rates, a double whammy that could be addressed through community-scale home hardening. Because the costs of retrofits can be prohibitive, the state legislature is considering proposals to make them more financially feasible. SPUR identifies the bills’ pros and cons and their standing in the legislature.

Heat pumps don’t emit pollution and can reduce home utility bills. They’d be ubiquitous appliances for home heating and cooling if their installation costs could be slashed. A larger, more knowledgeable pool of installers, smarter electrification planning by contractors and building departments, and streamlined permitting will lower those costs, accelerating the electric transition already spurred by Bay Area Air District rules phasing out gas appliances.

This summer, SPUR is hosting a talented group of policy and engagement fellows through partnerships with programs at high schools, colleges, and graduate programs. Learn more about the work they’re doing with SPUR and where they’re headed after collaborating with us.

The Bay Area has a real shot at cutting greenhouse gas emissions from buildings by switching home energy use from natural gas to electricity. One of the challenges is ensuring that transition costs don’t unduly raise rents or spur evictions. Cities are now considering how to build affordability and tenant protections into their electrification policies in order to safeguard affordability while protecting the interests of both renters and building owners.

California’s persistent housing crisis has prompted a significant increase in legislative action, with more than 200 housing-related laws passed between 2017 and 2025. The volume of new laws has made it increasingly challenging for housing developers, planners, and community advocates to navigate the legal landscape effectively. Our new guide to California housing laws details nearly 100 laws in four key areas: project approval, affordability, density, and design standards. We spoke with the author, Erika McLitus, to explore how the guide can facilitate a more accessible housing development process in California.

San Francisco’s inclusionary housing policies are not producing more affordable housing and mixed-income communities because they don’t reflect current economic realities. Recent recommendations to realize those goals include capping affordable-unit requirements and reducing fees intended to support the production of affordable housing and other public amenities elsewhere in the city. SPUR explains why the recommendations make sense.

Connect Bay Area, a proposed 14-year sales tax measure to fund transit, has gathered enough signatures to qualify for the November 2026 ballot. In three of the five counties covered by the measure, most funds would alleviate looming operating budget deficits for regional transit — but in Santa Clara and San Mateo, significant funds would be available to support local transit improvements. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority and SamTrans boards have outlined investment frameworks for the potential new resources.

San Francisco’s permitting system plays a pivotal role in housing availability, business openings, and public infrastructure projects. But the current system causes lengthy delays and increased costs. City staff and policymakers often feel disempowered by rules they can’t change, while residents distrust their leaders and sense governmental obstruction. We spoke to SPUR’s Annie Fryman about her latest report and how charter reform can modernize the permitting process to meet the evolving needs of residents and businesses.

The Bay Area Air District has proposed a robust exemption framework for its landmark zero-emission water-heating rule. The framework addresses genuine barriers to compliance — income constraints, physical and electrical limitations, and specialized equipment needs — while preserving the market transformation these rules are designed to drive. SPUR explains what’s being proposed, how the most common concerns are largely addressed, and what still needs attention.