Governance
We believe: The public sector can and should serve the collective good.
• Improve government’s capacity to provide services and address challenges effectively.
• Support voter engagement.
Our Goals
SPUR Report
Designed to Serve
San Francisco’s governance structure has evolved to distribute authority and maximize oversight. As a result, policies don’t always meet the needs of the people they intend to serve. SPUR outlines how San Francisco can choose to design a better system.
SPUR Voter Guide
The SPUR Voter Guide
The SPUR Voter Guide helps voters understand the issues they will face in the voting booth. We focus on outcomes, not ideology, providing objective analysis on which measures will deliver real solutions.
SPUR Report
Making Government Work
Many of the challenges Oakland faces are worsened by its unusual government structure, which makes it harder for the mayor and other officials to do their jobs well. SPUR explores how the city can adapt its governance structure to better serve Oaklanders.
Updates and Events
November 2004 Voter Guide
Voter Guide
Includes SPUR's analysis of 15 city measures on the November 2, 2004 ballot.
Planning Department Reform Agenda
SPUR Report
San Francisco's planning and building process is in trouble. Funding for the Planning Department and Department of Building Inspection has been cut. Staff morale is down. The Planning Commission is overwhelmed with fights around specific proposals and doesn't have time to work on true long-range planning. SPUR recommends steps to reform the city's planning functions.
March 2004 Voter Guide
Voter Guide
Includes SPUR's analysis of 11 city measures on the Mar 4, 2004 ballot.
The City's Budget 2003 - 2005
Urbanist Article
This article describes how the budget gap was closed in 2003 and makes predictions for the city budget in 2004-2005.
Business Taxes in San Francisco
SPUR Report
Though businesses weigh benefits beyond tax rates when choosing a location, there is a point where types and rates of taxes do matter. This report compares the varying business taxes and their extents.
November 2003 Voter Guide
Voter Guide
Includes SPUR's analysis of 14 city measures on the November 4, 2003 ballot.