Planning

We believe: Growth can be good and should be directed to areas
that will support equitable development and sustainability.

Our Goals

• Leverage growth to create great neighborhoods and public spaces.

• Protect and expand open space.

• Concentrate new jobs and housing in downtowns and near major transit hubs.

• Grow up, not out.

Photo of a locally owned bakery storefront in downtown San Francisco

Policy Brief

Small and Mighty

San Francisco’s small businesses face complex regulations, rising costs, and slow economic recovery after the pandemic. SPUR identifies seven interventions to support the city's small business sector.

Photo of high rise buildings in downtown San Francisco

SPUR Report

From Workspace to Homebase

Converting empty offices into apartments could both reanimate downtown San Francisco and provide housing for more people near transit, jobs, and culture. SPUR explores the suitability of converting office buildings to housing and tests the financial feasibility.

illustration of a mixed-used downtown with offices, restaurants, childcare, retail, greenspace and transit

Urbanist Article

What If We Get Downtown Right?

SPUR asked community leaders: “What would it look like if cities were to get downtown right?” We invited them to picture a future in which today’s ideas and policy proposals for downtown revitalization are put into place ... and they work.

photo of a pedestrian bridge and tree cover over the Guadalupe River

Virtual Exhibition

Re-Envisioning the Guadalupe River Park

The Guadalupe River Park is downtown San José’s most important urban green space, but it faces serious challenges. SPUR's virtual exhibition celebrates the promise of the river park and brings together three years of research and conversation about its future.

A Better Future for Bay Area Transit

Policy Brief March 8, 2012

By 2035, the Bay Area's 27 transit operators will face a combined $17 billion capital deficit and an $8 billion operating deficit. Unless costs and revenues change, and service improves, the viability of Bay Area transit is at risk. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission has launched the Transit Sustainability Project to identify policy solutions. SPUR recommends nine strategies to reach the TSP’s goals.

SPUR Supports Jefferson Street Project

Advocacy Letter March 1, 2012

SPUR believes that the Jefferson Street Project Phase 1 represents sound planning and is consistent with the City’s efforts to increase the usability of the public realm for walking, bicycling and other recreational activities. SPUR urges the Board to support funding for the first phase of the Fisherman’s Wharf Public Realm Plan.

Reforming Regional Government

SPUR Report February 28, 2012

Ever since regional government was first proposed for the Bay Area after World War II, leaders have debated the best model for governing a growing region. The basic structure for regional transportation planning and funding has not changed since the Metropolitan Transportation Commission was formed in 1970. Currently, counties seats on the MTC are not evenly distributed. SPUR recommends reforms to make representation more equitable.

Bay Area Cities Adjust to Life After Redevelopment

News / February 23, 2012

Redevelopment agencies across the state closed their doors on February 1, marking the end of an era for planning in California. How are San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose dismantling their agencies? What’s going to happen to the on-going projects and existing assets held by redevelopment agencies? And will any new planning tools emerge to do some of the work previously done by redevelopment agencies?