SPUR Planning Policy Area

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.

Updates and Events


SPUR Comments on Revisions to the Plan Bay Area Regional Growth Framework

Advocacy Letter
SPUR strongly supports proposed changes to the regional growth strategy for Plan Bay Area. We support the proposed definition of priority development areas and the proposal to locate growth in areas that are rich in transit, high-quality schools, and other resources that promote economic mobility. SPUR also proposes additional changes to strengthen the framework and its implementation.

Re-Envisioning the Guadalupe River Park

Research
From New York City’s High Line to Atlanta’s BeltLine, communities across the country are transforming underutilized infrastructure into engaging public spaces. Building on this national momentum, SPUR has launched a project to reconsider the Guadalupe River Park, an underappreciated gem in downtown San Jose.

SPUR Letter Addresses Oakland's Proposed Public Lands Strategy

Advocacy Letter
SPUR believes Oakland should have a comprehensive public lands strategy; we suggest the strategy comply with the Surplus Land Act, develop a clear process and a transparent criteria for evaluating development proposals, increase the affordable units built on public land, and coordinate with other public entities to support mutual goals.

SPUR Supports California Senate Bill 50, the More HOMES Act

Advocacy Letter
SPUR supports SB 50, the More HOMES Act, which would overcome barriers to the creation of infill homes close to major transit and in high opportunity areas throughout California. This policy would create an inclusive mix of homes near transit and jobs, consistent with the goals of Plan Bay Area, and would spur the development of housing types that are within reach of working families.

Six Ways Oakland Should Take the Long View for Its Downtown Plan

News /
SPUR has been advocating for comprehensive, visionary and ambitious Downtown Oakland Specific Plan ever since we published our Downtown for Everyone report in 2015. After many years of work, the City of Oakland has released a preliminary draft of that plan. SPUR offers suggestions to help realize a vision and strategy for building a true downtown for everyone.