SPUR suggests using the City's building and planning code as instruments to allow, encourage and, in some cases, require the use of green building techniques in private sector development.

The Redevelopment Agency is a key component of any effort to build a sustainable San Francisco. This article summarizes the findings from a SPUR-sponsored charrette to identify sustainable strategies for redevelopment areas.

Ecological parks are different from conventional, picturesque parks. They are places nature has reclaimed, they’re part of the urban whole, and they minimize resource use and waste outputs. At their best, they inspire a connection to the land.

In San Francisco, we have not yet developed a comprehensive system of design that recognizes the natural features and processes of our peninsula--the waterfront, the hilltops, the wind and fog patterns. Now is the time.

San Francisco can increase density, improve the ecological footprint of buildings, and restore nature -- all at the same time.

Funding Section of the Community Parks Task Force The Funding Committee investigated sources of additional funds for San Francisco Recreation and Park Department (R&P) in both the public and private spheres. Its aim was to find promising ideas to build both the annual operating budget and the longer-term capital budget for the department. The recommendations fall into four categories: 1. Department Initiatives: Operating…