We believe education empowers people to take an active role in creating a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous region.

Most SPUR programs are free to attend. To view recordings and slide decks from previous events, visit the “Past Events” link below. For more information, see our Events FAQ page.

Location
Audience
Event Format
Policy Area
Date Range

July 2026

Lawn around Civic Center, San Francisco
Jul
8
Wed
San Francisco In-Person Forum / to

Understanding San Francisco's Charter Reform Measures & Why They Matter (Evening)

Last fall, SPUR released Charter for Change, a blueprint for making City Hall more effective, accountable, and responsive. Now, San Francisco is advancing three charter reform ballot measures in November that address six of the ten SPUR proposals. Learn about insights into the proposed charter measures, what is at stake for San Francisco, and how SPUR’s policy work is helping to move meaningful reform from idea to implementation.
Image of Courtyard Urbanism on Lombard Street, San Francisco
Jul
29
Wed
Online Digital Discourse / to

From Family Zoning to Family Housing: Courtyard Urbanism for San Francisco

San Franciscans should not be limited to a choice between detached houses, very large apartment buildings with long, dark corridors, and isolated apartment towers. Mid-rise courtyard blocks offer another model. The city’s Family Zoning Plan has created new housing capacity, and “courtyard urbanism” can help turn that capacity into complete neighborhoods that are dense enough to support urban life, fine-grained enough to feel like San Francisco, and humane enough for families to remain in the city.

August 2026

Image of Shirley Chisholm Village, San Francisco
Aug
4
Tue
San Francisco In-Person Forum / to

Student Housing as Urban Catalyst: Evolving Strategies to Support Academic Institutions

While the economic outlook is improving in San Francisco, the challenges of housing affordability and access to opportunity persist. Academic institutions of all kinds can help build the economy by attracting talent, while creating opportunities for residents and workforce for businesses. Join us to hear about recent efforts to meet this need with new student housing and the emerging policies, partnerships, and incentives that are in development.

October 2026

illustration of urban scenes inside the letters S-P-U-R
Oct
22
Thu
San Francisco Silver SPUR Awards / to

2026 Silver SPUR Awards

Join SPUR for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and networking. Save the date — The Silver SPUR Awards are back on Thursday, October 22!

Auxiliary Services

If, in order to participate in a SPUR event, you need auxiliary aids or services for a disability (e.g., qualified interpreter, qualified reader, written materials, taped texts) please submit your request five business days before the event to [email protected] or 415-781-8726 x132. SPUR will work with you in identifying effective auxiliary aids or services that it can provide. If you need to cancel your request, please notify SPUR at least two business days before the event.