grid of blue and red squares representing yes and no votes on the ballot

November 2024 Voter Guide

Our in-depth analysis and recommendations on state and local ballot measures

Graphic design of an organizational chart becoming cleaner and clearer

Designed to Serve

Resetting city governance to better meet the needs of San Franciscans

transect diagram of a shoreline community with groundwater underneath the soil

Look Out Below

Reducing the risk of groundwater rise in Bay shore cities

Illustration of houses plugging into electricity

Closing the Electrification Affordability Gap

Planning an equitable transition away from fossil fuel heat in Bay Area buildings

illustration of yellow houses on a dark blue background

Structured for Success

Reforming housing governance in California and the Bay Area

Office-to-Residential Conversion in Downtown SF

Can converting office space to housing help revitalize downtown?

Protesters march on Market Street in 2017

Statement on the 2024 Presidential Election

News / November 6, 2024

Like so many, I am heartbroken by the results of the presidential election. While things are not working for so many of us in this country, there is a different path forward we can still choose. One that builds a future based on love and cohesion rather than fear and division. We at SPUR remain committed to this path and will continue turning toward our community — rather than away from it — in the days ahead.

What Happens Now? Filling an Unanticipated Open Council Seat in San José

News / November 6, 2024

With the resignation of San José Councilmember Omar Torres, many in District 3 are wondering what comes next and who will be representing them on the City Council. This article looks at the two possible paths forward and the considerations for balancing city needs with community representation.

November 2024 Voter Guide

Voter Guide / November 2024

For the November 2024 election, SPUR analyzed local and state measures related to our policy areas on the California, San Francisco, San José, and Oakland ballots. Our analysis includes the background behind the measures, equity impacts, pros and cons, and a recommendation on how to vote.

Photo of the California State Capitol in Sacramento

Six SPUR-Sponsored Bills Will Become California Law

News / October 21, 2024

The 2024 state legislative year ended with a number of big wins for SPUR and our partners in affordable housing and transportation advocacy. Governor Newsom signed hundreds of bills into law, including six pieces of SPUR-sponsored legislation that will make housing faster and easier to build, support development of interim housing for unhoused people, and make dangerous roads safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Construction worker, Doug Berger, helps install energy efficient heat pumps outside resident homes.

Smoothing the Transition to Heat Pumps, Part 2: Permitting and Inspections

News / October 21, 2024

As the Bay Area phases out sales of gas furnaces and water heaters, more and more property owners will need to install zero-pollution, high-efficiency electric heat pumps in homes. But the current process is complicated and expensive. City planners must quickly make that installation easier and more affordable. In a previous article, SPUR recommended zoning code strategies. In this installment, we explore permitting and inspection improvements.