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

April 2025

Image of people walking by the water in Alviso, San Jose
Apr
16
Wed
Online
Partner Event to

Have Your Say in Climate Resilience for San José

Extreme heat, flooding, wildfires—how is San José preparing? Join this informative virtual session to learn about the Climate Adaptation & Resilience Plan (CARP) and share your thoughts. Please register using the "Register Now" button below to get a Zoom link and join the session. Visit bit.ly/CARP25 to learn more.
Image of Montgomery St station
Apr
17
Thu
San Francisco
In-Person Forum to

Riding the Budget Strain: Fiscal Challenges for Muni and BART

The Bay Area's biggest transit agencies including MUNI, BART, Caltrain and AC Transit are at a critical juncture and face severe operating cuts unless new funding can be found. Join SPUR and a panel of experts from transit operators, MTC and the State Legislature to hear the latest about efforts to identify new sources of funding that can keep the trains and buses running.
Image of a circular city. West Park, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
Apr
22
Tue
San Francisco
In-Person Forum to

Using the Circular Economy to Reimagine Our Coastal Cities

The Circular Economy is a resource and production model that aims to reform our entire economy through reducing material usage, reusing materials, and recycling materials to avoid most or all waste. During this session, SPUR will discuss circular models for coastal reclamation and placemaking in the Bay Area. They will discuss case studies and opportunities for repurposing infrastructure and buildings and creating new and vibrant public spaces along our dynamic and tidal coastlines. Panelists will also answer questions about broader circular economy concepts and explore ways to simultaneously adapt our built environment to rising sea levels and mitigate carbon emissions across the San Francisco-Bay Area. After the discussion, we encourage attendees to explore the SPUR Watermarks exhibit on sea level rise and flood resilience, sponsored by Exygy.
Image of attendees socializing at the Urban Center
Apr
24
Thu
San Francisco
Special Program to

Stay Afloat: Living with Water Trivia Night

Think you can outsmart rising seas? Try to Stay Afloat at our Living with Water Trivia Night, co-hosted with Arcadis, during San Francisco Climate Week! Test your knowledge of flood risks, climate change, and adaptation strategies while connecting with fellow climate enthusiasts and community members.
Image of Crissy Field with the Golden Gate Bridge
Apr
29
Tue
Business Member Event
San Francisco
In-Person Forum to

Next Stop, San Francisco: Navigating the Future of Tourism

Tourism in San Francisco has taken a big hit, with reduced visitation from China, sluggish business travel, and low bookings for conventions and large events. But there are many reasons to be optimistic for 2025 and beyond. The Bay Area will host major international sport events in 2026, including FIFA World Cup matches and the Super Bowl, with huge potential to bring more visitors to San Francisco and to fill up hotels. Big conventions are starting to come back to Moscone Center. Concerts, festivals, night markets, and new entertainment zones are transforming the streets and creating new opportunities for residents, workers, and visitors to enjoy the city. In this panel discussion, we will hear more about the role of tourism in the city's economy, how the industry is positioning itself for transformation and recovery, and the opportunities that lie ahead.

May 2025

Image of Brady Block in San Francisco
May
1
Thu
Online
Digital Discourse to

Tracking Housing Elements: Ensuring Cities Follow Through on Their Plans

With the vast majority of Bay Area cities now having certified Housing Elements—state-mandated plans outlining how they will meet local housing needs—the focus must now shift to implementation. How do we ensure these commitments translate into real action? Co-hosted with Partnership for the Bay's Future, East Bay Housing Organizations and Public Advocates, this event will explore strategies for tracking cities' progress, overcoming implementation barriers, and leveraging resources to support effective housing production and preservation.
Image of housing in Outer Mission, San Francisco
May
6
Tue
San Francisco
In-Person Forum to

Exploring New Frontiers in Public and Social Housing

Join SPUR and Partnership for the Bay's Future for a timely and insightful panel discussion exploring how public and social housing can evolve to meet today’s housing crisis. These models—government owned or supported housing that is permanently affordable— are gaining attention as essential tools for housing stability. Panelists will discuss the legacy and challenges of federal public housing, what it will take to build a new paradigm rooted in public investment and equity, and how U.S. housing authorities can be part of a bold vision for the future.
Image of Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul Logos
May
21
Wed
All Member Event
Oakland
Tour to

Inside Oakland Roots & Soul: Exclusive Training Facility Tour

SPUR members are invited to a behind-the-scenes tour of the UCSF Health Oakland Roots & Soul Performance Center, formerly the Raiders training facility. This is your chance to explore the state-of-the-art facilities and see the field where Oakland’s soccer stars train. During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to meet with club leadership to discuss their explosive growth, commitment to community, and the purpose-driven vision that guides their work. Learn about the exciting plans for a custom-built soccer stadium in Oakland, as well as how the club is fostering a new era of soccer in the city.
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.