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

September 2024

Past issues of The Urbanist Magazine
Sep
26
Thu
All Member Event
San Francisco
Special Program to

Urbanist Magazine Release Party

Join us at the Urban Center for our first-ever release party for SPUR’s magazine, The Urbanist, fresh off the press and ready to inspire! We’ll have drinks and snacks for you to enjoy as you connect with some of the people featured in our current issue and mingle with fellow urbanists who share your passion for urban policy. It’s the perfect mixer to kick off your night—so be sure to bring a friend!

October 2024

Image of Civic Center, San Francisco
Oct
1
Tue
San Francisco
In-Person Forum to

Designed to Serve: Unpacking San Francisco’s Boards and Commissions

SPUR’s recent report Designed to Serve finds that the purpose, roles, and responsibilities of the city’s many boards and commissions are often unclear. Two separate ballot measures in front of San Francisco voters this year seek to do an evaluation of them, however there are different ideas circulating about the criteria that should be used to assess them. Join us for a conversation where we explore different views of both the capacity that needs to be in place and the conditions that need to be met to make commissions effective.
Image of an AC Transit bus stop 19th and Broadway in Oakland.
Oct
3
Thu
San Francisco
In-Person Forum to

New Housing Typologies for an Evolving Urban Landscape

Join SPUR for a roundtable discussion among a developer, an architect, and a fire protection and building code consultant. They will discuss the challenges and opportunities related to office-to-residential conversions and explore alternatives to conventional wisdom about new housing typologies for urban communities.
Event template image of the Ferry Building and view of Embarcadero
Oct
3
Thu
Business Member Event
San Francisco
Tour to

Harboring Innovation: Exploring San Francisco’s Ferry Building

Join SPUR for a tour of the iconic Ferry Building, hosted by Hudson Pacific Properties. Explore how this historic site has been revitalized and repurposed to drive economic recovery and continue attracting new businesses. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the architectural evolution and the role the Ferry Building plays in the waterfront’s transformation.
SPUR San Francisco Ballots and Brews
Oct
8
Tue
San Francisco
In-Person Forum to

Ballots and Brews: San Francisco

Every election, the SPUR Voter Guide provides in-depth analysis and recommendations on the complex measures up for vote. Join our policy staff in San Francisco as they discuss the local and state measures on the November 5 ballot that impact each city. This beloved tradition will provide you with clear insights and SPUR’s stance on the important issues. Grab your ballot and your brew, and join us in person for this San Francisco spotlight event. Don't miss your chance to get informed and connect with your community in a fun and engaging setting!
SPUR San José ballots and brews
Oct
9
Wed
San José
In-Person Forum to

Ballots and Brews: San José

Every election, the SPUR Voter Guide provides in-depth analysis and recommendations on the complex measures up for vote. Join our policy staff in San José as they discuss the local and state measures on the November 5 ballot that impact each city. This beloved tradition will provide you with clear insights and SPUR’s stance on the important issues. Grab your ballot and your brew, and join us in person for this San José spotlight event. Don't miss your chance to get informed and connect with your community in a fun and engaging setting!
SPUR Oakland Ballots & Brews
Oct
10
Thu
Oakland
In-Person Forum to

Ballots and Brews: Oakland

Every election, the SPUR Voter Guide provides in-depth analysis and recommendations on the complex measures up for vote. Join our policy staff in Oakland as they discuss the local and state measures on the November 5 ballot that impact each city. This beloved tradition will provide you with clear insights and SPUR’s stance on the important issues. Grab your ballot and your brew, and join us in person for this Oakland spotlight event. Don't miss your chance to get informed and connect with your community in a fun and engaging setting!
Silver SPUR Awards October 24, 2024
Oct
24
Thu
San Francisco
Silver SPUR Awards to

2024 Silver SPUR Awards

Join SPUR for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and networking. The Silver SPUR Awards are back on Thursday, October 24th at the Blue Shield Theater at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Sponsorships and tickets available now!

November 2024

Image of Agrihood Farm and housing development in Santa Clara
Nov
14
Thu
All Member Event
San José
Tour to

Agrihood: A Tour of California's Largest Urban Farm and Affordable Housing Community

Join SPUR for a tour of Agrihood, a game changing urban farm located at 90 Winchester Boulevard that connects contemporary urban living with Santa Clara’s agricultural past. Agrihood is a unique public-private partnership with the City of Santa Clara which includes 361 units, will house people of all incomes side-by-side, and includes 181 dedicated below-market rate homes for seniors 55 years-old and over, as well as senior veterans.
Image of heat panel on the roof of a home in Berryessa, San Jose
Nov
20
Wed
San Francisco
In-Person Forum to

Pump Up the Heat: Helping Cities Transition to Sustainable Water Heating Tech

The Bay Area is nearing implementation of zero-emission appliance rules to improve air quality and reduce climate warming emissions. First up is the transition to clean water heating. Planners, building officials, and regional electeds have a big role to play in ensuring households can install heat pump water heaters smoothly, affordably, and equitably.
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.