Governance
We believe: The public sector can and should serve the collective good.
• Improve government’s capacity to provide services and address challenges effectively.
• Support voter engagement.
Our Goals
SPUR Report
Designed to Serve
San Francisco’s governance structure has evolved to distribute authority and maximize oversight. As a result, policies don’t always meet the needs of the people they intend to serve. SPUR outlines how San Francisco can choose to design a better system.
SPUR Voter Guide
The SPUR Voter Guide
The SPUR Voter Guide helps voters understand the issues they will face in the voting booth. We focus on outcomes, not ideology, providing objective analysis on which measures will deliver real solutions.
SPUR Report
Making Government Work
Many of the challenges Oakland faces are worsened by its unusual government structure, which makes it harder for the mayor and other officials to do their jobs well. SPUR explores how the city can adapt its governance structure to better serve Oaklanders.
Updates and Events
How Does the SF Budget Compare with Other Cities?
News /
A new report from the Controller provides comparative information on how much the City and County of SF spends per capita on key services relative to other communities. While making clear that it is not advocating cuts to particular services, it provides an objective set of data points to make appropriate policy decisions. The report also provides information on how certain revenue sources have changed…
November 2008 Voter Guide
Voter Guide
Includes SPUR's analysis of 4 state measures and 22 city measures on the November 2008 ballot.
More Work, Less Waste
Urbanist Article
In this paper, we explore the idea of reducing taxes on good things — economic growth and job creation — and replacing them with taxes on bad things, or environmentally harmful activities.
June 2008 Voter Guide
Voter Guide
Includes SPUR's analysis of two state and eight city measures on the June 3, 2008 ballot.
Setting Aside Differences
SPUR Report
Set-asides allow citizens to set budget priorities, but they also limit flexibility. In this report, SPUR outlines current set-asides, analyzes their impact on public budgeting, and offers recommendations for reform.
February 2008 Voter Guide
Voter Guide
Includes SPUR's analysis of six city measures on the Feb. 5, 2008 ballot.