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
SPUR responds to San Jose Mayor's June Budget Message for 2019-2020
Advocacy Letter
SPUR supports the San Jose mayor's June Budget Message for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 and proposes additional set funding allocations to better support the future of Guadalupe River Park, the need for increased community engagement, dedicated resources to complete an Alum Rock Urban Village plan, and to support the creation of an equity framework.
SPUR submits comments on Stanford's proposed 2018 General Use Permit
Advocacy Letter
SPUR supports Stanford’s application to update their permit granting an extension for future campus development through 2035.
SPUR supports creating a formal process for adopting city-sponsored ballot measures in Oakland
Advocacy Letter
SPUR believes that creating a process for City Council to place city-sponsored measures on the ballot is a positive step toward good government in Oakland.
SPUR supports putting the affordable "by-right" charter amendment on San Francisco ballot
Advocacy Letter
SPUR urges the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to support placing this proposed charter amendment on the ballot in order to streamline the review and approval of 100% affordable housing and housing for educators.
SPUR Supports Mayor Breed's Proposed Soda Tax Allocation and Provides Comment on the Allocation Process
Advocacy Letter
SPUR supports Mayor Breed's fiscal year 2019-2021 proposed soda tax revenue allocation.
SPUR Comments on Diridon Station Funding Agreement
Advocacy Letter
SPUR supports the proposed resolution regarding the Diridon Station Area Planning Fund and Reimbursement Agreement.