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 Recommends Preservation of Santa Clara County Agricultural Land
Advocacy Letter
SPUR Urges Budget Strategy for Agricultural Conservation in Santa Clara County
SPUR supports renewing SFUSD meal provider contract
Advocacy Letter
SPUR requests San Francisco Unified School District's Board of Education vote to approve the contract with the existing meals provider to prevent a gap in school meal service for SFUSD students.
SPUR Recommends Adopting Sugary Drink Tax
Advocacy Letter
Letter requesting Mayor Breed to adopt the recommendations of the Sugary Drink Tax Advisory Committee (SDDTAC) into the upcoming budget.
We All Deserve to Be Counted: The Importance of the 2020 Census
News /
The 10-year census is a profound expression of who our nation is and who deserves to be included in our political systems and public services. With the 2020 census less than a year away, SPUR is hosting a series of events to look at ongoing local strategies to make sure everyone in the Bay Area gets counted.
SPUR Impact Awards 2019: Silicon Valley Clean Energy Team Redefines the South Bay's Energy Supply
News /
The 2019 SPUR Impact, held on March 22, recognized outstanding job performance of those serving San Jose and the surrounding communities. The ceremony honored the Silicon Valley Clean Energy Core Staff Implementation Team for educating the community and other cities on Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE), a community choice energy program that redefines where and how electricity is supplied in the South Bay.
SPUR Impact Awards 2019: Martin Alkire Envisions a Greener Future for Mountain View’s North Bayshore
News /
The 2019 SPUR Impact Awards, held on March 22, recognized outstanding job performance of those serving San Jose and the neighboring communities. The ceremony honored Martin Alkire for leading the transformation of a predominantly suburban office environment into a mixed-use area while preserving its unique wildlife and habitat.