Planning

We Believe: Growth can be good and should be directed to areas
that will support equitable development and sustainability.

Our Goals

• Leverage growth to create great neighborhoods and public spaces.

• Protect and expand open space.

• Concentrate new jobs and housing in downtowns and near major transit hubs.

• Grow up, not out.

Photo of a locally owned bakery storefront in downtown San Francisco

Policy Brief

Small and Mighty

San Francisco’s small businesses face complex regulations, rising costs, and slow economic recovery after the pandemic. SPUR identifies seven interventions to support the city's small business sector.

Photo of high rise buildings in downtown San Francisco

SPUR Report

From Workspace to Homebase

Converting empty offices into apartments could both reanimate downtown San Francisco and provide housing for more people near transit, jobs, and culture. SPUR explores the suitability of converting office buildings to housing and tests the financial feasibility.

illustration of a mixed-used downtown with offices, restaurants, childcare, retail, greenspace and transit

Urbanist Article

What If We Get Downtown Right?

SPUR asked community leaders: “What would it look like if cities were to get downtown right?” We invited them to picture a future in which today’s ideas and policy proposals for downtown revitalization are put into place ... and they work.

photo of a pedestrian bridge and tree cover over the Guadalupe River

Virtual Exhibition

Re-Envisioning the Guadalupe River Park

The Guadalupe River Park is downtown San José’s most important urban green space, but it faces serious challenges. SPUR's virtual exhibition celebrates the promise of the river park and brings together three years of research and conversation about its future.

SPUR Supports SB 828 In Concept

Advocacy Letter April 12, 2018

SPUR is pleased to offer support in concept to SB 828, as of March 7, 2018. The bill addresses the processes by which the state and regional agencies allocate housing targets.

SPUR Supports SB 827 In Concept

Advocacy Letter April 12, 2018

SPUR is pleased to offer support in concept to SB 827, as of March 7, 2018. The bill will overcome barriers to the creation of infill homes in the right places — close to major transit stops and high-frequency bus stops throughout California.

SPUR Supports AB 2923 In Concept (TOD near BART)

Advocacy Letter April 12, 2018

SPUR is pleased to offer support in concept to AB 2923 (Chiu and Grayson), as of March 7, 2018. AB 2923 would require the BART Board to establish transit-oriented development standards for BART-owned land within a half-mile of stations.

What the Bridge Housing Pilot Can Do for All San Jose Residents

News / April 5, 2018

With only enough shelter beds to serve 25 percent of its homeless population, San Jose continues to look for short-term housing interventions. One promising step: The San Jose Department of Housing is in the process of piloting Bridge Housing Communities, a micro community of 40 sleeping cabins and community spaces to be placed on city-owned property.