SPUR Planning Policy Area

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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More

Updates and Events

SPUR Supports The Hub EIR for MTC PDA Planning Grant

Advocacy Letter
SPUR submitted a letter of recommendation for San Francisco Planning Department's application to PDA Planning Grant program. Funding for the Hub EIR is an investment in a significant regional epicenter of transportation, housing and job growth.

SPUR Comments on Lake Merritt BART RFQ

Advocacy Letter
On March 2, 2018, BART posted a request for qualifications for building a transit-oriented development at the Lake Merritt BART Station. SPUR comments on BART's objectives and offers considerations as the selection process moves forward.

SPUR Supports Central SoMa Plan

Advocacy Letter
SPUR urges the SF Planning Commission to initiate the Central SoMa Plan by holding a hearing to adopt the amendments to the General Plan, the Code and the Zoning Map as quickly as possible.

How New Approaches to the Storefront Are Reviving Retail

News /
New technology, changing demographics and shifting consumer preferences have caused a slump in sales at big-box stores, traditional shopping malls and downtown storefronts across the country. But innovative uses of space and new approaches to drawing customers into stores show signs of promise. A recent SPUR forum in San Jose explored how retailers are finding success locally.
Get Our Newsletters