photo of estuary at Crissy Field at sunset

Sustainability and Resilience

We believe: The region should be environmentally just, carbon-neutral,
and resilient to climate change and earthquakes.

Our Goals

• Decarbonize buildings.

• Make the region resilient to sea level rise and other climate-driven natural disasters.

• Improve communities’ resilience to earthquakes.

transect of a bayshore neighborhood with ground water beneath the soil

SPUR Report

Look Out Below

Bay Area cities planning for sea level rise need to address another emerging hazard: groundwater rise. Our case study on East Palo Alto offers recommendations applicable to other vulnerable communities along the San Francisco Bay shore.
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illustration of houses plugging into the electricity grid

SPUR Report

Closing the Electrification Affordability Gap

New Bay Area regulations are ushering in a transition from polluting gas furnaces and water heaters to zero-emissions electric heat pumps. SPUR’s action plan shows how to make this transition affordable for low-income households.
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photo of Ocean Beach in San Francisco

Initiative

Ocean Beach Master Plan

San Francisco's Ocean Beach faces significant challenges. SPUR led a public process to develop a comprehensive vision to address sea level rise, protect infrastructure, restore coastal ecosystems, and improve public access.
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historic photo of houses damaged in the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake

Initiative

The Resilient City

We know that another major earthquake will strike San Francisco — we just don’t know when. SPUR's Resilient City Initiative recommends steps the city should take before, during, and after the next big quake.
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Updates and Events

Learning to Manage California’s Fire Problem

News /
Climate change is here today, and after the devastating fires of 2017 and 2018, Californians know it. In 2019, SPUR will be working on a new policy report on the multiple hazards wrought by climate change, including fires and flooding. We now know that land use, planning, building code, forest management and other recommendations may be needed to improve fire resiliency across the Bay Area.

SPUR Comments on Morgan Hill Urban Service Area Expansion Proposal, 2018

Advocacy Letter
Morgan Hill’s proposal runs counter to SPUR and LAFCO’s shared goals of curbing sprawl and preserving agricultural land. The proposal runs contrary to the regional goal of directing growth into higher density in-fill development within existing city boundaries as outlined in Plan Bay Area.

SPUR Supports Oakland Soft-Story Retrofit Ordinance

Advocacy Letter
SPUR supports the mandatory soft-story retrofit ordinance for multifamily buildings in Oakland introduced by Councilmember Kalb and Mayor Schaaf. Strengthening multifamily buildings is one of the most important things a city can do to increase resiliency. Not only does it prevent injury and loss of life, it also strengthens neighborhoods over the long term.

SPUR Comments on Highway 37 Planning, Alignment and Design Considerations

Advocacy Letter
SPUR letter providing comments on Highway 37 planning, alignment and design considerations. Now funded by a once-in-a-generation commitment of resources dedicated under RM3 (among other sources), Highway 37 presents us with a unique opportunity to remake an important regional corridor in a way that solves for both.

Advancing Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure in San Jose

News /
San Jose leads the nation in electric vehicle purchases. In the quickly evolving landscape of electric vehicle ownership, charging technology and future demand, what is the right level of charging service to provide in commercial buildings and multifamily housing? To discuss this challenge, and the market opportunity, SPUR recently brought together real estate developers with experts from PG&E, the City of San Jose and Tesla.
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