SPUR recommends the following actions for state and local actors to modernize heat pump permitting, and prepare our communities for the clean heating transition.

SPUR defines “good government” as government that upholds the rights of its people and supports their ability to thrive. Good government delivers programs and services that effectively meet the needs of …

In 2024, SPUR began studying new ways to revitalize downtown San José, starting with a workshop convening city leaders, major employers, community groups, urban planners, designers, and other …

At the same time, the cost of city services is projected to grow significantly, widening the gap between revenues and expenses and resulting in much larger deficits if the imbalance isn’t corrected. Source: …

Findings SPUR’s research into the evolution of Oakland’s fiscal crisis yielded six key findings. FINDING 1: Oakland’s structural deficit was created decades ago.

SPUR defines housing governance as the governmental system or set of systems that regulates, incentivizes, impedes, and publicly funds the production of housing.

SPUR’s research shows that subregional coordinating entities — such as those proposed after the LA fires and those implemented in Marin County and the East Bay — provide coordination that …

The above-descried legislative, legal, and administrative requirements are not well integrated, leading to a suboptimal procurement process, as SPUR’s findings illustrate.

What surprised you about Oakland’s structure or SPUR’s recommendations? What other structures need to be improved to make Oakland’s government work better?

In 2021, SPUR — together with the California Transit Association, the Bay Area Council, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and LA Metro — partnered with Senator Wiener on SB 922 to extend the …