ϴPlanning 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. ϴidentifies seven interventions to support the city's small business sector.
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Photo of high rise buildings in downtown San Francisco

ϴReport

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. ϴexplores the suitability of converting office buildings to housing and tests the financial feasibility.
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illustration of a mixed-used downtown with offices, restaurants, childcare, retail, greenspace and transit

Urbanist Article

What If We Get Downtown Right?

ϴasked 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.
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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.
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Updates and Events

ϴJoins 13 Organizations in Calling for the Removal of Parking Minimums in San José

Advocacy Letter
On June 14th, the San José City Council voted unanimously to adopt the staff recommendation to prepare an ordinance that removes mandatory parking minimum requirements citywide, updates the City’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM) requirements and develops a program for ongoing monitoring and compliance for the citywide TDM program. San José has taken a critical step in ensuring that the costs of building parking are based on market demand and not arbitrary required minimums.

ϴComments on San José Guadalupe Encampment Strategy and Policy

Advocacy Letter
ϴsubmitted this letter in response to the San José city staff’s report and update on the status of the city’s Encampment Management and Safe Relocation Strategy ahead of a Federal Aviation Administration deadline to comply with regulations to clear out encampments in Guadalupe Gardens.

ϴSupports Car-Free JFK Drive

Advocacy Letter
ϴhas sent a letter to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors urging them to make JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park permanently car-free.
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