SPUR

California's increasingly extreme weather, exemplified by the LA fires, is fueling a home insurance crisis, with many insurers canceling plans. California has already begun implementing reforms in the insurance industry, but more must be done. SPUR highlights the urgent need to accurately price hazard risk while balancing affordability, advancing risk mitigation through smart land use planning, and establishing voluntary buyout programs for high-risk properties.

SPUR is thrilled to co-sponsor SB 71, introduced today by Senator Scott Wiener. This critical legislation will make permanent and expand the successful CEQA exemptions for sustainable transportation projects. This is a tool to help the state accelerate the delivery of infrastructure that our communities sorely need.  "Since 2021, this CEQA exemption has helped 92 projects get built more quickly and cost effectively. That's 92 projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve access to opportunity—and it didn't cost the state a penny," says Laura Tolkoff, SPUR's Transportation Policy Director. As co-sponsors alongside the Bay Area Council and California Transit Association, SPUR is committed to building a more sustainable and accessible California through smart policy reform. https://lnkd.in/ga8S-d-N

TOMORROW: Jan 16 @ 12 p.m. PT | Join SPUR, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, and the Port of San Francisco for a free webinar to learn about San Francisco's bold coastal flood resilience plans. Learn how the city is protecting its waterfront and rising to the challenges of climate change. Register now ⬇️🎦

Traversing city streets on foot or by bike can be a hair-raising experience. Ten years ago, San Francisco launched Vision Zero to take the scary out and put the convenience in when it comes to moving around without a car. Since then, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has made streets a more welcoming place, but challenges remain. We asked SFMTA Board Chair Amanda Eaken about changes she'd like to see and how residents can more effectively advocate for safer streets. https://lnkd.in/gXUdhChN

Calling on all SPUR members to join us for a special conversation as we celebrate the remarkable career of Jeffrey Tumlin, the Director of Transportation for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). Since taking the helm in 2019, Jeff has led the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) through one of the most challenging periods in its history, transforming the agency into one that is now more reliable, efficient, and focused on the safety of all San Francisco residents. Under his leadership, Muni is now running at its best in two decades, with subway delays down by 76%, customer satisfaction at an all-time high, and a dramatic improvement in the safety of our streets for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. In this intimate conversation, Jeff will reflect on his tenure, the progress made, and the challenges overcome, including the pandemic, economic downturns, and the agency’s evolving role in a rapidly growing city. Come celebrate Jeff Tumlin’s contributions to San Francisco, ask your questions, and join us in wishing him all the best as he moves on to new endeavors. The talk will take place on January 23 from 5:30-6:30PM, followed by a reception from 6:30-7:30PM. Registration is at the link below. https://lnkd.in/gpk5XqvN

The San Francisco Business Times presents their 2025 Mayors' Economic Forecast. Join an important dialogue with SF Mayor Daniel Lurie 丹尼爾·羅偉 and Oakland's City Attorney Ryan Richardson as they address critical regional challenges and opportunities, featuring opening insights from Ken Rosen of University of California, Berkeley's Fisher Center for Real Estate and Eugenio J. Alemán, Chief Economist at Raymond James. 📅 January 29, 2025 ⏰ 8:00-10:30 AM ⚠️ Registration closes January 24th Visit the event landing page for full details and tickets. #SFBTmayors

Pandemic relief funds for public transit are running out, and the incoming Trump administration is likely to worsen the transit funding environment. While regional consensus on a potential future ballot measure to fund transit has been elusive, finding support for funding here in the Bay Area remains critical. SPUR offers five principles for a regional funding measure likely to offer the broadest appeal to legislators and voters. https://lnkd.in/gEAepqm4

Boom! BIG news: Governor Gavin Newsom announces creation of new California Housing and Homelessness Agency following recommendations by my former SPUR colleague, Sarah Karlinsky, in her governance reform report titled Structured for Success. Congratulations Sarah! Great work. https://lnkd.in/gfspNdVd

Interested in learning about how San Francisco is addressing its flood risk? Join SPUR next Thursday for our virtual event with speakers from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission & the Port of San Francisco. In this webinar, you'll learn about the SFPUC's newly released flood elevation map, a groundbreaking proposal for a flood-resilient building code aimed at safeguarding new construction in high-risk zones, and the Port's Waterfront Resilience Program, a transformative undertaking to protect 7.5 miles of waterfront from coastal flooding and seismic risk. Register today: https://lnkd.in/gzhCeXk4

We offer our sincere congratulations to our CEO, Alicia John-Baptiste, on her appointment to the San Francisco Mayor’s Office. Her leadership has been instrumental in charting a new course for the region and positioning SPUR to make an impact for years to come. We would also like to thank SPUR Board Member David A. Friedman for taking on the role of interim CEO and leading our 2025 agenda. Cheers to continuing our journey toward a more prosperous and equitable future for the Bay Area!