Drought in California is inevitable. How ready is the Bay Area for when it happens? And how will we make sure that we have enough water for our region’s projected growth? Join us to learn more about where we look for water supplies, how our cities plan for resilience, the emerging idea of a regional
The idea of sharing has never been more prevalent than it is today. Communities, organizations and local governments are developing innovative ways to address many of the biggest challenges that our cities now face by sharing labor, knowledge, space and goods. A new book, Sharing Cities: Activating the Urban Commons, highlights best practices in the
One unfortunate effect of the arduous process of building housing in the Bay Area is that development sites, often vacant lots, sit unused for long periods of time while financing, approvals and design takes place. But now, a new form of interim use strategy that focuses on these underutilized sites is emerging. Come explore the
San Francisco’s Civic Center serves many roles and many people, but how do people use it on a daily basis? The city has partnered with Gehl Studio on a public life study that will help us better understand how people get around and spend time in the area’s public spaces. Come learn how the study’s
What is the role of zoning in the Bay Area’s housing shortage? A new body of research is examining the role of local land regulation like zoning — often a reflection of local homeowner concerns rather than regional imperatives — in limiting the supply of housing. Come hear a panel of experts explore the interaction
The importance of community plays a crucial role in shaping how we live. Now, as our world continues to urbanize and densify, community is as critical as ever. 9 Ways to Build Community With Urban Housing, a new exhibition by David Baker Architects, tackles how we can forge these key bonds through development. Previously on
Zoning, the often-derided tool of planners everywhere, has had 100 years to evolve. Has it? What did zoning get right, what did it get wrong and where can it go from here? Join us as a stellar slate of speakers address this thorny topic. Will they air their qualms or argue their defense? Either way,
Many cities around the Bay Area require that developers building projects of a certain size pay an affordable housing fee or, alternatively, offer a percentage of their units at a below-market-rate price that is affordable to low- or middle-income households. In theory, this inclusionary housing increases the availability of affordable residential units in our communities,
What is it that makes a city great? According to noted planner Alexander Garvin, it’s not something physical. Instead, it’s what happens inside the city that makes it exceptional: Great cities are dynamic cities that constantly change to satisfy their demands. His latest book, What Makes a Great City, analyzes this theory and frames it
As our cities continue to grow, the potential to use historic buildings becomes greater than ever. The new book The Past and Future City addresses how historic preservation can go beyond the physical renovation and activation of old buildings and address issues like affordable housing, inequality, sustainability, and displacement. Join us for a discussion about
SPUR's newest transportation study explains how we can make the Caltrain/Highway 101 corridor a place where transit thrives and cities can grow without gridlock. San Francisco, San Jose and many other growing cities increasingly need Caltrain (and in the future, high-speed rail) to work as a strong foundation for a sustainable transportation system. Come hear
Our cities face tough energy problems, but local innovators are attempting to tackle these challenges in new ways. Come hear about the energy problems present in our urban areas and how new, innovative technology is working to address and surmount these challenges and expand the current regulatory environment. Co-presented by Tumml. + Robert Rutherford / Hive Lighting +
