"Recently, some urban Community Benefits Districts have been using a new broad-based development approach to bolster the economy. What do these CBDs do, and how do they relate to the City’s centralized economic development infrastructure? With representatives from San Francisco’s Tourism Improvement District, the proposed Production Artisan and Creative Enterprises CBD and the San Francisco […]

"A 2009 American Association of Retired People survey found that 89 percent of persons age 50 and older want to remain in their communities. But not all communities are built to accommodate “aging in place.” What policies are in place to ensure affordable housing and transportation options for seniors? How does successful aging play out […]

"For the sake of the environment and for efficiency of movement with a growing population, the need for public transit is spreading. But funding and implementation issues incite intense and often bitter quarrels. Join transit planning consultant Jarrett Walker — writer of the blog HumanTransit.org — as he offers insight on some common issues, confusions, […]

"As a result of the recession, some Central Valley communities are facing an acute economic crisis. From Modesto to Stockton, the concerns go far beyond foreclosures and unemployment. What are the origins of this crisis and how do they relate to the Bay Area? This forum will look at the recession through the lens of […]

"To what extent can we support a community’s food and health needs through urban farming? Join Shakirah Simley of Slow Jams, Brooke Budner and Caitlyn Galloway of Little City Gardens, and the San José-based Village Harvest — organizations that not only grow their own food, but also facilitate distribution within their communities. This event is […]

"Vision California is a project that models different scenarios for how California can accommodate expected population and employment growth. Commissioned in part by the California High Speed Rail Authority, this project assesses how land use and infrastructure investments can meet state goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With Joe Distefano and Garlynn Woodsong from Calthorpe […]

"In this new SPUR tour series, see your neighborhood through the eyes of your district supervisor! Join Supervisor Sophie Maxwell on this walking tour of the Central Waterfront. Supervisor Maxwell will take us to some of her favorite spots, but with only one hour, we won’t see it all. Grab your walking shoes!"

"The Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco played a crucial role in the city’s industrial and shipbuilding past. But did you know that the Dogpatch is also home to many of San Francisco’s current (and future) artisan manufacturers? Join us for a walking tour led by Kate Sofis of SFMade.org, as we explore local companies making […]

"In the last three years, Sunday Streets events in San Francisco have proven to be incredibly successful – growing from two events in 2007 to nine events planned for 2010, due to the popularity among residents, business owners and local government. Walk Oakland Bike Oakland is excited to give Sunday Streets some Oakland flair – […]

"As the largest city in Northern California, San José is making great strides to become a world-class city — including creating an iconic “Central Park” of San José. Running north from downtown San José, Guadalupe River Park, 50 years in the making, will be a 250-acre urban park running 2.6 miles along the Guadalupe riverbank […]

"For over 40 years, Dorothy Erskine worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support housing for the poor, rational urban and regional planning, preservation of farmland and the creation of parks and open space. A new biography explores Erskine’s life and career, including her motivations, inspirations and achievements as one of the Bay Area’s foremost civic […]