Gabe and I recently joined SPUR – San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association. It only costs $55 to be a “Young Urbanist,” and it’s worth every penny. They have a really nice, informative print publication which also goes out via email. But the best part is the free or reduced cost access to events about good urbanism for the future.

We recently attended an event about the economics of street food vendors in San Francisco, and it was inspiring to be in a room filled with so many brilliantly creative urban enthusiasts, optimists, and (food) innovators. One person (not either of us) asked “how do you think location-based services will change the face of street food?”  The panelists were sort of underwhelmed by the question since they were mostly discussing how to navigate bureaucracy, permits, etc. and increase creativity in terms of food served. Still, is there a street food finder app waiting to be made? Or perhaps one is already available that our bellies should know about? If the future of good urbanism promises more street street food, we’ll need new ways for street food discovery for sure!

But there’s lots more to cities than food and geo-apps. Next Tuesday, SPUR will explore the very broad topic about what makes for a great street. Unfortunately, I can’t attend. But I look forward to hearing reports!

From SPUR:

EVENING SYMPOSIUM
Tues Feb 23, 6:00 PM
Creating our own Champs-Elysées
SPUR joins forces with Next American City and the AIA San Francisco for an interactive charrette where we’ll examine what it takes to make a great street – then use those principles to re-envision Market Street.