Allied organizations: Upcoming events and programs

Northern strives to deliver events and programs to help you achieve your professional development and networking goals. Our allied professional organizations also offer events and programs in a variety of formats that you may find aligned with your professional and continuing education goals.

The Northern News team has selected some notable upcoming events or program opportunities that may interest you.

SPUR—The San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association—is a nonprofit public policy organization bringing people together from across the political spectrum to develop solutions to the big problems cities face. Based in San Francisco, San José, and Oakland, SPUR is recognized as a leading civic planning organization and respected for its independent and holistic approach to urban issues.

Clearing the Air on Heat Pump Adoption: Benefits to Bay Area Homes, Health, and Climate [In-person Program]

9:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Thursday, September 10, 2026 | SPUR Urban Center, San Francisco
Fee: Free

The Bay Area Air District’s proposed zero-NOx rule would phase out sales of new gas-fired water heaters and furnaces in favor of electric heat pumps, reducing air pollution, health risks, and climate emissions. This roundtable will translate the science and policy into practical guidance on installation, costs, benefits, and impacts for homeowners, renters, and contractors. Emmy Award-winning climate journalist and meteorologist Chase Cain will moderate a panel featuring Dr. Lisa Patel on public health; Sam Fishman on regional sustainability policy; Zoe Elizabeth on decarbonization and community strategies; Eric Morrill on all-electric design and contracting; Nik Kaestner on San Francisco building decarbonization; and a Bay Area homeowner sharing firsthand heat-pump experience.

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Federal Housing Roundtable: Congressional Victories, Regulatory Threats and Advocacy Opportunities [Digital Discourse]

10:00 to 11:00 a.m. | Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | SPUR Urban Center, San Francisco
Fee: Free

Washington, D.C. The discussion will also cover proposed Community Reinvestment Act changes, HUD funding and tenant-policy proposals—including work requirements, time limits, and repeal of the mixed-status family rule—and how the midterm elections could affect congressional housing priorities. SPUR State Policy Director Michael Lane will moderate a panel featuring Sarah Brundage, president and CEO of the National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders; David Garcia, deputy director of policy at UC Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation; and Deborah Thrope, chief program officer at the National Housing Law Project.

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Finding the Future of Transit in San José [In-person Program]

12:00 to 1:15 p.m. | Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | San José Chamber of Commerce
Fee: Free

Conversations about the future of transit in San José often focus on major infrastructure projects like the BART extension or the renovation of Diridon Station. But transit’s future in the city will also be shaped by how agencies adapt to changing customer markets, manage finances, deliver services, and consider emerging technologies. Come listen to experts and practitioners from the Mineta Transportation Institute, SPUR, Caltrain, and VTA as they discuss the road ahead for transit in San José.

More information and REGISTER
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