San Jose native Teresa Alvarado wants to make it easier for people to be able to proudly say they live in San Jose. After leaving the area for for grad school, she returned home to work with SPUR—one of the oldest non-profits in the area. The organization aims to improve housing and transportation in San Jose. As the Bay Area learns to deal with its crushing traffic problems Teresa is optimistic about changing the future of her home town.

What does SPUR do for the community?

SPUR is 106 years old. It formed after the big earthquake of 1906 to help rebuild and find housing for displaced residents. Eventually they became invested in transportation, sustainable development issues and urban design. Five years ago SPUR was invited to set up an office in San Jose and we’ve been here ever since.

How long have you lived/worked in the Bay Area?

I’ve been here my whole life. My first job was at the Emporium in Eastridge Mall at 15. I also interned as a temp for Atari while I was in college. I left for grad school on the East coast and then came back.

What are some of your favorite parts about living in the Bay Area?

I think we have an amazing quality of life here. We have healthy communities and are well educated. There’s lots of jobs here as well. This is not to say that everyone shares in the same access to those benefits, but the reality is this is a great place to live with lots of assets. Hopefully our whole community can take advantage of it in the future.

What do you enjoy most about working with SPUR?

My favorite part is contributing to what my hometown will look and feel like in the future. And I get to do that with a lot of smart and engaged people—SPUR staff, board and members. Tapping into that energy is motivating each and every day.

What do you like most about the people Silicon Valley?

I love how diverse and integrated it is here. On the East Coast it is so different. Yes, we live in an area with more cultural districts, but you’re not precluded from living there like on the East Coast. For example, I live in Japantown. I’ve heard from people who move here they love how accessible it is. People are very open; you can get involved easily. They are generally nice and will give you good advice on where to shop or eat.

If you could change one thing about San Jose, what would it be?  

I would love to see residents have a stronger sense of place and civic pride. I remember hearing about the “I Heart New York” movement and wished San Jose had the same spirit. I am a very proud San Jose native and I wish other people had a stronger sense of pride in our city. I also wish downtown was seen as more of a gathering place for the whole city. I don’t think people see the downtown as our central hub. We are one city.

What Silicon Valley event do you most look forward to every year? 

We just had the annual SPUR member party, which was fantastic: 500 urbanist, people who believe in investing in San Jose’s future, came together. San Jose Jazz Summer Fest is one of my absolute favorites. Its been going for 27 years and I think I’ve gone to 24 of them. I serve on the board, actually. It’s one of the largest outdoor festivals in the Bay Area. I like how all walks of life and all parts of the community come together to enjoy fabulous music and the cool vibe. It’s so San Jose.

In SPUR’s “Agenda for Change” it says you want to make it more affordable to live here? How are you doing that? 

We are trying to build an acceptance within the community, that we have to build more housing. The Bay Area as a region hasn’t built enough housing to keep pace with the jobs that have been created. It’s a real crisis. Cities have to change and grow. There’s only two directions cities go they grow or they shrink. We need to grow more housing thats available for all price ranges. We’ve built houses at the higher rate, but not enough for moderate or low income levels.

Do you have any advice for people who want to make the move to the Bay Area?

Heck ya! Come! Our weather is amazing, it sounds silly. USA Today named us as the second healthiest city in the U.S and its partly because of the weather. We have the longest life expectancy of any city as well and apart of that is the amazing weather and the things you can do outside.