Before the Thanksgiving holiday, California Assemblymember Marc Berman joined members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors at their meeting in Los Altos and provided them a legislative wrap-up of 2017. Berman also offered insight on his priorities and big issues for 2018.
Berman said the biggest victories of this past legislative session relate to two topics that are on everyone's mind - transportation and housing. Berman noted SB 1 would generate over $52 billion over 10 years for transportation maintenance, safety projects and active transportation, such pedestrian and bicycle transportation. SB 1 raised gas excise taxes by 12 cents a gallon and also hiked up diesel fuel rates. An increase in vehicle registration fees is slated to go into effect in January 2018.
Berman said state legislators addressed the state's housing issues, namely the low housing supply and low affordability, through 15 bills that work to promote accessory dwelling units, improve the approval process for conforming projects, and provide funding for affordable housing projects. Berman mentioned many of these proposals were heavy lifting, and required a commitment from Gov. Brown to not only back the legislation, but to build consensus in the Assembly and state Senate.
Realtors in attendance asked about a variety of issues related to housing and other topics. When questioned about the efficacy and his support for affordable housing, rent control and tenant protections, Berman remarked, "When people come to me about rent control, I ask them to show me a rent control policy that increases the supply of housing."
Berman said he is interested and wants the focus to remain on how to increase the housing supply and promote homeownership for all his constituents.
As chair of the Assembly Committee on Elections, Berman noted a sense of accomplishment in seeing the Governor sign his bill cracking down on illegal campaign and signature gathering practices, as well as the passage of the Sexual Assault Survivor's Bill of Rights, which he co-authored.
Berman wrapped up by sharing that he is looking forward to learning more about the California Association of Realtors' portability initiative, and to further work with SILVAR in promoting homeownership and providing housing in Silicon Valley.
C.A.R. is sponsoring a ballot initiative to amend Proposition 13 by allowing homeowners ages 55 and over to transfer their property tax base anywhere in the state when they move. Currently, these homeowners are allowed a one-time transfer of property tax base rate if they move within their county or into one of the 11 of 58 counties that approved Proposition 90.
It is estimated that passing this initiative would result in an additional 43,000 homes being transferred in the state each year, thus increasing the inventory by more than 10 percent and alleviating the state's housing shortage.
Berman represents California's 24th State Assembly district, which covers southern San Mateo County and northern Santa Clara County, and includes the cities of Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and Mountain View.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.