Last Wednesday, over 2,000 Realtors from across the state traveled to Sacramento for the California Association of Realtors 46th Annual Legislative Day. Realtors form the largest business interest group that comes to the State Capitol each year to meet their elected officials and discuss issues affecting homeownership and the real estate industry.
The Realtors first gathered at the Sacramento Convention Center in the morning, where they received a briefing from C.A.R. officials on hot issues they would be discussing with their state representatives later in the day. A highlight of the morning session was the appearance by Gov. Jerry Brown, who addressed the Realtors for the last time. Brown ends his second term as governor this year.
An upbeat Brown said he leaves the state on a high note, with a strong economy and incredible work force. He indicated he came in when the state had a $27 billion deficit and is leaving it with a $13 billion rainy day fund.
"California is the economic engine of the United States," announced Brown.
Brown thanked the Realtors for their service. "Everybody's major asset is their house," said Brown. "Thank you for the role you play in our community. You have the pulse of the public. Local is key. Keep the government close to you."
In closing, Brown said, "I'm going out of here on the upbeat. Let's keep building California. We solve our problems together as a group."
A joint luncheon with members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors and neighboring Realtors associations featured Los Angeles Times political reporter Liam Dillon, who presented an umbrella view of why everyone wants more housing, but can't agree. Dillon said city councils look at revenue and while they clearly understand the need for more housing, which might net $1 million in revenue, they see $9 million in revenue by bringing hotels and offices as more beneficial to their budgets. Labor benefits from housing, yet concerns about types of jobs and issues with developers come into play. Realtors, while for more housing, are against fees for housing. Then there are the NIMBYs, who agree more housing is needed, including low-income housing, but don't want it in their neighborhood.
Dillon explained state Senator Scott Wiener's transit-based housing bill SB 827 failed due to conflicts with cities and interest groups. He said, "When the state attempts to take powers away from local governments, conflicts will exist."
Dillon said it will be interesting to see voters' reaction to four initiatives that are likely to be on the November ballot - the state's $4 billion bond measure to fund housingfor low-income families and veterans; the measure to repeal California's Costa Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which limits rent control; an initiative by paint companies to absolve themselves of liability by shifting the burden of remediation costs to taxpayers; and C.A.R.'s initiative that seeks to enhance Proposition 13 property tax benefits when homeowners ages 55 and over relocate to other areas of the state.
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.