Members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors joined about 2,500 California Realtors in Sacramento last Wednesday for the California Association of Realtors annual Legislative Day. This year's theme, "Homeownership Matters," was evident in the speeches of Realtor officials and politicians, and in the discussions the Realtors had with their respective legislators.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, the special guest speaker at the C.A.R. morning briefing, said California is experiencing a "crisis moment, a crisis of confidence, and a crisis of affordability."
Newsom is deeply committed to addressing the housing issue. Instead of 100,000 housing units a year, he wants to build 300,000 to 400,000 units on an annual basis.
The Governor also noted he is for growth and inclusion. California is a universal state which practices pluralism and "people should not just tolerate each other; they should celebrate each other."
"Let us not forget that we are better off when we're all better off," said Newsom.
At a luncheon with members of SILVAR and neighboring Realtor associations, State Senator Scott Wiener, author of SB 50, the Housing Development Incentives bill, said today's zoning laws, crafted over 50 years ago, are so outdated. It is necessary to pass his legislation because "it's about people and people's lives."
SB 50 would authorize transit-rich housing project bonuses for new urban developments, so families can afford to live within the communities in which they work. "Housing is not a punishment. Housing is where people live," said Wiener.
In the afternoon, Silicon Valley Realtors met with state Senators Jim Beall and Jerry Hill, and Assembly Members Marc Berman and Evan Low, all staunch proponents of housing. They thanked the Realtors for their support and advocacy. Berman praised the Realtors, saying they form a powerful contingent advocating for housing.
Berman has introduced AB 302, which will require colleges to identify safe lots and facilities for homeless students to use. He said the state has about 700 homeless students per community college. He acknowledged the bill is a band-aid to the housing crisis, but "for now, it is a realistic band-aid while we figure out how to create and make sure there's a roof for everyone."
Beall said he is proud of the passage of his bill, SB 3, a $4 billion bond to help military veterans purchase homes with low or no down payment at below-market interest rates and pay for housing development programs. He spoke about bills he has currently in committee, like SB 5, which would make financing available for construction of affordable housing. Beall said SB 5 would be a major housing finance bill in the state Senate, which would finance actual housing projects. Another bill, SB 6, would look at all state properties that could be available for affordable housing and create a statewide data base where developers can see where to build, so cities can see where affordable housing can go.
Beall balked at excuses given by some cities time and time again for not building more housing. "There's always something. They don't care about overcoming those issues," Beall remarked.
Low said he has received sharp, mean-spirited backlash from those who oppose his pro-housing stance, some even demanding his recall, but he is not wavering. "Oftentimes we need to speak truth to the powerful. I feel very strongly about this. It's important to make courageous decisions," said Low.
The legislators called on Realtors and others to stand up and speak louder about the need for housing "because the other side is so loud."
"We need to change the narrative; we can't talk among ourselves. We need to elevate the conversation," said Low.
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.
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