Event Coverage
SILVAR Members Join Over 2,000 California REALTORS® on Legislative Day
California Governor Jerry Brown speaks to over 2,000 REALTORS® at the Sacramento Convention Center.
On Wednesday, SILVAR members and California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) Region 9 Directors joined over 2,000 REALTORS® from across the state in Sacramento for C.A.R.'s 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.
California REALTORS® first gathered at the Sacramento Convention Center in the morning, where they received a briefing from C.A.R. President Steve White and other C.A.R. officials, including Alex Creel, senior vice president and chief lobbyist, who briefed REALTORS® on hot issues they would be discussing with legislators later in the day.
A highlight of the morning was the presence of Governor Jerry Brown, who addressed REALTORS® for the last time as Brown is ending his second term this year. Upbeat, Brown said he is leaving the state on a high note, with a strong economy and incredible work force. He noted 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 underlined the importance of REALTORS® and thanked them for their service. "Everybody's major asset is their house," said Brown. "Thank you for everything you do, 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."
The joint luncheon with members of SILVAR, the San Mateo County and Santa Clara County Associations of REALTORS® featured guest speaker Los Angeles Times political reporter Liam Dillon, who presented an umbrella view of why everyone wants more housing, but is entangled in a myriad of issues, highlighting the quandary at the local and state levels.
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 to their cities. Labor benefits from housing, too, and yet concerns about what types of jobs and issues with developers come into play. He said REALTORS®, while for more housing, too, are against fees for housing.
Dillon said State Senator Scott Wiener's transit-based housing bill SB 827 failed due to conflicts with cities and interest groups. He noted, "When the state attempts to take powers away from local governments, conflicts will exist."
Come November, Dillon said it will be interesting to see voters' reaction to four initiatives that are likely to be on the ballot - the state's $4 billion bond measure to fund housing for low-income people and veterans; whether or not to repeal California's Costa Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which limits rent control; an initiative by paint companies that seeks to absolve themselves of liability by shifting the burden of the expensive 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.
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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.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.