Event Coverage
‘Homeownership Matters' is 2019 Legislative Day Theme
At the C.A.R. Morning Briefing, California Governor Gavin Newsom told REALTORS®, "Let us not forget that we are better off when we're all better off."
SILVAR members joined thousands of California REALTORS® in Sacramento on Wednesday for 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 REALTORS® had with their legislators.
At the C.A.R. Morning Briefing, California Governor Gavin Newsom called today a "crisis moment." Newsom said California is experiencing a crisis of confidence and a crisis of affordability. California is ranked 49 out of 50 states in housing units per capita and has only itself to blame.
"We created this because we chose to delay building," said Newsom.
Newsom is deeply committed to address the housing issue. Instead of 100,000 housing units on an annual basis, 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."
In closing, Newsom told REALTORS®, "Let us not forget that we are better off when we're all better off."
At the joint luncheon with members of SILVAR, the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® and Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS®, State Senator Scott Wiener, author of SB 50, said today's zoning laws were crafted 50-60 years ago and are so outdated. Wiener said it is necessary to pass his legislation because "it's about people and people's lives."
Wiener's bill 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.
After lunch, SILVAR members met with Senators Jim Beall and Jerry Hill, and Assembly Members Marc Berman and Evan Low, all staunch proponents of housing. Both Berman and Hill thanked REALTORS® for their support and advocacy. Berman praised 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 400,000 homeless students, about 700 per community colleges. 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 will make financing available for construction of affordable housing. He said SB 5 would be a major housing finance bill in the state Senate, which will 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 cities time and time again for not building more housing. "There's always something. They don't care about overcoming those issues."
Assembly Member Evan Low told REALTORS® 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.
Low said REALTORS® need to stand up and speak louder about the need for housing and show their support for his stance "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.
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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.
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