Event Coverage
2021 SILVAR Leadership Academy Begins
The 2021 SILVAR Leadership Academy opened strong yesterday, with U.S. Representative Anna Eshoo addressing 40 participants and guests. SILVAR President Joanne Fraser delivered the opening remarks and SILVAR Board Director Suzanne Yost, chair of the Leadership Academy steering committee, led the program.
In her talk to members, Eshoo said in the past year the Bay Area housing market has remained strong, but the shortage of supply and rising prices have deeply impacted housing affordability, changing the composition and identity of our local communities and forcing many people to leave the area in search of more affordable places to live. She fears if nothing is done, the state will be viewed as a place where only the wealthiest can live.
Eshoo said solutions to the severe housing affordability problem can only come from a partnership of federal, state, and local governments working in cooperation with non-profits and the private sector. Congress plays an important role in this partnership by providing federal funding to build new housing and protect the existing supply of affordable housing, and through incentives in the tax code and programs that strengthen affordable housing.
As an advocate of housing, Eshoo said she has been able to pass 50 bills under four presidents due to her leadership philosophy of building coalitions and generating consensus to support legislation. She stressed the importance of REALTOR® advocacy, which she said has always supported her and shaped her legislative work. She values input from REALTORS® and noted of all groups that come to D.C., REALTORS® are the best prepared.
"The meetings are rich for me. Your advocacy informs my work," said Eshoo.
The Congresswoman thanked SILVAR members and noted she is deeply grateful for REALTORS®' support. "Thank you for all your magnificent support all these years. Our relationship has always been a great source of pride for me. You really mean a great deal to me."
An impressive lineup of speakers followed Eshoo. They included Sydney Barron, NAR Director of Governmental Advocacy; Sanjay Wagle, C.A.R. Senior VP for Governmental Affairs and Chief Lobbyist; John Scribner, C.A.R. Manager of Public Policy; Matthew Gelfand, attorney for Californians for Homeownership; 2008 SILVAR President Leannah Hunt; and SILVAR Government Affairs Director Ryan Carrigan.
The NAR and C.A.R. senior staff presented an overview of the structure of REALTOR® advocacy and explained each of their roles in lobbying at the federal and state level. TBarron said REALTORS® are a powerful force and NAR is seen as a valuable resource in shaping government policy.
"Our power and our strength is our members," said Wagle. He said Red Alerts are especially powerful and get the attention of legislators.
The REALTOR® association representatives also underlined the importance of establishing personal relationships with legislators. They encouraged REALTORS® to come to meetings, including social gatherings, where the legislators are in attendance, so they get to know their government representatives and the legislators get to know them.
"The gold standard for lobbying our legislators is to get them to know your name and your face," said Scribner.
Gelfand said in development of housing, "REALTORS® know better than anyone else where there is development potential in the areas and neighborhoods, and can determine if plans are reasonable, and if not, where they would be."
Right now, work at the federal level is focusing on shaping the infrastructure bill, a very large package that could produce "projects that are not 20 years down the road, but projects that are near shovel ready." There is also a chance to repeal the SALT tax and include other legislation to promote housing. At the state level, the C.A.R. officials stressed the threat from the other side is very real and the work is cut out for them and members to protect private property rights.
Hunt, a longtime SILVAR legislative advocate, emphasized the benefits of leadership and getting involved in government affairs. "You'll find whatever time you spend benefits your clients and your business. The political world is very much part of our business. All of our activities are a reflection of our ability to influence legislation."
The Leadership Academy is a six-month program with one 3-hour session each month. In addition to attendance at C.A.R.'s Legislative Day, the next sessions for participants are scheduled on May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, and September 23.
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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.