Event Coverage
SILVAR Members Take Hot Issues to Their Legislators
During Tuesday's Legislative Day, California Association of REALTORS® Senior VP for Governmental Affairs and Chief Lobbyist Sanjay Wagle said REALTORS® cut across party lines and their power lies in member involvement.
"The bottom line is your participation is vital," Wagle told REALTORS®. "Our power is in your involvement, your response to Red Alerts, your decision-making, your contributions."
Wagle indicated in the 1960s, the median price was three times the average income; today, it is seven times the average income. The main reason is housing is not being built at the rate needed.
"It is vital that we make homeownership not some sort of a rich person's privilege or a software engineer's privilege, but once again a normal part of California middle class life. The solution as we all know is supply," said Wagle.
Wagle briefed members on two hot issues to take to their legislators: OPPOSE ACA 7, the anti-housing constitutional amendment, which undoes the Costa Hawkins Rental Housing Act and allows for radical rent control and guts laws that create housing; and SUPPORT SB 6, which makes it easier and quicker to convert unused commercial property to residential housing.
SILVAR members did just that when they met virtually with Assembly members Marc Berman (CA Assembly District 24) and Evan Low (CA Assembly District 28), and Senators Dave Cortese (CA Senate District 15) and Josh Becker (CA Senate District 13). The legislators said they understand the critical need for housing but indicated legislators in other parts of the state do not see it the same way.
Other legislators believe the state should only focus on affordable housing and subsidies, said Berman. "Housing is the path to family wealth and affordability is a part of the solution. Housing affordability stretches across all ranges of income."
"Bay Area legislators understand it, but other legislators don't see the sense of urgency," said Low.
The legislators are worried that based on the new census data, California will lose one Congressional seat for the first time. "The reason is clear. There is a direct correlation between the lack of housing development and our population growth," said Berman. He added that he would support ACA 7 assuming it does not change dramatically.
On SB 6, Low noted he has learned cities like San Jose, Cupertino and Saratoga are against the bill. "This is a thorny issue. We in the Bay Area understand the importance of housing and legislation, but at the same time we must be honest with conversations," said Low. "I'm passionate about housing development and recognize the importance of local control. The challenge of the housing crisis requires courageous effort. Cities are not doing their jobs right now. Many in office can't muster the courage to vote what they believe ... We need to invest in each other's success."
Cortese said REALTORS® have his support on SB 6. "California is the 5th largest economy in the world and has the growth potential if the state would just come in and do more than just talk about it. The only way it's going to happen is with the private sector, builders and your members."
"It is critical we find housing for first-time homebuyers," said Becker. He also stressed the need for intergenerational affordable housing, education, criminal justice reform and solutions to climate change.
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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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