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Government Affairs

Government Affairs

Government Affairs is the voice of the REALTORS® in local government. Our goal is to protect the REALTORS® of San Mateo County from ordinances, rules and regulations that would be a hindrance to the success of their businesses.  Government Affairs also works to advance one of SAMCAR's primary objectives: the preservation of private property rights throughout San Mateo County.

The Government Affairs staff informs and advises the Board of Directors and SAMCAR's Legislative Committees regarding pertinent land use and zoning policies, state and federal legislation, and local political issues. In conjunction with SAMCAR REALTORS®, the Government Affairs staff executes the legislative and political directives of the Board of Directors.

Government Affairs serves as the primary liaison between SAMCAR and the California Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, and assists with member mobilization for state and federal issues of importance to the real estate industry.


Government Affairs Director

850 Woodside Way, San Mateo CA 94401 (map)
(650) 696-8200
 
 

Photos of Frank Vella | Sue Vaterlaus, Mayor, City of Pacifica | Ray Mueller, San Mateo County Supervisor, District 3 | Gus Mattammal, Midcoast Community Council
Realtors lead discussion on Local Coastal Land Use Plan in Pacifica
On Saturday, March 16 nearly 50 residents met at a packed dining hall inside Nick's Restaurant to discuss the Rockaway Quarry reclamation plan, get an update on the local coastal land use plan's potential impacts to businesses and property values, and hear from elected officials on ways to address ongoing infrastructure and budgetary issues that are critical to the future of the City of Pacifica.
C.A.R. Legislative Day 2024 | May 1, 2024 | Sacramento #CARLegDay
C.A.R. Legislative Day 2024 — Registration Now Open!
Wednesday, May 1 | Sacramento (Register Before 04/17/24)
Legislative Day will bring more than 2,000 REALTORS together to discuss real estate issues directly with state legislators and staff. You'll hear from California's most dynamic political leaders, meet with and urge legislature to support creating opportunities for homeownership, enjoy great entertainment and network with REALTORS from across the state. Attendance to C.A.R.'s Legislative Day is free for all California REALTORS! To attend Legislative Day on May 1 and the REALTOR Block Party on April 30, please register with SAMCAR.
Foster City Mayor Patrick Sullivan, Pacifica Mayor Sue Vaterlaus
Realtors Patrick Sullivan, Sue Vaterlaus Rise to Mayorships of Cities
Two Realtor members of SAMCAR, Patrick Sullivan in Foster City and Sue Vaterlaus in Pacifica, have recently risen to the mayorship of their respective cities. Realtors and citizens alike appreciate both Mayor Sullivan and Mayor Vaterlaus' devotion to serving locally and knowledge of many pressing issues. Both Mayors are tireless and detail-oriented problem-solvers who proudly serve their constituents. Thank you to Mayor Sullivan and Mayor Vaterlaus for giving back to your communities. We wish you the best of luck this year as you serve your local communities as Mayor. (Read more about their background and achievements.)
Image of person holding clipboard and other person with open hand signaling rejection
Redwood City Housing Provider Alert: State Activists Push Rent Control
A state organization with offices outside of San Mateo County, and local community organizers have filed a petition in Redwood City to place rent control on the November 2024 Redwood City ballot. It would be the most expensive program in the county if passed. Community organizers first need to get the required signatures. They are fanning out in Redwood City to collect signatures. DO NOT SIGN.
Redwood City Sign
REDWOOD CITY HOMEOWNER ALERT: Council Seeking New Tax for 2024 Ballot
ATTENTION REDWOOD CITY HOMEOWNERS: The Redwood City Council voted at their Monday, November 27 meeting to direct staff to study two new taxes with the intent of placing one of them on the November 2024 ballot. Staff will consider changing the city's business license tax to a gross receipt model and imposing the dreaded property transfer tax. The city seeks to raise between $5 million and $16 million annually in new revenues from a new tax.
On Common Ground | Fall 2023
On Common Ground: Zoning Innovation
This edition of On Common Ground explores possible remedies to the housing shortage puzzle through a variety of zoning lenses. From the origins of zoning to innovative strategies aimed at creating more housing and finding new uses for office buildings that no longer serve their original purpose.
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