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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 a 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
 
 

Project Sentinel Fair Housing Webinar Flyers
Webinars: Helping Housing Providers Navigate Fair Housing Laws
September 15 & September 30 | 1:30 PM (PT) | Zoom
Two informative sessions on the Federal Fair Housing Law are planned for small family housing providers during the month of September. Project Sentinel and the Housing Authority of San Mateo County will hold online workshops regarding best practices on compliance with the reasonable accommodations provisions of the law. The first session will be held on September 15, 2026, and the second session will be on September 30, 2026, with both beginning at 1:30 PM via ZOOM.
San Carlos City Update for SAMCAR
San Carlos City Update for SAMCAR (August 2026)
At the Tuesday, August 25, 2026, SAMCAR Marketing/Tour Meeting, members heard an update from San Carlos city officials regarding the city's strategic goals. Kathy Kleinbaum, San Carlos new City Manager, and Al Savoy, the Community Development Director, discussed downtown San Carlos projects, climate change and sustainability planning, traffic and transportation improvements, parks and recreation goals, and commercial and housing developments.
Photo of red white and blue patriotic buttons with white stars and black text reading VOTE and YOUR VOTE MATTERS
2026 San Mateo County Elections: Meet the Candidates & Measures
The November 3, 2026, General Election will include important local races throughout San Mateo County, including City Council elections and a special election for San Mateo County Board of Supervisors District 5. For SAMCAR members, local elections are particularly important. City councils and the County Board of Supervisors make decisions affecting housing, property rights, development, zoning, permitting, property transfer taxes, parcel taxes, sales taxes, fees, tenant protections, and the local business license taxes.
BAYREN: Induction Cooking Demo for Real Estate Professionals | Thursday, September 10 | 3 PM – 6 PM | Impulse SF
Induction Cooking Demo for Real Estate Professionals
Thursday, September 10 | 3 PM – 6 PM | Impulse SF
The Bay Area Regional Energy Network, BayREN, invites real estate professionals to learn about all-electric homes and experience an induction cooking demonstration first-hand! This training is designed to help you navigate the biggest questions clients will have regarding the electric appliances entering homes: heat pump water heaters, heat pump HVAC, and induction stoves. (This effort is intended to support informed, voluntary decision-making by homeowners and does not represent an endorsement of mandates or appliance bans.)
Photo of NO! on white page underlined in red with red felt pen
VOTE NO on Measure E - Redwood City Fair & Affordable Housing...
The Redwood City Fair and Affordable Housing Ordinance, which is anything but fair or affordable, has officially received its ballot designation and will appear before Redwood City voters on November 3, 2026, as Measure E. SAMCAR urges all of our members who live in Redwood City to VOTE NO on Measure E.
Photo of City of Redwood City Sign
Redwood City Council Unanimously Opposes Rent Control Ballot Measure
In a decisive 6-0 vote, the Redwood City Council has officially opposed the Redwood City Fair and Affordable Housing Ordinance, which will appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot. The Council's decision follows an independent supplemental economic impact analysis that concluded the measure extends far beyond traditional rent control and could have significant unintended consequences for tenants, housing providers, affordable housing, and the City's financial stability. SAMCAR applauds the six Redwood City Councilmembers for carefully reviewing the analysis and taking a position based on the long-term interests of the entire community. We encourage Realtors, property owners, homeowners, and renters to learn more about the measure before casting their vote this November.
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