About|Find a REALTOR®|Find an Affiliate| Buyers & Sellers|Market Data Professional Standards|Committees| Sponsorship|SAMCAR Foundation
MembershipGovernment AffairsEducationEventsTourMember Resources
SAMCAR  >  Government Affairs
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

Fernando Peña
SAMCAR
850 Woodside Way, San Mateo CA 94401 (map)
(650) 696-8200
 
 
SAMCAR Voter Guide | November 2026 General Election
Published: October 02, 2026
2026 SAMCAR Voter Guide
Election Day is November 3, 2026 — Remember to Return Your Vote-By-Mail Ballot ASAP!
In the November 2026 General Election, SAMCAR has endorsed candidates for local City Councils and the County Board of Supervisors, as well as taken a position on several local measures. We are pleased to share the 2026 SAMCAR Voter Guide, including a list of candidates endorsed by SAMCAR and positions on local measures in this upcoming election, as well as California Association of REALTORS (C.A.R.) positions on several statewide ballot initiatives. In addition to your vote, you can support these candidates with your contributions and by volunteering to help their campaigns including activities such as sign waving, phone banking and door knocking. Please visit the candidates' campaign websites for more information. *** Election Day is November 3, 2026 — Please remember to return your Vote-by-Mail Ballot ASAP! ***
Read More about 2026 SAMCAR Voter
Vote NO on E | Firefighters, City & Education Leaders Agree!
Published: September 29, 2026
The No on Measure E Team needs your help!
How to Get Involved: Many of you have reached out asking how you can get involved; there are several major ways to participate — Phonebanking, Precinct Walking, and Contributing. If you would like to volunteer or have any questions about the campaign please contact No on Measure E's Campaign Manager Kia Kolderup-Lane at hello@votenomeasuree.com.
Read More about The No on Measure E
Vote NO on E | Firefighters, City & Education Leaders Agree!
Published: September 08, 2026
VOTE NO on Measure E in Redwood City
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.
Read More about VOTE NO on Measure E
San Carlos City Update for SAMCAR
Published: August 26, 2026
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.
Read More about San Carlos City
Photo of City of Redwood City Sign
Published: July 29, 2026
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.
Read More about Redwood City Council
New MLSListings Podcast: Understanding AB736 & November's Housing Ballot Measures
Published: July 20, 2026
MLSListings Podcast: AB736 & November Housing Ballot Measures
MLSListings has released a new podcast discussing key housing policy topics, including AB736 Property Transfer Taxes and Redwood City's proposed rent control measure appearing on the November ballot.
Read More about MLSListings Podcast:
850 Woodside Way, San Mateo, CA 94401   -   (650) 696-8200   -   www.samcar.org   -   facebook.com/samcar.realtors
Printed on October 4, 2026 from https://www.samcar.org/government-affairs/
Copyright © San Mateo County Association of REALTORS®. All Rights Reserved.
Site Navigation