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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

Fernando Peña
SAMCAR
850 Woodside Way, San Mateo CA 94401 (map)
(650) 696-8200
 
 
Vote NO on E | Firefighters, City & Education Leaders Agree!
Published: September 22, 2026
The No on Measure E Team needs your help!
With only 42 more days until Election Day, now is the time to get involved to help us defeat Measure E in Redwood City. There are easy actions taking place in Redwood City every week that you can participate in. We need every SAMCAR member to strike up that same energy that helped us defeat Measure Q in San Mateo previously and bring that into this race so we can ensure this is a done deal and tell the other side, NO! READ MORE for a list of upcoming action events including phone banking on Wednesday, September 23 and Thursday, October 1, and precinct walking on Saturday, September 26. Sign up at https://forms.gle/84dpbK7n1ok7CSTE6 or email 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
Project Sentinel Fair Housing Webinar Flyers
Published: August 31, 2026
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.
Read More about Webinars: Helping
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 red white and blue patriotic buttons with white stars and black text reading VOTE and YOUR VOTE MATTERS
Published: August 26, 2026
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.
Read More about 2026 San Mateo
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
850 Woodside Way, San Mateo, CA 94401   -   (650) 696-8200   -   www.samcar.org   -   facebook.com/samcar.realtors
Printed on September 26, 2026 from https://www.samcar.org/government-affairs/
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