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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
 
 

Foster City Finalizes Smoking Ordinance
Final changes to the second hand smoking ordinance in Foster City have been adopted by the City Council. The ordinance regulates/bans smoking in and around city controlled spaces and events, commercial/retail spaces, apartments, condominiums and townhomes and will impact private property rights.
Obama: Won't Change Fannie and Freddie Without Legislation
President Obama stated he will not end government control of mortgage-finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac without legislation. SAMCAR along with NAR have recommend that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac be replaced by a non-shareholder owned authority, subject to tighter regulations.
FHFA to Set Guidelines on Mortgage Fees
FHFA has announced that it will propose a new framework early next year for how mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will set their so-called G-fees.
EPA: New Regulation on Lead
The EPA issued the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule in 2008 which requires contractors, property managers and others who perform renovations for compensation in residential houses, apartments and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 to be trained and certified as renovators and to use lead-safe work practices. The rule went into effect in April 2010. Learn more about certification and training.
Foster City OKs Smoking Ordinance; Some Ownership Units Included
The City of Foster City's City Council has voted 5-0 to ban smoking in apartments and townhomes or condominiums. However, SAMCAR was successful in getting single family homes and townhomes or condos that have no shared walls, floors, ceilings or ventilation exempted.
Brisbane Amps Up Sewer Lateral Program
The City of Brisbane is proposing changes to their sewer lateral testing/notification requirements. Point-of-Sale inspection/testing/repair/replacement are NOT included. SAMCAR Government Affairs Director Paul Stewart explains the proposal.
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