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

Published: April 30, 2014

FEMA Tells Flood Insurers to Curb Rate Hikes NOW

Insurance companies have been directed to stop charging full-risk premium rates for flood insurance on older properties sold after May 1, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mandated in a recent bulletin. The bulletin is FEMA's first directive at implementing the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, enacted last month to curb escalating flood insurance premiums. The bulletin directs insurers to allow home buyers to assume the seller's premium rate until FEMA issues new rate tables and refunds excessive premiums as directed under the law.