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Header image about FAA Widens Study on Drone Uses

FAA Widens Study on Drone Uses

Header image about FAA Widens Study on Drone Uses

Paul Stewart, SAMCAR Government Affairs Director | May 7, 2015

In a move called 'good for real estate,' the Federal Aviation Administration announced it will expand its tests on the use of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles systems), more commonly referred to as "drones," for commercial purposes. FAA's studies will include tests over the safety of flights taking place over urban areas and over distances farther than the "pilot can see."

The National Association of REALTORS® released a statement calling FAA's latest UAV announcement and initiatives "good for real estate" and noted it's move could pave the way for greater use of UAVs in the future by real estate professionals in capture aerial photos and videos of their listings. The FAA will be looking at permitting flights that are farther distances out of sight of pilots, flights at night, longer range flights in busier areas (such a residential neighborhoods) as well as flights under automated instructions.

TAGGED: Drones, FAA, Federal Aviation Administration, Legal

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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.

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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.

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San Mateo County Sustainability Department REALTOR Toolkit Webpage

Published: July 16, 2026

New Resource: Energy Efficiency Toolkit for REALTORS

Support your clients in selling healthy, energy-efficient homes with confidence. Use these resources to help clients make their homes healthier, more comfortable, and more cost-effective to run. This toolkit, created by the San Mateo County Sustainability Department in collaboration with WestLight Energy (formerly Peninsula Clean Energy) and the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS (SAMCAR), provides practical resources, local data, financial incentives, and client-facing materials to support conversations with buyers and sellers. [This effort is intended to support informed, voluntary decision-making by homeowners and does not represent an endorsement of mandates or appliance bans.]

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REALTOR Party of California

Published: July 01, 2026

REALTORS Deliver Major Victory Stopping Costly Tax Proposal AB 736

The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (C.A.R.) announced a major victory for homeownership in California after REALTORS statewide mobilized to stop AB 736, a costly tax proposal, from moving forward in the California State Legislature last week. SAMCAR joined this effort in mobilizing to stop this proposal, protecting California homeownership.

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City of Redwood City Sign

Published: June 16, 2026

Redwood City Delays Action on Rent Control Ballot Measure

The Redwood City Council voted unanimously on June 8, 2026, to delay final action on a proposed rent control ballot initiative, requesting a supplemental economic impact report before deciding whether to place the measure before voters.

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Photo of (L-R): Linda Crose-Andersen (2026 SAMCAR President), Sue Walsh (SAMCAR Federal Political Coordinator (FPC)), Congressman Kevin Mullin, Judy Taylor, Mitch Speigle and John Gieseker.

Published: June 05, 2026

SAMCAR Joins Congressman Mullin at "Be the Wave" Fundraiser

On Monday, June 1, 2026, members of the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS (SAMCAR) attended the Kevin Mullin for Congress Birthday Fundraiser. Billed as "Be the Wave," this fundraising event was an opportunity for SAMCAR members to meet with Congressmember Kevin Mullin and learn more about his efforts to improve our local economy, get input from organizations like SAMCAR, and federal funding for infrastructure projects in San Mateo County.

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Photo collage: City of Redwood City sign / For Rent Yard Sign / Hands with pen signing paper at table (Adobe Stock)

Published: May 26, 2026

Redwood City Rent Control Measure Qualifies for November Ballot

A proposed rent control initiative introduced by a local organizing group, not the city council, has officially qualified for the November 2026 ballot in Redwood City, setting the stage for a major local campaign over housing policy and affordability.

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header image about REALTOR Party: SAMCAR Helps Half Moon Bay End Failed Rental Policies

Published: May 22, 2026

REALTOR Party: SAMCAR Helps Half Moon Bay End Failed Rental Policies

The National Association of REALTORS' REALTOR Party recently highlighted the repeal of Half Moon Bay's rent stabilization and rental registry policies as a Success Story highlighting SAMCAR efforts to pursue a disciplined, relationship-based advocacy strategy grounded in data, local experience, and constructive solutions. A significant upshot of this result is that even when rent control policies are already in place, they are not irreversible. REALTOR associations can play a decisive role by staying engaged after adoption, monitoring program outcomes, electing more supportive candidates, and using credible data to demonstrate when policies fail to meet their goals.

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water heater in modern boiler room (Adobe Stock)

Published: May 20, 2026

Bay Area Air District Delays Water Heater Ban Amid Rising Concerns

SAMCAR members should continue paying close attention to the Bay Area Air District's controversial mandate banning the sale and installation of natural gas water heaters beginning on January 1, 2027, followed by gas furnaces on January 1, 2029. While the regional board recently approved a nine-month delay to the water heater ban, serious concerns remain about the financial impact this policy will place on homeowners, housing providers, and renters in the Bay Area, including throughout San Mateo County.

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SAMCAR group photo in Sacramento from Legislative Day 2026

Published: May 05, 2026

Legislative Day Connects 2,500 REALTORS with State Leaders

Legislative Day is the California Association of Realtors signature legislative event. And legislative Day 2026 did not disappoint. Over 2,500 California REALTORS descended on the state capitol during the C.A.R. Spring Business Meetings and took advantage of the opportunity to meet and discuss real estate related issues directly with their state legislators and staff. Read more about SAMCAR's participation in Legislative Day including hot topics and legislation and meetings with elected officials.

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California Association of REALTORS

Published: May 05, 2026

Middle-Class Homeownership Act Qualifies for the Ballot

April 22, 2026 — The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (C.A.R.) announced that the Middle-Class Homeownership Act has officially qualified for the state's November ballot as part of the campaign to build new housing and make home loans affordable for middle-class Californians. This measure enables middle-income Californians to purchase a new home with only 3% down, while spurring a wave of new home construction – at no cost to taxpayers. Read more to learn about the key aspects of the measure.

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MLS Podcast: Legislative Updates with Fernando Peña

Published: April 17, 2026

MLS Podcast: Legislative Updates with Fernando Peña

Staying informed on legislative changes is key to supporting your clients and business. In this latest podcast episode, SAMCAR Government Affairs Director Fernando Peña shares insights into current policy discussions impacting real estate across the region.

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