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MLSListings Podcast #6: "How Engaged & Informed Realtors Make a Political Difference"

MLSListings Podcast #6: "How Engaged & Informed REALTORS® Make a Political Difference"

MLSListings Podcast #6: "How Engaged & Informed Realtors Make a Political Difference"

MLSListings, Inc. | September 6, 2023

In the latest MLSListings podcast episode, Fernando Peña, Government Affairs Director (GAD) for the San Mateo County Association of Realtors, discusses actively pursuing SAMCAR's legislative agenda before local and state elected officials to protect and preserve private property rights and the interests of real estate professionals throughout San Mateo County.

Topics covered include:

How engaged and informed SAMCAR members made the difference in defeating The Millbrae Vacancy Tax
Partnering with the California Apartments Association to defeat a deeply flawed county tenant protection ordinance
The importance of Legislative Day and traveling to Sacramento to meet with members of the state legislature to discuss C.A.R. Hot Issues

Conveniently listen to MLSListings' expert analysis and insightful guests anywhere, anytime, whether you're in the office or on-the-go, in two ways:

850 Woodside Way, San Mateo CA 94401 (map)

(650) 696-8200

TAGGED: Government Affairs, MLS, MLSListings, Podcast

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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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Published: July 20, 2026

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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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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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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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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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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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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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Published: May 05, 2026

Middle-Class Homeownership Act Qualifies for the Ballot

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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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