Government Affairs
Fighting to protect the real estate industry and the rights of private property owners.
What is the REALTOR® Party?
The REALTOR® Party protects and promotes homeownership and private property rights with resources contributed through the REALTOR® Action Fund. We advocate REALTOR® Party values in the halls of government which makes critical decisions that impact your business. Your leadership team on REALTOR® Party Issues includes the Association Board of Directors, Local Government Relations Committee, Local Candidate Recommendation Committee, and Government Affairs Director.
What is the REALTOR® Action Fund?
RAF collects funds to protect private property rights, homeownership, and YOUR business. We helped save tax deductions that help homeowners save money. In the tax reform bill recently passed by Congress deductions for property taxes and mortgage interest were preserved. We have also successfully fought back against taxes on your commission and unnecessary fees on home buyers because of the efforts of our members. We need your continued support and contributions. Please contribute online now or on your annual dues.
City/County Commissions
Staff Contact and Application Info
Gilroy
Planning Commission
Staff Contact: Sharon Goei, Community Development Director, sharon.goei@cityofgilroy.org
Parks & Recreation Commission
Staff Contact: John Doughty, Public Works Director. john.doughty@cityofgilroy.org
Open Government Commission
Staff Contact: Matt Morley, City Administrator, Matt.Morley@cityofgilroy.org
For a full list of commissions and vacancies: https://www.cityofgilroy.org/148/Boards-Commissions-Committees
Commission Application: https://gilroy.primegov.com/Portal/NewForm/3
Morgan Hill
Planning Commission
Staff Contact: Jennifer Carman, Development Services Director 408-778-6480; jennifer.carman@morganhill.ca.gov
Parks and Recreation Commission
Staff Contact: Chris Ghione, Assistant City Manager/Public Services, 408-782-9154 chris.ghione@morganhill.ca.gov
The City will post commissioner recruitment info when a vacancy is available: https://www.morganhill.ca.gov/148/Commissions
Santa Clara City
Planning Commission
Staff Contact: Lesley Xavier, Planning Manager, 408-615-2484, lxavier@santaclaraca.gov
Parks and Recreation Commission
Staff Contact: Kim Castro, Recreation Manager, 408-615-3147
For a full list of commissions and vacancies: https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/government/boards-commissions/
Commission Application: https://lfwebprod.santaclaraca.gov/Forms/CLK1/
San Jose
Housing and Community Development Commission
Staff Contact: Mindy Nguyen – Housing Department, 408-535-8357, mindy.nguyen@sanjoseca.gov
Planning Commission
Staff Contact: Jennifer Provedor – Planning, Building, & Code Enforcement, 408-535-3505, jennifer.provedor@sanjoseca.gov
Parks and Recreation Commission
Staff Contact: Annie Wong, PRCLiaison@sanjoseca.gov
Appeals Hearing Board
Staff Contact: Angela Tea – Planning, Building, & Code Enforcement. 408-794-6507, AHBSecretary@sanjoseca.gov
Board of Fair Campaign & Political Practices
Staff Contact: Megan Roche – Office of the City Clerk. 408-535-1260, Megan.Roche@sanjoseca.gov
For a full list of commissions and vacancies and to apply: https://sanjose.granicus.com/boards/w/923860ac785826ef
Milpitas
Planning Commission
Jay Lee – Planning Director, jlee@milpitas.gov, and Elizabeth Medina, emedina@milpitas.gov
Economic Development and Trade Commission
Staff Contact: Michael Thomas – Economic Development Coordinator, 408-586-3045, mthomas@milpitas.gov, and Kal Zubair – Economic Development Specialist, 408-586-3008, kzubair@milpitas.gov
Community Housing Commission
Staff Contact: Michelle Silva, msilva@milpitas.gov, and Sarah Balcha, sbalcha@milpitas.gov
Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Resources Commission
Staff Contact: Renee Lorentzen, Director of Recreation & Community Services, 408-586-3409, rlorentzen@milpitas.gov, jclevenger@milpitas.gov, Amanda Ingua, Recording Secretary, 408-586-3225, aingua@milpitas.gov
Check for a full list of commissions and vacancies, and apply at https://www.milpitas.gov/our-government/commission/
Campbell
Planning Commission
Staff Contact: Planning Division, planning@campbellca.gov, 408-866-2140
Civic Improvement Commission
Staff Contact: Angelique Gaeta – Assistant City Manager, cmoffice@cityofcampbell.com, 408-866-2125
Parks & Recreation Commission
Staff contact: Natasha Bissell, Recreation and Community Services Director. natashab@campbellca.gov, 408-866-2771
Building Board of Appeals
Staff contact: Bob Lennen – Building Official, bobl@campbellca.gov, 408-866-2130
Rental Increase Fact Finding Committee
Staff Contact: Community Development Department, 408-866-2140
Check for a full list of commissions and vacancies at: https://campbellca.gov/157/Boards-Commissions. Submit Applications to the City Clerk’s Office in-person or e-mail to clerksoffice@campbellca.gov
Santa Clara County
County Commissions
Staff Contact: Board Clerk, Boards and Commissions, 408-299-5001 bnc@cob.sccgov.org
- Assessment Appeals Board I/II/III/IV
- Assessment Appeals Value Hearing Officers
- Citizens’ Advisory Commission on Elections
- Housing Authority
- San Martin Planning Advisory Committee
- Roads Commission
- Planning Commission
- Parks and Recreation Commission
For a full list of commissions and vacancies: https://boardclerk.sccgov.org/boards-and-commissions/opportunities
Commission Appointment Form: https://santaclaracounty.primegov.com/Portal/NewForm/1?committeeId
SANTA CLARA COUNTY LOCAL DISCLOSURES
View local disclosures required during the sale of real property within Santa Clara County.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL PLANNING & CODE ENFORCEMENT DEPARTMENTS AND HOUSING AGENCIES
View contact information for specific cities in Santa Clara County
LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT PARCEL TAX EXEMPTIONS
23 school districts have parcel tax exemption policies in Santa Clara County. Find out if you or your clients are eligible.
LOW FLOW DISCLOSURES
Many REALTORS® have asked about the state law requiring that Water-Conserving Plumbing Fixtures be installed in homes by 2017.
FIREPLACE REPLACEMENT AND WOOD SMOKE REDUCTION INCENTIVE PROGRAM
The Wood Smoke Reduction Incentive Program was developed by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to improve local air quality and reduce wintertime particulate matter pollution by helping Bay Area homeowners and landlords replace their wood-burning heating devices with cleaner options.
LOCAL BUSINESS LICENSE TAXES AND FEES IN SANTA CLARA COUNTY
In Santa Clara County, all 15 cities require that a business register and pay a tax or a fee for engaging in business activity within that city. Learn what your regulatory and tax obligations are by reading this article.
SANTA CLARA COUNTY SIGN ORDINANCE REFERENCE GUIDE
This is a reference guide on local sign ordinances and how they impact your ability to market real property.
SAN JOSE 2017 BUSINESS LICENSE TAX CHANGES
Important changes have been made to the San Jose business tax, which was approved by San Jose voters on November 8, 2016 (Measure G). The approved changes took effect on July 1, 2017 and impact REALTORS®, brokers, and rental property owners of single family homes and duplexes.