Political Advocacy

Political Advocacy

IF REAL ESTATE IS YOUR PROFESSION,
POLITICS IS YOUR BUSINESS

REALTORS® are hard at work every day protecting your interests at the State Capitol. SCCAR’s Political Advocacy team works at the local, state and federal levels to protect your business, the industry, and homeowner’s rights, actively monitors legislation affecting the real estate industry and promotes or opposes relevant initiatives and focuses on protecting homeownership, private property rights, and holding our policymakers accountable.

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 in your annual dues.

Starting July 1, 2026, the City of Santa Cruz will implement a new tiered real estate transfer tax (Measure C) on properties sold over $1.8 million to fund affordable housing. The tax only applies within city limits, featuring a graduated rate of 0.5% to 2% on amounts above $1.8M, capped at a maximum of $200,000.

Learn more ->  https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/SantaCruz/html/SantaCruz03/SantaCruz0332.html

SCCAR's Government Affairs team holds monthly Local Government Relations Committee meetings. Members of the Local Government Relations Committee work with the Government Affairs Director on issues that affect Realtors® in the local community, covering 5 jurisdictions in Santa Cruz County.

Email GAD@mysccar.org for meeting information.

Visit the Committees section of this website for information about other committees.

Santa Cruz County Elected Officials - Find contact information for local elected officials by jurisdiction