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NAR Success Story – CCAR Uses Advocacy to Dissuade City Council

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DECEMBER 2022 – When the City of Hercules, CA threatened to establish a Real Estate Transfer Tax to help pay for services and maintenance, members of the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® raised their voices in opposition. The REALTOR® Party’s Advocacy Everywhere program helped to get the message across.

Like many jurisdictions around the country, the City of Hercules, California, was searching for ways to shore up its funding for city services and maintenance.  By becoming a Charter City, it would be able to establish a real estate transfer tax (RETT), which, on the surface, could generate the revenue it sought.  But the local REALTORS® saw the danger in that plan and opposed it using the REALTOR® Party’s Advocacy Everywhere program – not once, not twice, but in a three-part Call For Action.  The proposed tax failed, but the revenue is being raised through an increase in an existing user utility tax, which the REALTORS® supported: a win-win, all around.

Heather Schiffman, Government Affairs Director of the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®, explains that the real estate transfer tax would have concentrated the burden of paying for programs and services that benefit the community at large on a relatively narrow base of property owners, including seniors and first-time homebuyers.  “A lot of cities are attracted to the real estate transfer tax as a quick and easy revenue solution.  The problem is, they think of it as a specific amount, when, in reality, the yield is too cyclical to reliably serve the General Fund.  So, not only is it unfair, it doesn’t make good economic sense.”  In terms of the real estate industry, she notes, ‘There’s no question that a real estate transfer tax would decrease the affordability of housing in Hercules by adding yet another cost to a growing list of expenses involved in the purchase or sale of a home.  Making housing less accessible for teachers and first-responders is not going to be in the best interests of the community.”

Despite having commissioned polling that showed insufficient support for the charter city/RETT plan, the Hercules City Council was still eager to put it in the ballot.  In response, the REALTORS® launched targeted Calls For Action prior to each of two hearings on the issue.  “The system is so refined, allowing us to contact members who live in Hercules, though it’s only one of several cities we represent, with certain areas of overlap,” says Schiffman.  “Our members were great about participating, and our board members went the extra mile by reaching out to brokers in their area.”

The third CFA, issued just prior to the vote to put the Charter City issue on the ballot, not only opposed it, but pointed the City Council toward a more fair and economically sound solution:  increasing the user utility tax, in which the full community supports the General Fund through the communication, electric, and gas services it receives.  This possibility had received favorable support in the City Council’s own polling, and in a unanimous vote, the council placed it on the November ballot for the citizens to decide; it passed handily, with nearly 70% of the vote.

“I can’t recommend Advocacy Everywhere enough,” says Schiffman, who, as a veteran GAD, has used it many times.  “It’s so user-friendly, and Calls For Action are really the best way to get an advocacy message through to elected officials, when you need to show them you’ve got voters behind the message.”

To learn more about how the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® is working to protect property owners from an unfair tax burden, contact Government Affairs Director Heather Schiffman at [email protected] or 925.295.9232.

Article from NAR’s REALTOR® Party Newsletter > 

District 5 Director Wright – Dec 2022

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Season's Greetings image
Tyra Wright headshot

December 2022
From the desk of:

Tyra Wright

DIRECTOR, DISTRICT 5 LIAISON
EMAIL: [email protected]  |  TEL: (510) 816-6754

Dear Friend and Fellow-Member,
Greetings from all of us at CCAR! We wish you a happy, healthy holiday season and send our very best wishes for a prosperous new year! 

This month, we wanted to say a special THANKS to all of our dedicated volunteers who generously gifted their time and talents to our 2022 committees, programs and events. You are the lifeblood of this amazing Association! We also wanted to invite you to some important events and give you the opportunity to help us make one last push towards funding those charitable organizations closest to our hearts. 

We hope you find these resources helpful. Feel free to contact me directly if you have questions, or if you’d like to chat: (510) 816-6754.

You’re Invited:

SPONSOR THE INAUGURAL

TOP NEWS:

  • Kudos to All 2022 CCAR Volunteers!

    Very special thanks go out to the generous and talented members who served on CCAR committees in 2022. You can also make a difference by sharing your talents!
    | Join a 2023 committee >

  • Did You Make the Donor List? CCAR Member HAF Donations Help Homeownership Wishes Come True

    Every year CCAR members give generously to help Californians get into homes.
    | View the donor list and find out how you can help, too >

  • Give the Gift of Homeownership: Attend C.A.R.'s "STEPS Toward Homeownership" Webinar

    Dec 14th | 10:00 am - 12:30 pm | Learn everything you need to know to help educate want-to-be-homeowners about the many financing options available today.
    | Register >

UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • C.A.R. Legal Presents: New & Revised Forms Webinar DEC 13

    1:30 - 2:30 pm | Get all the latest information about C.A.R. Forms
    | Register >

  • FREE Tony Robbins "Kick Off 2023 Strong" Webinar DEC 21

    10:00 - 11:30 am | A live customized Peak Performance Strategy Workshop (via Zoom) for CCAR members
    | Register >

  • CCAR Inaugural & Annual Awards Celebration JAN 21

    6:00 pm Cocktails, 7:00 pm Dinner & Program | Honoring President David Schubb, the 2023 CCAR Board of Directors & Award Recipients | Blackhawk Auto Museum, Danville
    | Purchase Tickets >

View CCAR Calendar >

Spread the Joy! 

CLICK ON ANY IMAGE BELOW TO DONATE TODAY:

Helping Hands Ad
Bay Area Rescue Mission Ad

District 4 Director DSouza – Dec 2022

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Season's Greetings image
Donna Souza photo

December 2022
From the desk of:

Donna Souza

DIRECTOR, DISTRICT 4 LIAISON
EMAIL: [email protected]  |  TEL: (925) 818-8576

Dear Friend and Fellow-Member,
Greetings from all of us at CCAR! We wish you a happy, healthy holiday season and send our very best wishes for a prosperous new year! 

This month, we wanted to say a special THANKS to all of our dedicated volunteers who generously gifted their time and talents to our 2022 committees, programs and events. You are the lifeblood of this amazing Association! We also wanted to invite you to some important events and give you the opportunity to help us make one last push towards funding those charitable organizations closest to our hearts. 

We hope you find these resources helpful. Feel free to contact me directly if you have questions, or if you’d like to chat: (925) 818-8576.

You’re Invited:

SPONSOR THE INAUGURAL

TOP NEWS:

  • Kudos to All 2022 CCAR Volunteers!

    Very special thanks go out to the generous and talented members who served on CCAR committees in 2022. You can also make a difference by sharing your talents!
    | Join a 2023 committee >

  • Did You Make the Donor List? CCAR Member HAF Donations Help Homeownership Wishes Come True

    Every year CCAR members give generously to help Californians get into homes.
    | View the donor list and find out how you can help, too >

  • Give the Gift of Homeownership: Attend C.A.R.'s "STEPS Toward Homeownership" Webinar

    Dec 14th | 10:00 am - 12:30 pm | Learn everything you need to know to help educate want-to-be-homeowners about the many financing options available today.
    | Register >

UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • C.A.R. Legal Presents: New & Revised Forms Webinar DEC 13

    1:30 - 2:30 pm | Get all the latest information about C.A.R. Forms
    | Register >

  • FREE Tony Robbins "Kick Off 2023 Strong" Webinar DEC 21

    10:00 - 11:30 am | A live customized Peak Performance Strategy Workshop (via Zoom) for CCAR members
    | Register >

  • CCAR Inaugural & Annual Awards Celebration JAN 21

    6:00 pm Cocktails, 7:00 pm Dinner & Program | Honoring President David Schubb, the 2023 CCAR Board of Directors & Award Recipients | Blackhawk Auto Museum, Danville
    | Purchase Tickets >

View CCAR Calendar >

Spread the Joy! 

CLICK ON ANY IMAGE BELOW TO DONATE TODAY:

Helping Hands Ad
Bay Area Rescue Mission Ad

District 4 Director Kehrlein- Dec 2022

by

Season's Greetings image
Murrey Kehrlein photo

December 2022
From the desk of:

Murrey Kehrlein

DIRECTOR, DISTRICT 4 LIAISON
EMAIL: [email protected]  |  TEL: (925) 260-2430

Dear Friend and Fellow-Member,
Greetings from all of us at CCAR! We wish you a happy, healthy holiday season and send our very best wishes for a prosperous new year! 

This month, we wanted to say a special THANKS to all of our dedicated volunteers who generously gifted their time and talents to our 2022 committees, programs and events. You are the lifeblood of this amazing Association! We also wanted to invite you to some important events and give you the opportunity to help us make one last push towards funding those charitable organizations closest to our hearts. 

We hope you find these resources helpful. Feel free to contact me directly if you have questions, or if you’d like to chat: (925) 260-2430.

You’re Invited:

SPONSOR THE INAUGURAL

TOP NEWS:

  • Kudos to All 2022 CCAR Volunteers!

    Very special thanks go out to the generous and talented members who served on CCAR committees in 2022. You can also make a difference by sharing your talents!
    | Join a 2023 committee >

  • Did You Make the Donor List? CCAR Member HAF Donations Help Homeownership Wishes Come True

    Every year CCAR members give generously to help Californians get into homes.
    | View the donor list and find out how you can help, too >

  • Give the Gift of Homeownership: Attend C.A.R.'s "STEPS Toward Homeownership" Webinar

    Dec 14th | 10:00 am - 12:30 pm | Learn everything you need to know to help educate want-to-be-homeowners about the many financing options available today.
    | Register >

UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • C.A.R. Legal Presents: New & Revised Forms Webinar DEC 13

    1:30 - 2:30 pm | Get all the latest information about C.A.R. Forms
    | Register >

  • FREE Tony Robbins "Kick Off 2023 Strong" Webinar DEC 21

    10:00 - 11:30 am | A live customized Peak Performance Strategy Workshop (via Zoom) for CCAR members
    | Register >

  • CCAR Inaugural & Annual Awards Celebration JAN 21

    6:00 pm Cocktails, 7:00 pm Dinner & Program | Honoring President David Schubb, the 2023 CCAR Board of Directors & Award Recipients | Blackhawk Auto Museum, Danville
    | Purchase Tickets >

View CCAR Calendar >

Spread the Joy! 

CLICK ON ANY IMAGE BELOW TO DONATE TODAY:

Helping Hands Ad
Bay Area Rescue Mission Ad

District 3 Director Leverett – Dec 2022

by

Season's Greetings image
Tangie Leverett photo

December 2022
From the desk of:

Tangie Leverett

PAST-PRESIDENT  |  DIRECTOR, DISTRICT 3 LIAISON
EMAIL: [email protected]  |  TEL: (925) 634-3200

Dear Friend and Fellow-Member,
Greetings from all of us at CCAR! We wish you a happy, healthy holiday season and send our very best wishes for a prosperous new year! 

This month, we wanted to say a special THANKS to all of our dedicated volunteers who generously gifted their time and talents to our 2022 committees, programs and events. You are the lifeblood of this amazing Association! We also wanted to invite you to some important events and give you the opportunity to help us make one last push towards funding those charitable organizations closest to our hearts. 

We hope you find these resources helpful. Feel free to contact me directly if you have questions, or if you’d like to chat: (925) 634-3200.

You’re Invited:

SPONSOR THE INAUGURAL

TOP NEWS:

  • Kudos to All 2022 CCAR Volunteers!

    Very special thanks go out to the generous and talented members who served on CCAR committees in 2022. You can also make a difference by sharing your talents!
    | Join a 2023 committee >

  • Did You Make the Donor List? CCAR Member HAF Donations Help Homeownership Wishes Come True

    Every year CCAR members give generously to help Californians get into homes.
    | View the donor list and find out how you can help, too >

  • Give the Gift of Homeownership: Attend C.A.R.'s "STEPS Toward Homeownership" Webinar

    Dec 14th | 10:00 am - 12:30 pm | Learn everything you need to know to help educate want-to-be-homeowners about the many financing options available today.
    | Register >

UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • C.A.R. Legal Presents: New & Revised Forms Webinar DEC 13

    1:30 - 2:30 pm | Get all the latest information about C.A.R. Forms
    | Register >

  • FREE Tony Robbins "Kick Off 2023 Strong" Webinar DEC 21

    10:00 - 11:30 am | A live customized Peak Performance Strategy Workshop (via Zoom) for CCAR members
    | Register >

  • CCAR Inaugural & Annual Awards Celebration JAN 21

    6:00 pm Cocktails, 7:00 pm Dinner & Program | Honoring President David Schubb, the 2023 CCAR Board of Directors & Award Recipients | Blackhawk Auto Museum, Danville
    | Purchase Tickets >

View CCAR Calendar >

Spread the Joy! 

CLICK ON ANY IMAGE BELOW TO DONATE TODAY:

Helping Hands Ad
Bay Area Rescue Mission Ad
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