More Legislation Being Introduced

As the deadline of February 16th for lawmakers to introduce legislation quickly approaches, the volume of bills is increasing every day. So far, there have been 495 bills introduced in the Assembly since January 3rd and the Senate has seen 193 bill introductions. 

Very few of the bills introduced so far affect the manufactured housing community’s industry. However, WMA is closely monitoring bills being proposed and is also working with a few legislators who are expected to introduce legislation in the next week that would — if passed and signed into law — make it easier for mobilehome parkowners to provide housing opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people around the state.

State Budget Subcommittee Overseeing HCD Scheduled

As the state grapples with a budget deficit of anywhere from $38 billion to $68 billion, the Senate and Assembly Budget Subcommittees are beginning a thorough review of each agency and department of state government. The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on State Administration will review HCD’s operating budget on April 9, 2024. The Senate Budget Subcommittee on State Administration has not yet announced when HCD’s budget will be reviewed.

WMA will provide written remarks about specific programs administered by HCD, and more information will be provided as the subcommittees release more detailed information.

HCD Announces “Listening Sessions”

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is updating California’s Fair Housing Plan and has announced a series of “listening” sessions on various topics, including Tenant Protections and Mobilehome Parks. These specific topics will be discussed in a virtual meeting on February 28th and March 5th respectively.

To learn more about how to register and participate in these meetings, please visit the WMA website by clicking here.

Recent Storms Have Triggered State of Emergency Declaration by Governor

Recent flooding due to a massive series of atmospheric river storms has caused the Governor to declare a state of emergency in the following eight counties: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. Clicking here to read the Governor’s proclamation.

Along with the state of emergency declaration, counties have an option of adopting emergency ordinances of their own.  San Diego County, for example, adopted an emergency ordinance that includes tenant protections for 60 day, as well as regulating rent increases and just cause evictions.

As was relayed in a recent Newsline, it is imperative that parkowners coordinate any rent increase notices and eviction notices with their park’s legal counsel to ensure compliance with new emergency declarations in various jurisdictions.

Voting Has Begun After Ballots Mailed

This week, voters in most counties have begun receiving their ballots for the upcoming March 5th Presidential Primary Election.  All of California’s 80 Assembly Districts and 20 of the 40 Senate Districts will see elections take place for the State Legislature. 

Before you cast your ballots, WMA encourages our members to become informed about the policies being advocated by the candidates.  You can review ballot statements printed in the official Voter Information Guides provided by all 58 counties.

Many of the hotly competitive races will see several pieces of mail and see or listen to countless advertisements over television, radio and social media platforms — either supporting or opposing various candidates.

Messages may be confusing or misleading, so it is important to pay attention to who or what organization is responsible for the advertising content that is provided with every communication.

Whomever you decide to support for office, WMA believes it is important to vote in the upcoming election. An informed electorate can shape a Legislature that makes the laws affecting all Californians, so please take the time to educate yourselves and make your voice heard by voting.

If you are unsure if you have received your ballot or if you’re not registered to vote, please visit the Secretary of State’s website to learn how you can become involved and participate in the upcoming election.  Click here to learn more.

To view a list of candidates running for state office in California, please click here.

It is an honor to serve WMA. Please feel to reach me directly at chris@wma.org or on my direct line at the office – 916.288.4026.