Recently, WMA and parkowners have been thrust into a battle against a proposed rent control ordinance in Selma. 

The issue surfaced when larger-than-usual rent increases and deteriorating relationships between parkowners and park residents led residents to lobby the City Council aggressively for rent control. 

Despite the short notice of less than 48 hours before the crucial hearing, WMA sprang into action, reaching out to parkowners for a comprehensive situation analysis. This proactive stance was aimed at gaining a thorough understanding of the issue and devising a strategy for the uphill battle. The analysis uncovered deep-seated connections between the City Council and local advocates for rent control, which — coupled with damaging testimony from a former park manager — likely swayed the Council’s unanimous decision to draft an ordinance. 

Following the wisdom of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, “Never give in — never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.” WMA is advocating for an alternative solution — a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). With only three mobilehome parks in the City comprising 358 spaces, WMA has highlighted the high costs associated with administering a rent control ordinance. 

WMA’s proposed change in direction emphasizes collaboration and shared responsibility, suggesting that an agreement could mitigate the extreme positions on either side and lead to harmony among residents and parkowners. An agreement would provide a more flexible, less costly alternative to rent control measures, which could impose significant financial burdens on both parkowners and, indirectly, tenants via fee pass-throughs. The City and WMA plan to discuss the success of the recently passed Sunnyvale MOU and the long-standing San Dimas Accord as a follow-up. 

The aim is for the City Manager’s office to consider presenting an MOU to the Council as an alternative to a mobilehome rent control ordinance.

The story in Selma is developing, so stay tuned for more in the coming weeks.

Jarryd Gonzales is WMA’s Regional Representative for Central/Southern California. He may be reached at jarryd@goodgroup.com.