California REALTORS® Praise Governor's Measures for Wildfire Recovery and Housing Solutions
In a decisive move to address the devastating impact of wildfires in Southern California, Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a series of executive orders aimed at aiding recovery efforts for homeowners. This initiative includes key measures designed to expedite the construction of replacement homes by suspending specific permit reviews, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and permitting under the California Coastal Act. Additionally, it mandates state agencies to evaluate and potentially streamline other permitting processes to facilitate rebuilding efforts.
The California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) warmly welcomed these actions, appreciating their potential to alleviate the housing crisis exacerbated by the wildfires. Heather Ozur, President of C.A.R. and a REALTOR® in Palm Springs, emphasized the importance of expanding these construction streamlining measures to include broader residential building needs in Los Angeles and nearby counties. "With limited housing options already present in Los Angeles, the recent fires have displaced numerous families, making the demand for new housing critical. Streamlining measures will play a vital role in expediting new housing development," she stated.
C.A.R. also endorses the governor's proposed budget initiatives for wildfire-affected homeowners, particularly the Wildfire Settlements Income Exclusion. This proposal aims to exempt all settlements received for wildfire damages from state taxation for the years 2025 through 2029, regardless of the fire’s occurrence date. Such tax relief will be crucial for residents as they navigate the aftermath of these disasters.
Furthermore, the governor's proposed budget reallocates funds to support home-hardening initiatives, empowering homeowners to fortify their properties against future fire threats, which is a strategic move given California’s susceptibility to wildfires.
Insurance plays an integral role in safeguarding homeowners, especially with the fires increasing challenges within this sphere. C.A.R. has backed Assembly Bill 226, put forth by Assembly Insurance Committee Chair Lisa Calderon and Assemblymember David Alvarez, which seeks to enhance the FAIR Plan — an insurance program designed for those unable to secure private coverage. C.A.R. also supports the current moratorium on canceling homeowner insurance policies, alongside the California Department of Insurance's 'Sustainable Insurance Strategy.' This comprehensive plan aims to dismantle barriers, ensuring greater access to and stabilization of insurance for residents, particularly those living in high-risk fire zones.
"We urge state officials to maintain a focus on innovative policies through legislation, budget allocations, and regulations that can assist impacted communities and tackle the ongoing housing and insurance crises amplified by these wildfires," Ozur asserted. C.A.R. remains committed to collaborating with the governor and the legislature to foster substantial investments that not only support wildfire victims in rebuilding efforts but also address broader housing and insurance challenges that continue to affect Californians.
For nearly 120 years, the California Association of REALTORS® has been a dominant presence in the state’s real estate landscape, advocating for over 200,000 members devoted to elevating professionalism within the industry. With its headquarters based in Sacramento, C.A.R. is committed to leading the charge to ensure that California remains a place where every resident has access to safe, stable housing.
The California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) warmly welcomed these actions, appreciating their potential to alleviate the housing crisis exacerbated by the wildfires. Heather Ozur, President of C.A.R. and a REALTOR® in Palm Springs, emphasized the importance of expanding these construction streamlining measures to include broader residential building needs in Los Angeles and nearby counties. "With limited housing options already present in Los Angeles, the recent fires have displaced numerous families, making the demand for new housing critical. Streamlining measures will play a vital role in expediting new housing development," she stated.
C.A.R. also endorses the governor's proposed budget initiatives for wildfire-affected homeowners, particularly the Wildfire Settlements Income Exclusion. This proposal aims to exempt all settlements received for wildfire damages from state taxation for the years 2025 through 2029, regardless of the fire’s occurrence date. Such tax relief will be crucial for residents as they navigate the aftermath of these disasters.
Furthermore, the governor's proposed budget reallocates funds to support home-hardening initiatives, empowering homeowners to fortify their properties against future fire threats, which is a strategic move given California’s susceptibility to wildfires.
Insurance plays an integral role in safeguarding homeowners, especially with the fires increasing challenges within this sphere. C.A.R. has backed Assembly Bill 226, put forth by Assembly Insurance Committee Chair Lisa Calderon and Assemblymember David Alvarez, which seeks to enhance the FAIR Plan — an insurance program designed for those unable to secure private coverage. C.A.R. also supports the current moratorium on canceling homeowner insurance policies, alongside the California Department of Insurance's 'Sustainable Insurance Strategy.' This comprehensive plan aims to dismantle barriers, ensuring greater access to and stabilization of insurance for residents, particularly those living in high-risk fire zones.
"We urge state officials to maintain a focus on innovative policies through legislation, budget allocations, and regulations that can assist impacted communities and tackle the ongoing housing and insurance crises amplified by these wildfires," Ozur asserted. C.A.R. remains committed to collaborating with the governor and the legislature to foster substantial investments that not only support wildfire victims in rebuilding efforts but also address broader housing and insurance challenges that continue to affect Californians.
For nearly 120 years, the California Association of REALTORS® has been a dominant presence in the state’s real estate landscape, advocating for over 200,000 members devoted to elevating professionalism within the industry. With its headquarters based in Sacramento, C.A.R. is committed to leading the charge to ensure that California remains a place where every resident has access to safe, stable housing.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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