From Fremont to Sacramento: My First CAR Legislative Day Experience 2025

A Memorable Road Trip with My Team at Sacramento CAR Legislative Day

On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to attend my very first California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) Legislative Day in Sacramento. What made it even more special was that I got to experience it alongside my team from Realty Experts — Chuck, Sumii, and myself hit the road early in the morning, leaving Fremont while most of the Bay Area was still asleep.

The drive was filled with energy and great conversations. We talked about what we hoped to gain from the event and shared our expectations. With each mile, the excitement built. Arriving in Sacramento and seeing thousands of REALTORS® from across California gathering for a common cause was both humbling and empowering.

Arriving in Sacramento: United with Purpose
As we stepped into the Safe Credit Union Convention Center, we were welcomed by a wave of REALTOR® energy. Legislative Day 2025 was in full swing. It was amazing to see professionals from Los Angeles, San Diego, Central Valley, and all corners of California come together. It felt like a celebration of our shared mission: protecting homeowners, advocating for responsible growth, and promoting fair housing policies.

We kicked off the day with the C.A.R. Morning Briefing. The leadership team gave a powerful update on C.A.R.’s advocacy priorities and celebrated 120 years of championing REALTOR® interests. It was inspiring to be part of such a legacy.

Networking and New Connections
Throughout the day, we had the chance to meet REALTORS® from all over the state. From big-city brokers to small-town agents, everyone brought unique stories and perspectives. I loved hearing how different communities handle zoning, ADUs, insurance, and first-time buyer challenges. It reminded me just how diverse California is — and how essential it is that we fight for local control over our neighborhoods.

The Hot Topic: Opposing AB 647
One of the major highlights was the discussion around AB 647, a proposed bill that would allow up to eight units to be built on any single-family lot through ministerial approval. This was a central concern for all of us.

C.A.R. is strongly opposing AB 647, and after learning the details, it became clear why. The bill:

• Would overwhelm infrastructure not built for high-density housing.

• Threatens the character and planning of single-family neighborhoods.

• Removes off-street parking requirements, even in areas without strong public transit.

• Favors corporate ownership over homeownership, creating more opportunities for investor takeovers.

As REALTORS®, we understand the need for more housing. But AB 647 takes a one-size-fits-all approach that disregards community voices and creates more problems than solutions. The pink flyer we received at the event outlined these risks in detail, and it was a powerful reminder of why our advocacy matters.

Beyond AB 647: Other Key Legislative Concerns
While AB 647 was front and center, we also touched on other important topics like:

• Expanding down payment assistance for first-time buyers

• Addressing the insurance crisis in wildfire zones

• Supporting ADU development with smart, localized policies

• Encouraging affordable housing by converting underused commercial spaces

These conversations showed that C.A.R. isn’t just about saying “no” — we’re about crafting real, responsible solutions that benefit both homeowners and communities.

#CARLegDay: Advocacy in Action
Social media played a big role throughout the day. We were encouraged to post using #CARLegDay and follow @CAREALTORS and @CARGovAffairs on X (formerly Twitter). It was great to see REALTORS® sharing selfies, updates, and calls to action in real time. The digital buzz added to the momentum and helped amplify our message across California.

A First-Time Experience I’ll Never Forget
As we wrapped up and drove back to Fremont, I reflected on everything we had learned and experienced. I felt more connected to the real estate community than ever before. Being part of Legislative Day with Chuck and Sumii was not only educational but truly meaningful. It reminded me that real estate is about more than transactions — it’s about protecting communities, shaping policy, and advocating for the people we serve.

Thank you for reading, and feel free to reach out if you’d like to learn more about Legislative Day or get involved. Let’s keep the momentum going and protect the communities we love!