COMMUNICATIONS
IN RELATION TO THE
CITY OF ELK GROVE
AUGUST 14, 2024
REGULAR MEETING
August 14, 2024
Elk Grove City Council
8401 Laguna Palms Way
Elk Grove, CA 95758
RE: Item #9 Receive Information on the 2024 Climate Compass and provide Direction
Dear City Council Members,
On behalf of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® (SAR) and our over 7,500 members, we appreciate the opportunity to engage in this conversation regarding the existing residential development electrification retrofits. As REALTORS®, our members represent buyers and sellers in the City of Elk Grove.
The unique role of a REALTOR® is that they are often seen as a resource for their clients, and there is an opportunity to work together to help educate Elk Grove residents as these regulations are implemented.
While we understand the need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG), as you move to implement the Climate Compass, please keep in mind the financial burden these proposals may place on property owners. Anytime the homeownership costs increase, there is a disproportional effect on first-time homebuyers striving to enter the market and build generational wealth through homeownership.
We support the end-of-life replacement process and a program to recycle old appliances. We encourage staff to consider the ease of the process and create something user-friendly. If the process is confusing or cumbersome, residents will not engage.
As with any new policy, educating residents is the initial part of the process. SAR is a willing partner to help educate REALTORS who can, in turn, help inform their clients, your residents. Most importantly, homeowners need to be educated so they have time to consider alternative fuel options before appliances fail. For example, an HVAC system in a home is one of the most expensive upgrades in a home, other than a new roof. A new water heater can be replaced in as little as 24 hours. A new heat pump water heater can be more complex. There are different space requirements, potentially a panel upgrade, and the potential need for both water and electricity. All of this is to say that the retrofit process can be complex and overwhelming for homeowners, especially if it is approached when something breaks.
Ultimately, we look forward to a continued conversation on how we implement solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the built environment while maintaining a sustainable housing market that remains affordable so all our residents can achieve homeownership.
If we can provide any additional details, please contact Erin Teague with any questions at [email protected].
Thank you for your consideration,
Erin Teague
Government Affairs Director
Sacramento Association of REALTORS®