Membership

State Capitol

Each year, WMA’s lobbyists monitor and influence hundreds of legislative bills that affect the manufactured housing industry. WMA’s legislative committee, composed of association members throughout the state, review these bills and help draft WMA’s official positions on these measures. WMA’s lobbyists also work with the legislative committee to develop association-sponsored measures that promote the industry’s interests.  WMA’s lobbyists the actively work to pass or defeat these measures.

California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)

WMA’s commitment to utility issues is without parallel. WMA is the only industry organization that retains utility experts to represent community owners’ interests before the CPUC.  WMA has staunchly defended submeter discounts in the face of strong opposition from utility companies and sponsored legislation that may enable community owners to transfer their master meter/submeter utility systems to utility companies. WMA participates in numerous proceedings before the CPUC on behalf of the industry on issues ranging from electric, gas and water.

State Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD)

WMA maintains a positive relationship with HCD, the state agency responsible for enforcing codes and regulations that impact the manufactured home community industry. WMA represents owner interest during the drafting and enforcement of regulations.

Washington, D.C.

WMA’s legislative efforts in Washington, D.C. – through membership in our national organization, the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) – provide member representation before Congress and federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). WMA’s affiliation with MHI gives continued presence in Washington, D.C.

Local Assistance

With the ever-present need for assistance at the local level, WMA also has regional offices to better serve its membership. Three offices, serving Southern California, Central California and Northern California assist community owners on local government issues, especially in the areas of rent control, community relations and grassroots political action.

WMA regional representatives build community coalitions that offer alternatives to rent control. They also organize local grassroots political action. In addition, WMA regional representatives play an active role in membership recruitment, industry trade referrals, WMA chapter activities, local owner associations and community organizations.

WMA regional representatives provide a wealth of political experience and local government involvement. They can take the lead in helping owners develop a coordinated strategy and plan community liaison efforts. At governmental agency hearing and meetings, they provide a professional presence for our industry.

Manager Accreditation/Educational Seminars (MCM)

Our Manufactured Home Community Manager (MCM) program is a manager accreditation program, which is designed to train today’s professional community managers. WMA offers educational seminars covering key topics in conjunction with the Manufactured Home Community Manager (MCM) Program. These seminars give owners, park managers and staff concentrated knowledge needed to effectively manage community operations limit liabilty. WMA’s industry experts give managers intensive training on subject matters affecting the industry, maintenance standards, HCD inspections, discrimination, mediation, disaster planning, and a full range of other subjects.  

Annual Convention & Expo

This conference features 2-3 days of intensive education seminars balance by fun social programs. Seminars at the convention cover important industry topics. Social programs give members the opportunity to network with other owners in a relaxed and friendly setting. WMA’s convention also features a large industry trade show, with dozens of vendors providing the latest in products and services.

Publications

The WMA Reporter, the associations award-winning monthly magazine, is second to none in delivering the facts and analysis you need to survive an prosper in this business. The Reporter features articles by industry experts, providing valuable management tips, information on property rights, legislation, utility systems, legal issues and a host of other issues.  Newsline, a monthly newsletter, gives you fast-breaking news of significant and timely interest.

Forms and Manuals

Our forms purchasing program, which is exclusively for WMA community members, includes over forty different forms for use in the day-to-day operations of your community, as well as community owned rental forms. These forms are reviewed and updated annually to comply with current laws. A comprehensive guide to WMA’s forms is also available to assist you in completing the forms properly. It could cost thousands of dollars to have an attorney design and monitor these forms for you. Why not let WMA do the work while you enjoy the low prices and peace of mind of knowing your forms are in compliance with current laws?

Day-to-Day Management Advice

Our toll-free hotline number puts you in touch with WMA’s network of staff, consultants and attorneys to help you solve the day-to-day issues of running a community.

Resident Screening Program

This exclusive, members-only program includes access to all three major credit bureaus, eviction and criminal record searches, bad check alerts, credit risk scores, Saturday service, and more. This is a service every community needs. Why not take advantage of the savings offered by WMA membership?

Property & Casualty Insurance Program

WMA’s custom tailored group Property & Casualty Insurance program offers qualifying WMA members a 10% discount off already competitive rates. The basic property and liability coverages are broadened further by an exclusive CAL-PLUS endorsement that is included at no additional charge. This includes limited coverage for accounts receivable, valuable papers, electronic data processing, back-up of sewer or drain water, employee dishonesty, building ordinance and more! In addition, a unique Business Income Enhancement is also available to policyholders.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance Program

The WMA group Worker’s Compensation program continues to offer hard-to beat rates through Preferred Employers Insurance Company, an “A” rated company. If you have received a cancellation notice, or a large increase in premium from your Workers’ Comp carrier, check out WMA’s group program as soon as you join.Don’t miss out on this valuable membership benefit!

Legal Advice

As a member of WMA, each year you can receive up to fifteen minutes of free legal advice from attorneys who specialize in the manufactured housing industry. Fifteen minutes of advising by an experienced industry attorney can run up to $75! Members appreciate knowing this service is available when quick advice is needed.

Industry Referrals

WMA members in need of a service are able to tap the expertise of members in their areas through WMA’s telephone referrals, printed Directory or through our Website. Contractors, developers, corrosion specialists, attorneys, utility billing services, management specialists and insurance brokers are among the association’s industry members, and many offer lower prices to WMA member communities.

Manager Referral Service

This program, free to WMA members, puts community owners in touch with qualified managers looking for fresh opportunities. WMA can help you match geographic preferences and experience to find the right fit for your community.

Member Affinity Programs

WMA members enjoy discounts through these vendors:

• Office Depot
• HD Supply Facilities Maintenance (HDS)
• Hertz
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Motion Picture Licensing Corporation