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?
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:
I belong to WMA because often times WMA is the lone voice in
Sacramento and up and down the state of California supporting
mobile home park owner’s property rights.
WMA is a critical tool for any park owner who wishes to do
business in California. Most people in the manufactured housing
business understand that WMA deals with legal and legislative
issues as well as providing a plethora of forms and educational
materials. What is less appreciated, but equally important: the
interactive forums WMA provides – the courses, committees and
convention that offer owners and managers the opportunity to meet
each other and exchange experiences and ideas. The ability to
pick up a telephone or send an e-mail regarding a business
challenge and get back insights and suggestions is, as the
commercial says, priceless. Additionally, because the
manufactured housing industry is so specialized, “knowing the
right people” is crucial. From brokers and attorneys to paving
contractors or utility experts, WMA provides a vital service
network. The ongoing success of the California manufactured
housing industry is, to a great extent, dependent upon the
vibrancy of its state-wide trade association.
I was fighting an uphill battle with an overbearing city
government. It wasn’t until I became a member of Western
Manufactured Housing Communities Association that the tide
started to change. WMA pointed me in the right direction and made
a personal introduction to a HCD expert. With HCD and WMA’s help,
the issue was resolved in my favor! Thank you WMA.
