Rizzotti Advised to Recuse From Burbank Landlord-Tenant Issues

In this episode, Sandy MacKay provides an overview of the episode's topic, focusing on recent news involving Councilmember Chris Rizzotti and its implications for landlords who also hold public office. The discussion examines the potential challenges and considerations faced by landlord public officials, offering insights into how such dual roles can impact their responsibilities and decision-making. Sandy wraps up the episode with closing remarks and farewells, summarizing the key points discussed and providing listeners with a thoughtful perspective on the intersection of real estate and public service.

Episode Transcript

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Have you ever wondered how political conflictscan impact real estate investments,

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particularly in the multifamily sector?
Welcome to the Multifamily Real Estate InsightsPodcast.
I'm your host, Sandy MacKay.
Let's get right to it.
In recent news, the California Fair PoliticalPractices Commission advised Burbank City
Councilmember Chris Rizzotti to recuse himselffrom participating in decisions related to

(00:27):
tenant protections and landlord regulations.
This advice was due to potential financialconflicts of interest tied to his real estate
holdings.
According to an article by Gavin J.
Quinton, the FPPC concluded that Rizzotti’sownership of four residential rental units in
Burbank would likely result in a "materialfinancial effect" from approaching decisions on

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the council docket.
Councilmember Rizzotti is advised not toparticipate in ongoing proposals related to a
rent cap, tenant relocation assistance,anti-harassment rules, and a proposed rental
registry program.
Under state law, public officials areprohibited from voting on matters in which they
have a financial stake that is distinguishablefrom that of the general public.

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This ruling highlights the complexities facedby officials who are also landlords, as their
personal investments can often intersect withpublic policy decisions.
Rizzotti, elected to the council in 2024 withsignificant support from real estate industry
groups and landlords, expressed frustrationover the decision, stating that his voice is

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being silenced from an important conversation.
He noted his experience representing bothlandlords and tenants and questioned the equity
of the FPPC's standards.
Rizzotti's decision to recuse himself fromfuture decisions will depend on further advice
from the city attorney, indicating the ongoingchallenges in balancing personal interests with

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public service.
It's interesting to note that the FPPC’sopinion contrasts with a separate ruling that
allows other council members, who are tenantsthemselves, to vote on tenant issues.
This highlights the differing standards appliedto officials based on their property ownership
status, which some argue could be perceived asinequitable.

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These rulings demonstrate the intricaterelationship between real estate ownership and
political decision-making, especially in areaswith active real estate markets.
Thank you for listening to the Multifamily RealEstate Insights Podcast.
I'm your host, Sandy MacKay.
See you on the next one.