CSSA Tackles Legislative Advocacy Head-On

CSSA Tackles Legislative Advocacy Head-On

For many years, the California self storage industry has largely stayed under the legislative radar. We provide a valuable service with relatively few complaints, and customer satisfaction across the industry remains high. However, rising inflation, the high cost of living in California, and increased customer anxiety—combined with evolving industry pricing models—have drawn new and unwanted attention to self storage.

CSSA has long been proactive in monitoring and addressing local initiatives to keep the self storage market open and unencumbered. We have consistently worked closely with the Self Storage Association (SSA) and its lobbyist on statewide issues, while also partnering with broader coalitions to support legislation that benefits our industry.

As many of you are aware, the California self storage industry was targeted this year by a proposed price control measure, SB 709. CSSA responded immediately, collaborating closely with SSA to address the bill. We also engaged coalition partners, lobbyists representing REITs and larger operators, and a dedicated group of CSSA members who devoted significant time and effort to opposing this legislation. Through these collective efforts, SB 709 was amended from a price control bill to one focused on disclosure.

During the initial hearings, legislators invited homeless advocates and consumer advocacy groups who argued that self storage is not only essential, but a right that should be available at low cost. They characterized the industry as unregulated and claimed that recent legislation has primarily benefited self storage operators.

This experience was a wake-up call. While we may have won the battle on SB 709, it is clear that a broader legislative challenge lies ahead. In response, CSSA is strengthening its advocacy efforts and taking a more assertive, organized approach. Here is what we are doing:

• Strengthening our partnership with SSA and continuing to work closely with its lobbyist
• Expanding our advocacy reach by joining the California Business Roundtable and the California Business Properties Association
• Hiring our own lobbyist, Platinum Advisors (see the related article in this issue)
• Streamlining CSSA’s internal legislative advocacy committee
• Developing an Industry Advocacy Fund (IAF) to support our legislative efforts through member contributions
• Initiating the creation of a candidate PAC, which will allow members to support legislators who understand and support our industry
• Continuing the use of software that monitors city councils, planning commissions, and other government entities for local issues affecting self storage
• Building a grassroots network of self storage owners who can engage directly with legislators and assist with local advocacy
• Launching a public relations effort aimed at educating legislators on the benefits self storage provides to their constituents

These are ambitious—but necessary—steps. CSSA is committed to ensuring that the self storage industry is never again caught unprepared. This expanded advocacy effort directly supports our mission: protecting and advancing the self storage industry in California.