Let's be clear, some of our best and most memorable overnight stays have been in short term rentals. But, STRs are strangling workforce development in several communities around the nation by taking full-time housing off the market. That's a dilemma.
Outside of the gobs of money that STR companies are funneling into political candidates, how does a State say to its municipalities that they do not have the authority to regulate the voracious consumption of housing stock that is creating existential harm to residents and workforce?
It's like an issue we've struggled with for decades here in Madison. Because there are so many State and University owned buildings downtown (that are exempt from local property taxes), city residents are forced to pay significantly more in property tax than those in other cities. To make up for this, the City has asked for the ability to enact a half penny sales tax (which most thinking Madisonians would approve) in order to reduce property taxes. But the State blocks this because legislators want to be able to say they are holding the line on taxes so their re-election chances improve.
Municipalities should have the option to do what they believe is right for their residents without State intervention. If taxes get too onerous, residents will turn out those responsible. We really don't need the State to tell us how to run our communities. But they can't hep themselves, apparently.
Kudos to Akron for jumping ahead of a State bill that would prohibit requiring STRs to play by the same rules as other lodging businesses. And, by a 13-0 vote.
I mean really, cosmetologists and hairdressers must be licensed. Someone renting out their home as a business shouldn't be?
Sigh....
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