HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-17-23 Public Comment - C. Meyer - 10_17 Banning Airbnb in Bozeman_ A Bad Idea _ From Local Resident of BozemanFrom:Corey Meyer
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]10/17 Banning Airbnb in Bozeman: A Bad Idea / From Local Resident of Bozeman
Date:Tuesday, October 17, 2023 10:33:45 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Good Morning City Commission,
Banning Airbnb in Bozeman would be a detrimental decision for several reasons. While
there may be valid concerns about the impact of short-term rentals on housing availability,
it's essential to consider the broader implications, including the importance of tourism.
Additionally, the argument against Airbnb often fails to acknowledge the advantages it
offers a city in comparison to traditional hotels.
1.
Tourism is a Major Contributor to the Local Economy: Bozeman heavily relies on
tourism as a driving force for its local economy. Banning Airbnb would negatively
impact this industry, resulting in reduced revenue for local businesses, restaurants,
and entertainment venues. Tourism-related activities such as skiing, hiking, and
visiting national parks are significant draws for Bozeman, and Airbnb
accommodations offer a more diverse and affordable range of options for tourists
compared to hotels.
2.
Limited Conversion to Long-Term Rentals: Critics of Airbnb argue that banning it
will free up housing for long-term rentals, addressing the city's housing crisis.
However, this assumption may not hold true. Many Airbnb hosts depend on short-
term rentals for supplemental income and are unlikely to convert their properties into
long-term rentals. The housing crisis is a complex issue that demands multifaceted
solutions, such as affordable housing initiatives, zoning changes, and property
development incentives, rather than solely targeting Airbnb.
3.
Airbnb Benefits Local Homeowners: Unlike corporate hotel chains, Airbnb allows
local homeowners to monetize their properties, benefiting the local economy directly.
This income often goes towards covering mortgages, property taxes, and home
maintenance, which helps local homeowners stay afloat in areas with a high cost of
living. Banning Airbnb would strip these homeowners of a valuable source of income.
4.
Hotels Funnel Money Out of the Local Economy: Hotels, especially those owned
by large corporate chains, often repatriate profits to their headquarters, which are
located elsewhere. In contrast, Airbnb hosts are typically local residents who reinvest
their earnings within the community. Banning Airbnb would effectively send money
away from Bozeman and into the pockets of distant corporations.
5.
Choice and Diversity of Accommodations: Airbnb offers travelers a diverse array
of accommodations, from cozy apartments to unique homes, which can enhance the
overall experience of visiting Bozeman. These options cater to a broader range of
travelers, including those seeking a more authentic, local experience. Banning Airbnb
would limit these choices, potentially dissuading some visitors from coming to
Bozeman.
In conclusion, while concerns about housing availability in Bozeman are valid, banning
Airbnb is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, the city should consider a more
comprehensive approach to address housing issues while preserving the many benefits
Airbnb provides to the local economy and tourists. Striking a balance that allows for
responsible short-term rentals, coupled with targeted housing policies, can be a more
effective way to tackle the challenges faced by the community. Please vote NO on
Ordinance 2149. I have been a resident of Bozeman since 2007 and have made my living
here as a professional in the tourism industry. By banning Airbnbs, the local economy,
which heavily relies on tourism, will be negatively affected.
Sincerely,
Corey Meyer
406-579-4540