Economists who spoke to The Lens say a UNO economic impact study on short-term rentals appears to have been prepared to benefit the industry. When it comes to impact reports, that is not uncommon. UNO refused to provide the data behind the report or a larger report on tourism in New Orleans.
Commissioners voted in favor of recommendations requiring residency for licenses in residential neighborhoods, limit licenses in commercial zones. The proposal now goes to the City Council.
The Residents for Ethical and Sustainable Tourism ordinance has been presented to the council. STR critic says she is optimistic that a council member will introduce it for consideration.
Council also approves new crime cameras in Gentilly. Results of investigation into astroturfing at public meetings will be delayed until next month.
HomeAway and the Alliance for Neighborhood Prosperity are advocating policy changes that they call a compromise. But critics say they would lead to further expansion of short-term rentals.
We'll be there at 3 p.m. Tuesday, and you can follow along live or catch up later on the play-by-play.
The company says the council’s decision is “incompatible” with its system to help register users.
It’s the first major rollback of the year-old law that legalized and regulated rentals via services like Airbnb, VRBO and HomeAway.
The company told the city it would provide names of more than 200 hosts next week.
The council would drop a current study and replace it with one looking at cities with strict regulations.
