Airbnb Courts Black Leaders to Ease NYC Rental Rules Ahead of 1 Million World Cup Visitors
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 11
Airbnb Courts Black Leaders to Ease NYC Rental Rules Ahead of 1 Million World Cup Visitors
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 11
Airbnb has launched town halls and listening sessions in Harlem, Bedford-Stuyvesant and Jamaica to build support for City Council legislation that would loosen New York City short-term rental rules.
The push centers on Black pastors and homeowners, with Rev. Al Sharpton among those lobbying City Council leaders and arguing the current regime blocks Black homeowners from earning extra income.
The company is trying to re-enter a market it has largely lost after years of restrictions, including a state law that bars rentals under 30 days unless the host is present.
That campaign faces entrenched opposition from the politically powerful Hotel and Gaming Trades Council, which has helped keep Airbnb sidelined despite nearly $900,000 in lobbying.
The renewed effort comes as the region prepares for more than 1 million World Cup visitors, giving Airbnb a fresh argument that New York needs more short-term lodging capacity.
With a World Cup lodging crisis looming, is NYC's war on Airbnb about to hand billions in tourist dollars to New Jersey?
As NYC rents rise despite an Airbnb ban, could legalizing short-term rentals actually ease the city's housing crisis?
Airbnb is courting Black homeowners for support. Is this genuine economic empowerment or a corporate strategy to divide communities?