On Thursday, February 20, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Davis Learning Center in Prescott, Az, 12 Arizona mayors will meet to discuss the impact short-term rentals are having in the cities they represent.
The mayors, representing Sedona, Cottonwood, Payson, Williams, Winslow, Chino Valley, Jerome, Clarkdale, Page, Prescott and Lake Havasu, will examine community challenges such as keeping, or hiring teachers, First Responders, nurses, and tourism help due to issues associated with houses being turned into short-term rentals.
According to the organizers of the forum, named “Mayors Forum for the People,” entire neighborhoods are being converted into Airbnb’s that are affecting the sense of community, in their cities.
Organizers further state that schools are facing sobering decisions about combining classes to meet to compensate the loss of teachers. Equally, parents are removing their children from schools lacking sufficient teachers.
Tourist and recreational businesses are facing a growing shortage of help.
Home sales are being affected as well when buyers were not told the home they are purchasing is located next to an Airbnb .
Economic and political challenges are mounting in many communities across Arizona and the mayors will meet to weigh what could be done to avert the perceived negative impact of Airbnb’s.
According to the organizers, little of what will be shared at this forum has been reported publicly.
The public is invited to attend.
The forum will be held at the Davis Learning Center, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 3700 Willow Creek Road, AZ 86301
Click HERE for more information and directions.
Below are some of the mayors who will be in attendance: