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By: Hal C Clarke
Airbnb has announced the creation of a Super PAC, “Keeping New York Affordable,” with plans to spend $5 million supporting city and state candidates who favor policies enabling short-term rentals. According to the New York Post, the Super PAC aims to influence more than a dozen City Council primaries in June, marking a significant political push for the online rental platform.
This initiative comes as Airbnb attempts to rebuild its presence in New York City following a devastating setback in 2023. That year, the City Council passed strict home-sharing regulations that led to the removal of tens of thousands of short-term rentals from Airbnb’s platform, the NY Post reported. The law requires hosts to be present when renting out their homes, effectively dismantling much of the city’s short-term rental market.
With its new political arm, Airbnb hopes to counter the influence of the powerful hotel industry and its ally, the Hotel Trades Council union. The NY Post highlighted that the union has long opposed short-term rentals, viewing them as competition for tourist dollars and a threat to traditional hotel businesses.
The company’s political strategy aligns with a bill introduced by Council Member Farah Louis (D-Brooklyn) and backed by Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Queens). The proposed legislation seeks to restore short-term rental rights for small homeowners, potentially paving the way for Airbnb’s resurgence in the city.
According to the NY Post, the bill has garnered support from several council members, including Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Queens), Kevin Riley (D-Bronx), Diana Ayala (D-Bronx/Manhattan), and Mercedes Narcisse (D-Brooklyn).
The hotel industry, however, is not backing down. The Hotel Trades Council has launched an ad campaign opposing the bill and reaffirmed its commitment to defeating Airbnb’s efforts.
“It wouldn’t be another Airbnb legislative fight without this $80 billion tech company announcing a big-money Super PAC,” HTC spokesperson Austin Shafran told the NY Post. “They’ve tried this before, and each time, their money hasn’t influenced elected officials who know that dollars don’t vote—constituents who care about affordable housing and public safety do.”
Shafran also disputed Airbnb’s claim that hotel rates have soared due to short-term rental restrictions. Instead, he argued that rates rose because thousands of hotel rooms were converted into emergency shelter units during the migrant crisis, reducing availability for tourists.
Airbnb’s Super PAC plans to provide support through 2026, focusing on candidates who advocate for homeowner-friendly short-term rental policies. By bolstering its political influence, the company aims to challenge the hotel industry’s dominance and regain its foothold in New York City.
As the NY Post noted, the stakes are high for Airbnb, as its ability to operate effectively in New York could set a precedent for other cities grappling with the regulation of short-term rentals. This political battle represents a high-stakes clash between two powerful industries vying for influence over the city’s housing and tourism landscape.
With its significant financial backing and political strategy, Airbnb is doubling down on its efforts to reshape the rules of short-term rentals in its favor, setting the stage for a contentious fight in the months and years ahead.
