Save Philadelphia's Airbnbs Short Term Rentals!
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February 2023 UPDATE - NEW GOAL - NEED TO RAISE ANOTHER 20,000. (5,000 by the end of this week)
Happy February Everyone!
It's been a minute since we updated you and for good reason. We have been very busy behind the scenes working on new strategy and updates to save Philadelphia's STR's.
Moving forward, here's what's next and what we need from you. Keep an eye open for more updates and events as we will be having an online meeting again soon to answer questions, strategize more and update you.
As you know, the new changes and bill have gone into effect as of January 1, 2023, but
THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE SUCCESS AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS FIGHT
MOST OF COUNCIL IS ON YOUR SIDE OR NEUTRAL AT WORST
Our plan to save Philadelphia's STR's is unfazed and stronger than ever.
Our updated plan of action is to work behind the scenes with City Councilmembers from each district to iron out and approve our new proposed STR Legislation. Crafting this together with them helps to ensure that things will run smoothly and get passed right away without opposition when put to an official vote!
Fun fact: This is the exact method that they used to create and pass the original legislation…
and avoids any opportunities for things to be rejected. By being behind the scenes and working together we can craft fair regulations that will enable a healthy STR market to remain.
Our previous strategy to just introduce a bill prior to discussion, while it can be implemented a little quicker, would more likely be under more scrutiny and meet more adverse reaction, pushback and rejection of the bill.
Basically, speaking on this bill behind the scenes speeds up the process and helps to push it through for approval.
Here are the main points of the legislation we are working on with our supporters in Council:
All hosts are able to obtain a license regardless of being in CMX3 or higher zoning
This outcome might vary depending on your district and the negotiations, but we are fighting for ALL to be able to have the ability to operate and will save all that we can
We believe that if we can’t save everyone, it will be where AT LEAST 70% of Short Term Rentals are legal, instead of the ONLY 30% that are legal now.
1 Severe Strike Rule
Events or transgressions that warrant a severe strike:
Noise ordinance violation (i.e. a wild and disturbing party or riot) or violent crime- Incident must be confirmed on site by a city official and recorded with city government (i.e. no neighbor complaints or “he said” “she said”)
If we can’t save every STR, then Grandfathering of all non compliant STRs started prior to January 1st 2023 that won’t comply with new rules
Please note these line items will be subject to change at any time based on our continuing conversations with all city officials involved in this process.
AGAIN: CURRENTLY ONLY 30% OF STRS ARE LEGAL WITH THE EXISTING LEGISLATION IN EFFECT. If this new legislation causes AT LEAST 70% of ALL STRs to be legal, then we believe that is a BIG WIN for the Philly STR Industry, solidifying a healthy STR market for decades or more.
THIS DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE FIGHTING FOR ONLY 70% TO BE LEGAL. WE ARE FIGHTING FOR 100% TO BE LEGAL
Time Line Moving Forward:
February- STRs as a topic are announced- citing , which allows us to have behind-the-scenes meetings with the council
After the announcement - February, March and April- meeting with councilmembers from each district behind the scenes to review and approve legislation
Late April/Early May- New bill introduced and passed within 30-45 days
REMEMBER: If it gets proposed that means most or all council members have already seen it and approved it behind the scenes.
The vote is just a technicality at that point!
How YOU Can Help- and join the many other supporters who are one of us!:
We do have to fundraise - it's just the nature of the beast and we can't move forward without it. We need to raise 5,000 by the end of this week. We’ve received a lot of great support from everyone and hope it will continue! Currently, we are at $1,850 and hoping to meet our $5,000 goal by this Friday. Please donate if you can, no amount is too small and is very much appreciated. We use these funds to pay our lobbyists and all necessary service providers working hard for you and ensure that all of the work going on behind the scenes can be continued. We’re almost there but we need your help. Please DONATE today and be a part of what gets us to the finish line.
A BIG THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING RECENT DONORS- If you’ve donated in the past or are not on this list, please don’t feel left out!
Host Aid Homes LLC
Rafi Spero
Jose Nunez
Romier Williams
Ramses Cordova
Michael and Elizabeth Chang
Beth Schad
Kati Stratos
Sheryl Stitman
Jessica Burke
Donors like you allow us to keep going!
Join their ranks and be a part of the movement! DONATE HERE
If you have already, or plan to donate $250. or more, please reach out to us at [email redacted] and we will send you a link to join the What's App Chat Group for Sharing Philadelphia where you can stay up to date on the conversation and goings-on in real time with me and each other.
We will be having another event this month so stay tuned and we will keep you posted, we will be looking forward to seeing you again soon!
Hope to see you soon!
Warmly,
Theron Lewis, STR Hero
Sharing Philadelphia Advocate
UPDATE - WE NEED TO RAISE ANOTHER 7,000. BY NEXT WEEK OR UP TO 90% OF PHILADELPHIA'S AIR BNB's WILL BE BANNED AND WE WILL FAIL.
PLEASE DONATE NOW!
We Delayed the Philly Ban! Now We're Finishing the Fight!
Join us in Clubhouse on Tuesday August 16th at 7 PM EDT.
We delayed the Philly Airbnbn Ban until 2023 and we are working on overturning it! Learn how to fight regulations in your area and plan to overturn the bill!
Join us to Learn More, Help Fight the Ban, and Overturn the Bill, We Need You!
Contact your Council Members:
REACH OUT TO YOUR COUNCILMEMBER!
STEPS BELOW:
FIND YOUR COUNCILPERSON VIA link here and record their phone number & email(s): you may have to copy and paste, but check your emails for the latest update with QR code and link as well
On the phone, or via email, say the following things:
- Your name and your district where you live or have an STR at
- You are calling/emailing about BILL NO. 210081
- What STRs do for you, your family, and your neighborhood (if it has had a positive effect on your neighborhood/neighbors)
- What will happen to you and your family if the STR ordinance is enforced in January
Our Very first post:
Hi, This is Theron Lewis - I am one of the many Advocates for our SharingPhiladelphia.org
We are a group of advocates and local Philadelphia homeowners, small business owners, and community leaders who support the fair regulation of short-term rentals in the Philadelphia area.
Many of us rent our properties, either a portion or our whole home, to travelers looking for a unique lodging experience that allows them to feel at home. The majority of our visitors are families and groups that need extra space to be comfortable or want an experience outside of the traditional tourist district.
We have already raised $2,500 and know that with your help we will make a change and keep short term rentals successful in Philadelphia.
We will need an additional $3,500 for an immediate response fund to hire consultants, get political consultants in the room, and professionals who can ensure us a seat at the table throughout the legislative process, including promotional services and operating expenses.
Help us stop the Airbnb Short Term Rental Ban in Philadelphia!
Please check out our website for more information at https://sharingphiladelphia.org and feel free to share this to your social media as well. You can find us on Facebook , Instagram and Clubhouse
Here is our most recent meeting from August 26th, 2021, take a look:
Organizer
Theron Lewis
Organizer
Chicago, IL
