SEATTLE — Representatives of Airbnb traveled to Seattle Thursday to describe its positive effect on the area’s economy, just one day after a City Council member stated intentions to begin regulating the business.
The presentation in the basement of the Elliott Bay Book Company came with a printed booklet, showing that within a one-year time span, Airbnb generated $178 million in total economic activity in Seattle.
On Wednesday, Councilmember Tim Burgess wrote a blog post about wanting to begin a process to create rules, governing the type of hosts who might operate more like a commercial business: those with many listings or who rent out their units for a majority of the year.
“We’re not trying to interfere or harm the common user of these online platforms. We just want to make sure we don’t have unintended consequences that harm the city’s overall rental housing market,” Burgess said.
When asked whether the visit to Seattle was related to Burgess’ statement, Airbnb’s regional head of public policy, David Owen, said, “This is a study that we’ve had in the works for a long time.”
In fact, Owen and Burgess said the city has been communicating with the company about how to make fair rules.
Airbnb released a report in December, showing that most of the hosts rent out units that are also their primary residences.
Two hosts spoke at Thursday’s event, describing how revenue from Airbnb guests helped them stay financially afloat.
Sandra Martin, a host in Fremont, said,”It helps pay my mortgage every month, so that my home is not being turned over and sold, and who knows what.”
Martin said she often gets free meals or free coffee from local businesses, who thank her for directing her guests to their doors.
Airbnb representatives said guests are spending money in the neighborhoods where they stay, which can be different from the typical hotel district.
Between mid-2014 and mid-2015, Airbnb estimates guests put $108 million into Seattle businesses, with about half of that going toward local businesses. On average, they said each guest spends $526 when they visit Seattle.
As far as potential council regulation, Owen said, “We’re really heartened that they’re taking a very thoughtful approach.”
KIRO
