Ahead of this year’s Primary Election, AZRT reached out to candidates in local races running for Mayor and City and Town Councils, asking for their take on how short-term rentals have affected our local economy and community as well as whether they would support future restrictions on short-term rentals. Below are there responses for your consideration as you head to the polls.
*Locations that have responded so far include Glendale, Lake Havasu, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Sedona.
Primary Election Day is July 30
Glendale
Candidates for City Council
Lupe Conchas – Cactus District
“Short-term rentals have significantly impacted our local economy and community in positive ways. They provide essential lodging options for tourists and visitors, particularly in Downtown Glendale and the Cactus District. These rentals play a crucial role in supporting our local economy by bringing in tourists who, in turn, support our small businesses, restaurants, and shops. Events like the Super Bowl and the Final Four attract large crowds, and our city often lacks sufficient hotel rooms to accommodate everyone. Short-term rentals offer a valuable solution, ensuring that visitors have a place to stay within Glendale, rather than seeking accommodations in Central Phoenix or Scottsdale. Additionally, short-term rentals provide diverse options for people with disabilities or different lodging needs, making Glendale a welcoming destination for everyone. By embracing short-term rentals, we can enhance our city’s appeal, support our local economy, and create a more inclusive community.
I believe that the current regulations and restrictions on short-term rentals are sufficient. I would not support any future restrictions, as residents of Glendale should have the freedom to use their private property as they see fit. It is concerning when multi-millionaires and corporations buy single-family homes solely for short-term rentals, as this can impact housing availability and affordability for local residents. However, there is no effective way to regulate this at present. My focus is on ensuring that short-term rentals continue to benefit our local economy and community without imposing unnecessary restrictions on property owners.”
Lake Havasu
Candidate for City Council
Joan Dzuro
“STRs are quite a conundrum for cities. I am a supporter of individual property rights as long as it doesn’t infringe on the health, happiness and well being of those around them. In LHC, unfortunately, we have lots of bad faith owners who don’t monitor their properties and allow their guests to block driveways, have loud parties, and keep late night noises going.
I support working with state legislators to return the oversight of STRs to individual cities. I would like to see owners/property managers/STR organizations meet with the city and discuss how we can get everyone who owns an STR to understand their responsibility to still be a good neighbor and what consequences can be implemented for those who consistently ignore the requirements.”
Mesa
Candidates for Mayor
Scott Neely
“I appreciate the question as this is one I have been asked by voters of Mesa as I have been knocking doors. There are definitely 2 sides to this issue. The home owner who is frustrated with their neighbors who VRBO their house and are dealing with people who have zero regard for their vacation behavior and investors who purchase a home to offer an alternative to families who find it more cost effective to rent a home for a week than a hotel. So yes I have heard concerns on both sides of this issue.
My approach as mayor would be to find common ground between both sides. By nature, I am for individual rights and naturally support a home investor to do with their property as they like. As someone who has dealt with disruptive vacationers in a neighborhood I hear the concerns. So finding a solid balance that allows investors to still offer their services along with sensible regulation is where I find myself on this issue.”
Candidates for City Council
Tim Meyer – District 1
“Short term rentals are used by 1000’s of people everyday. When properly managed, they are a good option for vacationers, the property owner, and they bring people into the community where they spend money and pay sales tax. With proper regulation, and owners who do a good job screening their clients, short term rentals are a good option for vacationing. When they are not properly managed, they are a HUGE concern to the neighborhoods where they are utilized. I support them with proper regulation and penalties to the owner and guests when they are abused.
Restrictions no, but fair and swift penalties for those who cause issues while renting. Proper screening, good deposits to deal with those who are not being good neighbors while renting and fines for owners who have repeat issues from their renters. Many people rent short term rentals and are courteous while doing so which is a win win for the owner and renter.”
Melody Whetstone – District 2
“Short term rentals allow for people to get to know our city and state both as a vacation destination and possible location to settle roots as a citizen. It also brings revenue to our small businesses.
Depends on what restrictions are being proposed. I feel that there should be better property rental management process to ensure the safety of the renters and the neighbors.”
Scottsdale
Candidates for Mayor
Linda Milhaven
“Good, responsible operators help to support the tourism industry. Irresponsible operators allow tenants that are disruptive to our neighborhoods.
STRs should be good neighbors and I support ordinances that hold them accountable to their neighbors. I also support limits in terms of total numbers or distance requirements between properties.”
Lisa Borowsky
“They provide an attractive alternative to visitors to our city which, in turn, brings visitors that may not otherwise be here spending money in our stores, restaurants and other activities that drive city sales tax revenue. However, some bad actors, whether it be occupants or the owner of an STR, spoil the experience for residents nearby which results in complaints to the city. My sense is, there are certain STR “repeat offenders”, likely the result of an owner that isn’t carefully screening occupants or enforcing basic rules related to being a courteous guest. I believe strict enforcement of ordinances that address disturbing the peace or other community nuisance related infractions is appropriate where problems are occurring with STRs, especially in the event of repeated violations. As Mayor, I owe an obligation to the residents of Scottsdale and, ideally, the STR industry can press for a reasonable “code of conduct” for owners to provide to their guests and hold those visitors accountable when they violate the guidelines rather than the City stepping in.”
Candidates for City Council
Justin Laos
“I believe that STRs do play a part and aid to Scottsdale’s local tourism industry. A problem come into play when there is over saturation and bad actors causing distress in neighborhoods. Scottsdale needs to bring balance the current STR situation by holding bad actors accountable to help prevent the distress to family neighborhoods. I also believe that in doing so will filter out less quality STRs aiding to fixing the satisfaction problem.
Scottsdale as a city is very limited on what it can do legally with STRs. The current strategy of empowering law enforcement to hold bad actors and their guests accountable I think is a winning strategy. I would look to see how that impacts the problem and further support it. I would also spend time promoting more local control at the state level. On Scottsdale we have to support our tourism industry but it can’t come at the expense of families.”
Sedona
Candidates for Mayor
John Martinez
“Short-Term Rentals, in the Most Beautiful City in the World, has practically eliminate all rental units for individuals that work in Sedona.
Because I know that current housing that is dedicated to STR, cannot be force to revert back to long term rentals (Grandfather Clause), I would like to see legislation to CAP the number of STR to a certain percentage of total housing units. If we are currently over that CAP than no new STR can be permitted.”
Candidate for City Council
Katherine Todd
“Short-term rentals can boost the local economy by attracting tourists and generating income for property owners. However, it’s essential to maintain balance, as losing neighbors to short-term rentals has negatively impacted neighborhoods throughout Sedona. Areas without CC&Rs are particularly affected, so we need to be creative in addressing the STR issue to support these communities. To preserve the character of our neighborhoods, we must limit the total number of short-term rentals. By prioritizing community ties, we ensure that residents feel connected to their neighbors while still enjoying the economic benefits. Striking this balance is crucial for fostering a vibrant local economy and a strong, cohesive community where everyone feels invested in their neighborhood’s future.
Yes, I support future restrictions on short-term rentals. We should limit the total percentage of rentals based on community input to ensure a balance that residents find acceptable. Existing rentals could be grandfathered in, but when a home sells, the new owner would need to join a waiting list until the total percentage of STRs falls below the allowed limit. This approach would prevent homes from being sold solely as businesses and help stabilize housing market values, fostering a stronger community atmosphere.”