Ten years ago, the rental market in Summit County for those with jobs who were seeking to live there full time was very tight. I remember if I heard about something I would have to be on it right away or it would be gone in a day or two. 

That was when Airbnb and VRBO did not exist. Now finding a place to rent is basically impossible —thanks to the short-term rental landlords.

The negative implications from these short-term rental landlords on the workforce in Summit County — and hence the tourist industry as a whole — cannot be overstated. While I understand the authors’ position that short-term rental owners are not being fairly represented, there is no other way to keep Summit County with a viable workforce. Unfortunately, the short-term renal landlords cannot have their cake and eat it too. Summit County, without enough living space for full-time employees, means there are no services for any of the short-term renters. The local government is doing its best to strike a balance. 

Unless the short-term rental landlords want to build a new town where the locals can live and still work in Summit County, it’s my opinion that they should be left out of the process.