Summit County has always prided itself on its strong sense of community, where families come together to support one another, especially through youth programs like local sports leagues. But that sense of community is being quietly disrupted by the growth of short-term rentals.

As more homes are converted into short-term vacation spots, long-term housing options for working families are disappearing. This isn’t just a housing issue, it’s a community issue. Families who used to coach, volunteer at school events, or fill the stands at local games are being forced to move away, and we’re seeing the impact in the children’s lives. Fewer players, fewer volunteers and fewer opportunities for youth to be part of something bigger than themselves.

This isn’t being anti-tourism. It’s about preserving the balance. Without meaningful limits or boundaries on short-term rentals, Summit County risks becoming a place people only visit not one where people can truly live, raise families.

I urge local leaders and residents to consider the long-term costs of short-term benefits. Supporting policies that protect housing for full-time residents and keep our communities whole. Because at the end of the day, a strong community isn’t just built on beautiful mountains — it’s built on the people who call them home.