Palm Springs residents have voted in favor of vacation rentals by rejecting Measure C which called for phasing out vacation rentals of fewer than 28 days within two years. The measure had 68% of voters supporting vacation rentals in Palm Springs. Palm Springs has over 1,800 licensed vacation rentals. According to an article from the Desert Sun, HomeAway spokesperson Philip Minardi called the Measure C vote “a clear signal to other cities that community members aren’t interested in blanket bans.” And Mike Copps, Executive Director of industry group Vacation Rental Management Association or VRMA, said Palm Springs voters showed they understand “the incredibly valuable role (vacation rentals play) in supporting the Palm Springs economy.”
In addition on the VRMA blog it was noted that voters in Palm Springs realized the value that vacation rentals play in the Coachella Valley and in particular their city. Mike Copps went on to state “There are many long-standing VRMA members in the Palm Springs community; professional property managers who will continue to work with local officials to resolve issues that arise. Professional vacation rental managers provide travelers with lodging options that they are increasingly looking for when choosing vacation destinations. “In addition to luring visitors to the state, the vacation rental industry offers immeasurable direct and indirect benefits, with second homeowners providing a significant portion of tax revenues and travelers staying in vacation rentals spending higher than average sums of money in the local community, generating additional tax revenue, employment, and economic development."
The estimated tax revenue fallout if vacation rentals were to be banned would have been estimated to be around $10,000,000.00 and almost $200 million in economic impact for the region.
About VVRA
VVRA is a group of Short-term vacation rental owners and property managers licensed in the City of Ventura who want to partner with residents, businesses and city leaders for the betterment of the STVR industry.
Our Mission: To ensure that we uphold the Good Neighbor Guidelines the City of Ventura has issued to ensure our guests respect their neighbors during their stay in our city.
We strongly believe in being good neighbors wanting what is best for our properties and the community. This association is being formed for the betterment of all and to make sure all licensed STVR owners are well informed on all issues relating to their properties in the city of Ventura.