By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead
It’s that time of year again. The legislature is in session and considering over 1,000 bills with a continued trend away from local control. The City’s lobbyist is at the Capital advocating for Scottsdale. Again, the City’s top priority is Short Term Rental reform. Prognosis: Not Good.
Protecting Arizona from Fire
Scottsdale helped stop a bill to expand airborne fireworks in Arizona and supports a bill allowing cities to restrict consumer fireworks between 10 pm – 8 am: HB2623, introduced by Rep Dr. Amish Shah. (LD24).
Real Reform for Short Term Rentals, Please
Unintended consequences or not, the 2016 Airbnb Law (SB1350) has wreaked havoc. The law blocks cities from enacting zoning to protect constituents and denies Arizonians of their basic private property rights to determine and protect the character of their neighborhoods.
Short-term rentals have hit Arizonian’s wallets, too. In Scottsdale, a majority of STRs are not registered and likely underpaying taxes while burdening City services such as trash and police.
Scottsdale supports an STR bill introduced by Rep John Kavanagh (LD23), HB2481, but the legislative majority does not. Amendments are now being considered including an STR industry-backed moratorium on future laws.
What Arizona really needs is to repeal and replace 1350 with a law that restores local zoning control and differentiates between individuals renting their homes and corporate STRs. I worry that amendments to HB2481 will reduce the bill to ‘lip service’ and I strongly oppose any attempts to block future STR laws.
Short Term Rentals, including corporate STRs, should continue to be an option for Arizona tourists. We just need laws that protect neighborhoods and ensure taxes are collected.
NO SB1175: Protect Arizona’s Prosperity & Quality of Life
The recently approved AZ Corporation Commission’s (ACC) Energy Rule strengthens Arizona’s position as a pro-business, low-tax state. The Rule is supported by Fortune 500 corporations looking to invest in Arizona and will create high-wage trade and tech jobs – jobs that will strengthen Arizona’s middle class.
The legislature, however, is advancing a bill to pre-empt the ACC’s adoption of the Energy Rule threatening Arizona’s fastest-growing industry. Undermining the ACC’s authority also exposes residential utility customers to the same uncertainty that is behind corporate opposition. (Learn more here).
Despite broad opposition including the Arizona Technology Council, the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, the American Lung Association and others, the House approved the bill which now moves to the Senate. Consider writing your State Senator to oppose SB1175: LD23, Michelle Ugenti-Rita, LD24 Lea Alston.
Scottsdale’s full legislative priorities and updates can be read here.
Scottsdale General Plan 2035
Community input for the General Plan continues. City staff has created virtual, self-guided open house videos on the city’s website so that citizens can participate in the outreach on their own schedule. Click here. An overview of my GP thoughts here.