A new Airbnb Portal gives cities a much-requested glimpse into the short-term rental company's books. Now operating in 15 cities, the Airbnb City Portal is poised for implementation on a global scale.
Multinational short-term rental behemoth Airbnb is making an effort to increase transparency with a data-sharing portal intended to provide a platform for municipalities to address safety concerns related to specific Airbnb listings.
"The Airbnb City Portal, which launched on Wednesday as a pilot program with 15 global cities and tourism agencies, aims to provide municipal staff with more efficient access to data about listings, including whether or not they’re complying with local laws," reports Patrick Sisson.
The pilot program features a direct contact person for each city to review safety or security issues identified by local officials. The Portal will also provide information about demographics and city of origin for visitors of Airbnb's rentals, making possible more data-informed marketing and advertising spend for municipalities
"At a time when fears of the impact of over-tourism have abruptly turned into worries about under-tourism, Airbnb is trying to position itself as a responsible partner that can help struggling cities recover more quickly," writes Sisson.
The Portal could go great lengths toward touching up an already blemished relationship with local municipalities. Airbnb senior vice president for global policy and communications Chris Lehane hopes the company can "speed response times for the safety issues that have recently cropped up, such as booking entire homes for events to get around social distancing regulations, and eventually figure out how to do this on a global scale."
FULL STORY: Airbnb’s Data ‘Portal’ Promises a Better Relationship With Cities
Barcelona to Phase out all Short-Term Rentals
The city plans to stop issuing new or renewal licenses by 2029.
San Diego Passes New Vacation Rental Regulations
The city passed a proposal to limit the number of whole-home vacation rentals and implement new regulations and fees for rental property owners.
'Fairbnb' Attempts to Right the Wrongs of Short-Term Rentals
A new attempt at mitigating the social impact of short-term rentals and mass tourism.
2024: The Year in Zoning
Cities and states are leaning on zoning reform to help stem the housing crisis and create more affordable, livable neighborhoods.
NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide
The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.
Denver Pauses Multifamily Development in Westside Neighborhoods Amidst Gentrification Concerns
City officials say the pause on permits for redevelopment projects aims to stop the displacement of long-term residents.
After the Fires: Challenges and Efforts to Heal LA’s Parks and Trails
The recent LA wildfires have devastated parks and trails, with recovery efforts requiring extended closures, collaborative restoration plans, and community support to address extensive damage and long-term risks like landslides.
DC Launches New Round of E-Bike Rebates
District residents can apply for a subsidy of up to $1,500 to purchase e-bikes.
Why Aren’t There More Bollards in US Cities?
Solid barriers, like the dormant ones in New Orleans, are commonly used to improve road safety in Europe. Why not here?
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Placer County
Skagit Transit
Berkeley County
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland