What drivers are to rideshare companies, landlords are to Airbnb. In response to complaints, the company is upping outreach to its hosts.
Landlords and their rentable properties are Airbnb's bread and butter, and the company is increasing its efforts to keep them happy. Marisa Kendall writes, "To some Airbnb hosts, the move is an attempt to fix a broken communication chain between Airbnb's landlords and its management."
"Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky promised to open some company board meetings to landlords, hold quarterly Q&A sessions over Facebook Live, create a 'Host Advisory Council' and send periodic email updates." Chesky also differentiated Airbnb from other technology giants currently experimenting with artificial intelligence. Makes sense, since it would be hard to automate renting out one's home to strangers.
In addition to serving as hosts, landlords can also make it easier for Airbnb on the political side of things. "Another reason Airbnb may want to keep its landlords happy — they play a key role in the company's efforts to lobby local governments and fight the 'historic power of the hotel industry.'"
FULL STORY: Airbnb vows to give its landlords a louder voice
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service