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

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

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.

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.

Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan
The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.

Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College
Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.

Integrating Human Rights Into Energy and Extractive Sector Transitions
Why just transition efforts must move beyond economic considerations by embedding human rights principles into business practices to ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable outcomes for affected communities and workers.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
Tyler Technologies
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions