Reno Council Turns ADUs Into “Airbnb Deluxe Units”
Strategies 360 Brett Scolari the lobbyist for Airbnb speaking at the Reno City Council meeting.
Dozens of residents showed up, pleaded, and practically begged: please don’t let neighborhood accessory dwelling units (ADUs) become short-term rentals. The council, after all, said ADUs were supposed to be about affordable housing. Affordable, for whom? Certainly not for the folks footing the bill to build one.
But last Wednesday, in a dazzling display of selective hearing, the Reno City Council did a full 180 and voted to let ADUs morph into mini-Hyatts. So much for keeping neighborhoods livable — apparently lobbyists with Airbnb tote bags get better seating than residents with concerns.
The irony is rich. The council once promised: “We’ll listen to you.” Translation: “We’ll listen… until the campaign checks clear.”
Kathleen Taylor and Devon Reese — both auditioning for mayor — have already perfected the art of saying one thing to voters and another to donors. Why stop now? Airbnb will need a safe landing spot for its cash this campaign season.
Naomi Duerr is termed out, window-shopping for her next political gig, so why not leave a few fires burning on her way out?
Anderson? Builders’ best friend.
Ebert? Sold out and proudly wearing the label.
Martinez? The council’s very own marionette — strings included.
And Mayor Schieve? Too busy selling Spooge skincare to notice residents getting burned.
The residents asked for affordable housing. The council delivered Airbnb suburbs. The only thing “affordable” here is how cheaply the public’s trust was sold.
Because in Reno politics, when residents get torched, someone else always walks away with the suntan lotion.
Airbnb political contributions to Reno City Councilmember Devon Reese and Miguel Martinez.