Two referendums on Portland’s ballot address short-term rentals.

Question B will outlaw most short-term rentals. It will hurt Portland’s economy, force Mainers to sell island homes that have been in their families for generations and make life more difficult for middle-class property owners who depend on the extra income they receive from short-term rentals. It will not decrease rents or create housing. Question B is bad policy that voters should reject again, as they did two years ago.

This time, we have a better alternative. Question A recognizes that properly regulated, locally owned and operated short-term rentals are important to Portland’s economy. It strengthens the city’s short-term rental rules by prohibiting corporate investors from owning short-term rentals, and by promoting local ownership. It protects tenants from being evicted so an apartment can be turned into a short-term rental.

Question A is smart policy that will keep Portland local and benefit the people who call it home.

Paul Waring
Portland