Pelosi calls for an end to Airbnb’s $120 million legal battle with San Francisco

Protestors say corporate tax refunds contribute to the city's multi-million dollar deficit. 

San Francisco is locked in a legal battle with Airbnb and Rep. Nancy Pelosi is calling on the city’s mayor to put an end to it. 

Pelosi along with other politicians at a San Francisco Democratic Party meeting last week voted for a resolution calling on Mayor Daniel Lurie to publicly oppose Airbnb’s lawsuit seeking to claw back $120 million in business taxes.

The resolution calls on Lurie to pressure Airbnb to “withdraw their claims in the interest of public good and fiscal stability.” The mayor has been trying to lure companies into returning to San Francisco to revitalize the tax base. Airbnb’s recently renewed its lease on its San Francisco headquarters through 2037. 

But workers and union leaders say they want Airbnb to pay its fair share. During a recent hearing in the case, they protested outside the courthouse claiming the corporate tax refund lawsuits are contributing to the city’s $800 million deficit. 

New and Proposed Regulations:

• Austin, Texas: Short-term rental operators are bracing for a financial hit after the city’s new 11% “hotel occupancy tax” went into effect on April 1. (link)
• Glen Ellyn, Illinois: Concern over loud parties and parking led village leaders to ban short-term rentals, with fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,500. 
• Spring Lake, Michigan: Complaints from residents prompted council leaders to ban any new short-term rentals on certain streets in the lakeside village. (link) 

Other Noteworthy News:

• Kosher travelers: The leading provider of kosher vacation rentals is expanding its operations within Arizona. (link)