Short-term rentals are an important part of Salida's tourism-based economy. However, at the moment the increase of short-term rentals (STRs) is exacerbating Salida's housing crisis - where businesses are cutting hours for lack of employees, and workers are being forced to live in vehicles or sub-optimal housing.
The existence of too many STRs, compared to affordable housing, drives up prices and take units off the market that could potentially serve as long-term rentals. Over the next month, the City of Salida will be considering caps on short-term rental licenses in historical and commercial districts (good!). BUT: we believe that their proposed caps - up to 70% in downtown and Highway 50 areas - are far too high (bad!).
In fact, we believe that NO MORE STR licenses should be issued until more long-term housing is available for local workers. We need our housing options to be re-balanced both for economic health and the good of ALL of our community. Will you join us in asking Salida City Council to continue a moratorium (a "pause") on STR licenses, until more research is conducted and more voices are included in the conversation?
Please sign the petition, share your story, then share on social media. Our City Council members need to hear from more than developers and investors. They need to hear YOUR voice.
