NBSTRA’s First In-Person Members Meeting Was a Huge Success

We want to turn back now to a quick report on the Newport Beach Short-Term Rental Alliance’s first-ever, in-person Members’ Meeting from a couple weeks back. Although the event was two weeks ago, we focused our more urgent news on the information and takeaways from the City’s STLP Annual Meeting, and now want to turn back to this recap.

Almost 40 members of the NBSTRA gathered on the new outdoor covered patio at Malarky’s Irish Pub to hear updates on the Alliance’s efforts to represent our industry to the City of Newport Beach.

NBSTRA grab lunch at Malarky’s before the program begins.

After enjoying a outstanding lunch, sponsored by our founding member, Newport Beach Vacation Properties, and getting to know their fellow members, the attendees settled in to hear the discussion of the Alliance’s progress to date. Our Founder and President, Aaron Batley, kicked of the program in discussing his vision for the industry and Alliance and how he came to realize that STLP owners and managers needed to be united to ensure our voice is heard at City Hall.

Aaron speaks to the Alliance members.

Next, Aaron turned the program over to our contract Executive Director, Jeff Flint, who talked about his experience helping other STR Associations overcome challenges with their local governments, and the need for members to be their own best advocates not only be being good operators in the community, but also to be proud of the contributions they make to the Newport community.

Finally, the Alliance’s Newport Beach lobbyist, Todd Priest, spoke of his initial contacts with City Officials, including most the members of the City Council, and scheduled for later that afternoon, his first sit down with the new City Manager. Priest noted that most in the City government were very aware of the nearly $10 million annually the industry generates on bed taxes and fees for the City, and that most believed the vast majority of STRs in the City are well-run and not a burden to neighbors. All expressed hope that the new Alliance could be the basis of an even better partnership between the City and the STR community.

NBSTRA Lobbyist Todd Priest speaking earlier this year on behalf of the industry at the Newport Beach City Council

After these opening remarks, Aaron, Jeff and Todd took many important questions from the Members in attendance, and many reported their own experience with the apparent increase in enforcement from the City on parking, noise, and other complaints. Priest promised he would bring these concerns to the City Manager that afternoon.

NBSTRA members listen as the Alliance team discusses their plans to represent the industry.

After the program concluded, members mingled for some time and asked further questions. All agreed the first even was a great success and appreciated meeting many of their colleagues in the industry.

“I’m really excited for the growth in the Alliance,” said Aaron Batley. “The energy in the room today was outstanding and we’ll definitely be doing more of these meetings soon.”