Two Election Wins, One Clear Lesson: When STR Owners Organize, We Win!
Two very different communities, two very different margins – one shared takeaway. In Nantucket and Vail last week, short-term rental (STR) owners and managers showed what happens when we organize, tell our story, and turn out: we win.
Nantucket, MA – a decisive win for legal clarity.
After years of lawsuits, stalemates, and split proposals, Nantucket voters approved Article 1 to legalize STRs island-wide as a permitted use. The measure passed 1,045 to 421 (about 71% support), comfortably clearing the two-thirds threshold required at Town Meeting. What was at stake? Nothing less than legal certainty for local homeowners, hosts, and the island’s visitor economy. With Article 1’s passage, the community affirmed that responsible STRs are part of Nantucket’s fabric – and put an end to the limbo that fueled costly litigation and confusion. BostonGlobe.com+1
Vail, CO – a narrow victory against a new STR-only tax.
In Vail, voters defeated Ballot Issue 2A by just 32 votes, a razor-thin decision after weeks of spirited debate. 2A would have added a new 6% excise tax on STRs (stays under 30 days), pushing the STR lodging tax burden from 10.8% to 16.8% – with supporters earmarking revenue for housing, and opponents warning of higher costs that could dampen tourism. The outcome was close, but the message is unmistakable: when hosts and allies engage early and often, even “too close to call” contests can break our way. Vail Daily
Partnerships matter.
A special thank-you to Airbnb for stepping up in Vail. Their support – alongside local owners, managers, and property stakeholders – helped ensure voters heard the full story about real-world impacts on guests, small businesses, and the broader visitor economy. (And to every volunteer who knocked, called, posted, or simply talked with neighbors – you made the difference.)
Same playbook, two results – and the through-line is engagement.
Nantucket’s strong margin didn’t happen by accident; it was built on sustained outreach, credible messengers, and clear stakes for homeowners and the local economy. Vail’s nail-biter underscores the flip side: every conversation and every ballot counts. In both places, organized advocacy translated into electoral success.
What this means for NBSTRA members
Cities across the country are debating STR rules, fees, and taxes. We document these efforts nearly every day in our “News You Can Use” posts.
These two elections show that when we’re organized, respectful, and persistent – we win. Here’s how you can help strengthen our effort in Newport Beach and beyond:
Stay connected. Make sure we have your up-to-date contact information so you receive rapid alerts when issues hit agendas.
Be visible. Speak at hearings, write respectful letters, and share your story – as a homeowner, a neighbor, or a local small-business supporter.
Bring a friend. The difference between losing and winning can be a handful of votes – invite another STR owner or supporter to engage alongside you.
Support the cause. Volunteer your time or contribute to sustain effective, local advocacy.
Two wins. One clear lesson. When STR owners and managers show up together – we protect fair, sensible rules that keep our communities welcoming, vibrant, and thriving.
Sources: Vail Daily reporting on Ballot Issue 2A (Nov. 5, 2025) and vote-night live updates; Inquirer & Mirror/Nantucket reporting on the Article 1 Special Town Meeting outcome.