News You Can Use – November 5, 2025 – TOP STORY: Nantucket voters approve unrestricted short-term rentals island-wide

Today’s “News You Can Use” highlights two election related stories as voters backs STRs in Nantucket, RI, while an STR tax in Vail, CO remains too close to call.

1) TOP STORY: Nantucket, MA — Voters approve unrestricted STRs

After years of debate and competing proposals, voters endorsed allowing short-term rentals across the island without new restrictions. The decision ends a long stalemate and preserves the ability to operate STRs island-wide.
Links:
– Bloomberg
– The Boston Globe
– The Wall Street Journal (live)
– CapeCod.com
– The Inquirer and Mirror
– Nantucket Current

2) Vail, CO — STR tax measure remains too close to call

Preliminary results on a proposed increase to Vail’s short-term rental tax show a razor-thin margin, with ballots still being counted. Both sides say late returns could decide the outcome.
Links:
– The Colorado Sun
– Vail Daily

3) Bath Township/Akron area, OH — Shooting at STR party renews enforcement scrutiny

A teen birthday party at a rented home ended in gunfire with multiple juveniles injured, prompting regional attention on STR party risks and local policy gaps. Follow-up coverage details investigations, community responses, and how Summit County rules differ by jurisdiction.
Links:
– FOX 8 Cleveland
– Akron Beacon Journal (initial)
– ABC News
– CBS News
– WKYC
– Akron Beacon Journal (rules vary county-wide)
– 10TV Columbus
– ABC6 Columbus

4) Michigan — Plan to let cities tax STRs draws mixed industry responses

A legislative proposal to permit local STR taxes is backed by Airbnb while hotel groups push back, arguing competitive and policy concerns.
Links:
– Crain’s Grand Rapids Business
– 97.5 Y-Country

5) Cleveland, OH — STR licensing plan debated, held for more work

A council committee heard broad testimony on licensing requirements and enforcement before deciding to refine the proposal.
Links:
– Citizen Portal

6) Bismarck, ND — City approves STR ordinance

City leaders adopted rules governing short-term rentals, with video coverage highlighting the final vote and key provisions.
Links:
– KXNET

7) Pima County, AZ — Supervisors seek greater control over STRs

County officials requested more authority from the state to address STR-related housing and neighborhood impacts.
Links:
– KOLD

8) Opinion — Placentia, CA: STR ban and property rights

A commentary argues the city’s ban undermines property rights and offers limited gains for neighborhood stability.
Links:
– Orange County Register

• Questions or concerns about how these stories might impact Newport Beach STRs? Feel free to reach out — we’re here to help.

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