Chris Lehane

The plan balances Nashville’s policy goals and economic benefits to short-term rental owners.

Christopher Lehane is Airbnb’s head of global policy and public affairs.

In 2000, Nashville was my home away from home. I served then as the press secretary for Al Gore’s presidential campaign, which was headquartered in Nashville.

I felt fortunate to have been let in on what seemed like one of America’s best kept secrets.

During a recent trip back to Nashville, it struck me that in many respects, the more things change in Nashville, the more they stay the same. Nashville has emerged as one of the most desired destinations in the world, yet it has managed to retain both its small-town feel and deep neighborhood-centric identity that first drew me in nearly two decades ago.

The elevation of Nashville’s brand has ushered in a transformative economic boom, particularly with travel and tourism. Nashville hotels charge some of the highest rates in the country and still frequently reach peak capacity. To accommodate the increased demand, Nashville’s short-term rental property community has quickly grown, expanding lodging capacity and delivering economic opportunity in the process.

Of course, the influx of visitors sometimes brings groups more interested in parties than responsibly experiencing all that Nashville has to offer. Some blame this trend on STRPs and are pushing for bans on second homes in many parts of the city.

Vice Mayor David Briley recently took a leadership role in this debate. His new ad hoc Metro Council committee is pursuing a thoughtful compromise that protects the quality of life in Nashville’s neighborhoods while also preserving the many benefits that a homeowner experiences with STRPs.

The STRP community wholeheartedly agrees that partnership is the best approach, and we understand the importance of working as a responsible partner with communities. We are prepared to work with the committee on a number of important issues -- voluntarily restricting our business growth in the process — in order to meet in the middle, allow all types of home sharing throughout the city and realize a joint vision with Nashville.

Airbnb has introduced a specific approach to address Nashville’s policy goals.

Density restrictions : Airbnb is open to caps on STRPs in certain types of residential neighborhoods. This would ensure “clusters” of STRPs cannot proliferate in any neighborhoods.

: Airbnb is open to caps on STRPs in certain types of residential neighborhoods. This would ensure “clusters” of STRPs cannot proliferate in any neighborhoods. Limiting group size : We’re very cognizant of concerns regarding parties and noise. We are prepared to voluntarily restrict the number of guests that hosts can advertise per home.

: We’re very cognizant of concerns regarding parties and noise. We are prepared to voluntarily restrict the number of guests that hosts can advertise per home. Easy registration : Nashville policymakers have expressed understandable concerns regarding STRP owners properly registering with the city. We have developed new tools allowing STRP hosts to seamlessly register through Airbnb, with the click of a button, which we would then pass through to the city. Those who fail to register would be removed from the platform.

: Nashville policymakers have expressed understandable concerns regarding STRP owners properly registering with the city. We have developed new tools allowing STRP hosts to seamlessly register through Airbnb, with the click of a button, which we would then pass through to the city. Those who fail to register would be removed from the platform. Taxes : Airbnb hopes to secure an agreement to collect and remit the short-term rental occupancy tax, which would ensure 100 percent tax compliance and deliver important new revenue for Nashville.

: Airbnb hopes to secure an agreement to collect and remit the short-term rental occupancy tax, which would ensure 100 percent tax compliance and deliver important new revenue for Nashville. Improved enforcement: We have introduced new tools to protect quality of life and hold irresponsible hosts accountable. These include 24/7 neighbor notification mechanisms and protocols to automatically delist STRP owners who allow parties or otherwise fail to be good neighbors.

Every day, STRP hosts offer a home away from home for travelers to your city, just as Nashville provided for me all those years ago. Through strict but fair regulations and restrictions forged by good-faith compromise, we can cultivate further economic opportunity and protect Nashville’s authenticity for generations to come.

Christopher Lehane is Airbnb’s head of global policy & public affairs