Michigan communities are facing challenges in meeting their housing needs and goals as shown by Michigan’s Statewide Housing Plan. For many communities, solving the housing puzzle includes policies to address short-term rentals (STRs). Yet, STRs can fill a local or regional gap in visitor housing and offer an alternative type of lodging that is in demand to leisure and business travelers alike. According to the STR data and analytics provider AirDNA, the supply of STRs in the US saw large increases in 2022 and more modest increases in 2023. These increases in the number of dwellings being used for STRs have caused some Michigan communities to review their plans and policies around STRs to ensure they reflect the community’s vision and needs. 

This 90-minute webinar will begin by exploring trends and research related to STRs as well as where local communities can find data to examine their own local situation. This will be followed by an overview of policy approaches, regulatory tools, enforcement, and key STR court cases. The program will highlight several Michigan examples of community regulatory approaches to STRs. 

After the webinar, participants will be emailed a recording a copy of the presentation. MCPs can report 1.5 MCP Credits for attending.