What is happening? Land Trust of Virginia has seen double the number of conservation easements this year. 40 million acres nationwide are protected by conservation easement, of which about 20 million acres are under the care of land trusts. Why is this important? Increased federal support for conserving land from development in the “30×30” campaign […]
Monthly Archives: April 2022
Economic Drivers of Short Term Rentals
What is happening? U.S. vacation rental revenue is estimated to be $17.7B in 2023. The number of listings are also increasing to 1.3 million listings this year, up 20% from 2019. Why is this important? The driver of this economic growth is owners with multiple units. It is estimated that short term rentals yield 30% […]
Local Ordinance Surfer Exception
What is happening? Honolulu has a current ordinance that requires minimum stays of 30 days for AirBnB, a proposal would increase that minimum stay to 90 days Why is this important? it is part of the ongoing struggle between the tourism industry and residents that support short term rentals. How will this be important? The […]
Meet the New Kid: Home Swapping App
What is happening? There’s. Rom-Com about this type of business called the Holiday. Haven’t seen it, but all you need to know is that you swap homes for your holiday pr vacation depending on your preferred word choice. Meet Kindred. The App that brings your Holiday RomCom to life. Why is this important? The target […]
Dog Leasing. Leasing. Not Leashing.
What is happening? Massachusetts Legislature is “cracking down” on dog leasing. This makes me want to scream “what is happening?!” Why is this important? The MA Attorney General Office tells us that “dog leases that require monthly payments for users to keep the pet and often includes high finance charges” How will this be important? […]
Special District Chopping Block
What is happening? Special Districts are on the chopping block. A skeptical eye has always existed for special districts. Special Districts with really good tax breaks even more so, because that’s less state revenue. The leading narrative is because Disney spoke out against the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill. Free Speech does apply to corporations, especially […]
Property Rights and Door Bell Cameras
What is happening? An Illinois county will use $40,000 of its American Rescue Plan funds to purchase doorbell cameras for the community. Why is this important? Crime fighting 101. Law enforcement could access videos and residents can share real-time information about suspicious activity with police officers. How will this be important? Ring has partnerships with […]
2nd Amendment v 5th Amendment
What is happening? The lawyers who work for Volokh- “laws forcing private property owners to allow guns on their premises violate property rights and often qualify as takings requiring compensation under the Fifth Amendment” Why is this important? The idea is that private property rights outweigh a person’s right to carry onto the private property […]