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Airbnb spends $900K lobbying NYC, courts Sharpton to loosen rentals

5/19/2026

35 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Airbnb is courting Black church leaders in New York City and lobbying the Council to loosen short-term-rental rules, with Rev. Al Sharpton meeting Council speaker Julie Menin.
The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council union has used its influence to keep Airbnb out of the city’s short-term-rental market.
Because state law bars rentals under 30 days unless the host is present, Airbnb has spent nearly $900,000 on lobbying despite earlier rejections.

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Story summary

Airbnb is courting Black church leaders in New York City and lobbying the Council to loosen short-term-rental rules, with Rev. Al Sharpton meeting Council speaker Julie Menin.
The Hotel and Gaming Trades Council union has used its influence to keep Airbnb out of the city’s short-term-rental market.
Because state law bars rentals under 30 days unless the host is present, Airbnb has spent nearly $900,000 on lobbying despite earlier rejections.