The City Council of Eau Claire convened on December 9, 2024, to discuss pressing issues surrounding short-term rentals, particularly focusing on the regulation of Airbnbs in the community. The meeting highlighted the current landscape of short-term rentals, revealing that out of 66 operating Airbnbs, only 23 have received conditional use permits.

A key proposal presented during the meeting aimed to implement stricter regulations on short-term rentals. The council proposed a minimum stay requirement of seven days, with a maximum cap of 180 days per year. This approach was justified by the need to protect naturally occurring affordable housing, which is at risk of being converted into short-term rentals. The council acknowledged the importance of balancing tourism interests with the community's housing needs.

The discussion included data showing that two-thirds of the existing Airbnbs have a minimum stay requirement of one to two days, while the remaining third have stays ranging from three to 29 days. The council expressed concern over the vulnerability of affordable housing, noting that a significant portion of homes sold in the last five years were priced under $200,000, a critical price point in the current market.

Additionally, it was noted that 14 of the 66 Airbnbs operate within disadvantaged census tracts, further emphasizing the potential impact on affordable housing in these areas. The proposal for stricter regulations received unanimous support from the plan commission, indicating a strong consensus on the need for action.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions from council members, signaling ongoing engagement with the community's housing challenges and the future of short-term rentals in Eau Claire. The council's next steps will likely involve further discussions and potential adjustments to the proposed regulations as they seek to address the complex dynamics of housing and tourism in the city.