During the Narragansett Town Council meeting on May 14, 2025, discussions centered on the pressing issue of housing in the community, particularly the impact of various rental markets on local residents. The council highlighted the complexities of Narragansett's rental landscape, which includes student rentals during the academic year, vacation rentals in the summer, and year-round rentals. This multifaceted rental market has intensified competition for limited housing, creating significant challenges for local families seeking to buy homes.

A key point raised was the transformation of the rental market due to platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. These services have made short-term rentals more accessible and profitable, attracting investors and driving up property prices. As a result, local families are increasingly finding themselves in bidding wars against cash offers from investors, making homeownership more elusive. Data presented during the meeting revealed that only 32.9% of homes sold in the past five years were owner-occupied, a stark decline from 63% in 2010. This trend indicates that nearly 70% of homes are likely being converted into income properties rather than serving as residences for full-time residents.

The council members expressed concern over the implications of this shift, noting that the growing prevalence of investment properties is exacerbating the housing crisis for local families. The discussion emphasized the need for strategic planning in future housing developments, advocating for measures that would prioritize long-term residents over short-term rental opportunities. Suggestions included the construction of duplexes and other multi-family units, with a strong recommendation to exclude short-term rentals from these new developments.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgent need for the Narragansett Town Council to address the housing challenges facing the community. As the demand for housing continues to rise, the council's decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of homeownership and community stability in Narragansett. The council is expected to explore further regulations and strategies to balance the interests of investors with the needs of local families in the coming months.