Short Term Rental Committee Plans Public Comment and Town Hall Meetings Before December Deadline

The Short Term Rental Ad Hoc Committee convened on August 15, 2025, to discuss the timeline and strategies for finalizing recommendations regarding short-term rental regulations in Galveston. The meeting commenced with a quorum present, and the minutes from the previous meeting on August 5 were unanimously approved.

The committee prioritized the agenda by moving item number seven to the forefront, focusing on the need to complete their work before the committee's sunset date of December 12. A proposed calendar was presented, outlining a series of meetings leading up to a workshop scheduled for October 23. The committee aims to have their recommendations ready for city council consideration by November or December.

Public input was a significant topic of discussion. The committee emphasized the importance of gathering targeted feedback on the draft ordinance and recommendations. Various outreach strategies were proposed, including utilizing social media, email blasts, and community organizations to encourage public participation. The committee also discussed the potential for a town hall meeting to facilitate direct public engagement, although concerns were raised about the effectiveness of such a format.

The committee agreed on the necessity of identifying whether respondents are short-term rental operators or residents, as this distinction could influence the feedback received. A survey tool was suggested to streamline the collection of public comments, allowing for specific questions and a comment box for additional input.

As the meeting progressed, members expressed the need for focused discussions during future meetings, proposing a duration of two hours to maintain productivity. The committee also discussed the importance of having city staff present at public forums to address enforcement-related questions.

In conclusion, the committee is set to finalize a calendar for upcoming meetings and public comment periods, with a strong emphasis on gathering constructive feedback from the community to inform their recommendations. The next steps include coordinating the logistics for the proposed town hall and ensuring that all outreach efforts effectively engage both residents and short-term rental operators.