Council hears state legislative update on short-term rentals and pledges regional outreach; mayor to join multi-city forum

The council received an update on the 2025 Arizona legislative session and several bills that could change how cities regulate short-term rentals.

The city's contract lobbyist briefed the council on the volume of bills introduced and on key measures that could affect Sedona, including proposals to limit or preempt local short-term-rental regulation, a bill to modify property-classification for certain rental uses, and proposals to change enforcement thresholds. The speaker noted the volume of introduced bills and upcoming committee deadlines.

Mayor Jablow and staff described an emerging regional coalition of mayors that will meet Feb. 20 in Prescott to discuss short-term rentals and to present coordinated resolutions from smaller cities seeking preservation of local control. Several cities have adopted or are preparing support resolutions; City staff and outside lobbyists will pursue committee contacts and potential amendments.

Councilors discussed tactical lobbying steps, including a proposed packet of resolutions to distribute to committee members if a hearing is set, and local media engagement to increase awareness of regional impacts. Council asked staff to continue monitoring the bills and to return with recommended positions where appropriate.

Why it matters: Several pending bills at the state level could restrict local authority over short-term rentals, change tax or property-classification regimes, or alter enforcement tools; the city seeks to protect local land-use control and to coordinate regionally with other rural municipalities.

Provenance: Lobbyist update and council discussion (03:28:35'04:11:20).