Simi Valley public comments intensify ahead of May 11 short-term rental discussion

A large group of public speakers used the city’s public-comment period Monday to press council on short-term rentals and on transparency around a city-commissioned survey. The council has scheduled staff’s STR presentation and a vote for May 11.

Ben Davis, president of Peekalit Tiny Homes, urged the council to release a staff memo and argued that movable tiny homes could provide immediate housing options: “The people of Simi Valley are ready now,” he said.

Speakers on both sides of the STR debate addressed council. Matthew Abbey and other hosts described STRs as important local economic activity and hospitality options. “Our goal should be to create opportunity, not take it away,” Abbey said. Conversely, James McGillis and other residents recounted neighborhood disturbances and raised questions about campaign contributions and process, asking whether some council members had accepted money from STR platforms.

Several speakers focused on procedural transparency. Anthony Eason and others alleged the city approved a $30,000 survey without full council discussion and asked how the survey vendors and sampling methods were selected. Council members and the city manager responded that staff will present the survey methodology, including questions and sampling, at the May 11 meeting so the public can review it.

Council members said they expect a robust and nuanced debate next week. Several members encouraged residents to attend May 11 and to review the staff presentation and draft ordinance. No formal vote on STR policy occurred at Monday’s meeting.