US: Airbnb has reportedly spent $7.1 million supporting candidates in Los Angeles elections as the city considers temporarily expanding short-term rentals ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.
According to an analysis by Capital & Main, Airbnb’s Committee to Expand the Middle Class has contributed to independent expenditure committees supporting mayor Karen Bass and candidates in three other local contests.
The company also backed Traci Park, who retained her City Council seat in the June primary.
The spending comes as Airbnb campaigns for a limited Vacation Rental Programme that would allow second homes to be rented to visitors during major events, including the 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Los Angeles currently permits residents to offer only their primary homes as short-term rentals.
Under the proposed programme, vacation rentals would be capped at one per cent of the city’s housing supply and the policy would expire by 31 December 2028. Eligible properties would need to have been owned by the host before the end of 2025, while rent-controlled and affordable homes would be excluded.
The proposal remains pending before the City Council’s Budget and Finance Co...