#MACoCon Must-Attend: Double-Edged Sword: Do Short-Term Stays Have Long-Term Benefits?

The MACo Winter Conference educational session, “Double-Edged Sword: Do Short-Term Stays Have Long-Term Benefits?” will examine how short-term rentals impact state and county tourism, economic development, workforce, housing, and more.

At the MACo Winter Conference general session, “Double-Edged Sword: Do Short-Term Stays Have Long-Term Benefits?” local and national leaders will discuss the benefits and challenges of short-term rentals and Maryland’s tourism industry.

Double-Edged Sword: Do Short-Term Stays Have Long-Term Benefits?

Counties leverage hotel or lodging taxes on traditional hotel stays as a driver of local revenue and economic development. Maryland’s tourism is evolving, however, with a greater share of visitors opting for short-term rentals. This panel will explore the multitude of county government considerations around this growing industry and how short-term rentals impact tourism, workforce attraction and retention, affordable housing, and local revenues. Experts will address connections, concerns, and questions for your county and beyond. 

  • Speakers:
    • Martha Darling Sparks, Director of Finance, Talbot County (confirmed)
    • Melanie Pursel, Director, Office of Tourism and Economic Development, Worcester County (confirmed)
    • Vincent Frillici, Public Policy Manager for Mid Atlantic, Airbnb (confirmed)
    • Sally Nash, Deputy Director, Baltimore County Department of Permits, Approvals, and Inspections (confirmed)
  • Moderator: The Honorable Ed Rothstein, Commissioner, Carroll County (confirmed)
  • Date/Time: Thursday, December 7, 2023; 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm 

Learn more about MACo’s Winter Conference: