The city of Prairie Village is currently considering a ban on short-term rentals, like those listed on Airbnb. While some news outlets suggest the decision may already be made, we’ve received word directly from local Airbnb host Tyler Shirk that there’s still time for the community to make their voices heard.
This potential ban could have a significant impact on short-term rental hosts, local businesses, and even the overall community. If you care about the outcome, now is the time to speak up and share your opinion with the city council. Staying silent may mean missing the opportunity to influence a decision that could affect you, your neighbors, and the local economy.
Update 10/09 – Tyler Attended the City Council Meeting on Monday night 9/7 and shared the following email he sent to the City Council on Tuesday. We have two more weeks to make a difference:
)My email this morning to PV city council.
Can you help us be heard?
Especially if you live in Prairie Village
mayor@pvkansas.com
crobinson@pvkansas.com
totoole@pvkansas.com
cnguyen@pvkansas.com
Lori Sharp <lsharp@pvkansas.com>
gshelton@pvkansas.com
nreddell@pvkansas.com
rnelson@pvkansas.com
iselders@pvkansas.com
drobinson@pvkansas.com
tagniel@pvkansas.com
Terrence Gallagher <tgallagher@pvkansas.com>
igraves@pvkansas.com
Good Morning,
Thank you for the opportunity to speak at the council meeting last night. I wanted to reach out today to express some concerns and opinions about what transpired last night regarding the airbnb ban.
Firstly, I was told the vote would be in 2 weeks, not last night after everyone left. I don’t understand the urgency, it’s almost like the decision was made beforehand and certain individuals do not want to give the community an opportunity to speak our side. The council and city itself have expressed that there have been zero issues with airbnbs so why are we rushing to ban them? You put the ban out for a year, wouldn’t it be wise to take that time to gather more information and possibly come to a compromise that serves all community members?
(Update still have 2 weeks )
Secondly, Council member Lori Sharp is being flat out dishonest and misleading in her comments and her stance. I made the fb post, to get people who are supporters to reach out to you. One random person on my fb made a stupid comment about “harassing” the individuals whose addresses were posted. It was clearly a joke, you can tell by the context, It was not shared 6-10 times as Ms. Sharp stated and lastly my fb is private so only my friends can see my posts anyways. I feel like her statements surrounding this are dishonest and misleading intended to rally support against us who have responsibly operated for years in PV.
Third, as one member stated, there are 30 or so airbnbs in PV. With zero public safety issues I fail to see how this is a matter that requires a full ban of them and why the process is being expedited.
Fourth- Another council member stated that allowing thirty day stays is a compromise. No it is not, this will put every airbnb out of business as 30 day stays are infrequent.
Fifth- There is much more information that the council is unaware of and or unwilling to be educated on. This is not a straightforward cut and paste answer. None of those events the two ladies who spoke against them have happened.
Sixth- These homes will not be turned into affordable long term rentals. PV is not an affordable neighborhood, I dont even understand where that thought is coming from. Instead, here is what is going to happen:
1- These homeowners are going to be forced to sell these homes, most likely to large out of state investment firms who are going to tear them down for yet more McMansions in PV.
2- People are going to continue to find ways to supplement their income in this economy and try other options. One option being a service called pad split, with pad split, they will rent out the homes by room to random individuals. There will be 5,6,7 or more strangers living in the homes together, coming and going at different times, having their friends over, oftentimes they dont get along. You think airbnbs are bad, wait till you see padsplit.
Seventh- This can be done responsibly, I have worked with OP, KCK, LENEXA, SHAWNEE and other cities to come up with fair and reasonable alternatives for everyone. I am willing to provide my time for free to teach classes on how to operate ethically and legally.
There is so much more but it is hard for me to put my thoughts all in one email, I ask that you take the time to consider this. We have a year to come up with a better solution than this. There truly is much more positive than negative.
We live in a different time. People work from home, People are much more mobile and travel more often. These homes not only benefit travelers but they benefit your residents who are struggling financially and looking for ways to financially maintain their home.
Life happens and sometimes we have to move away from home for a period of time, most of my clients’ homes are in PV but they are temporarily working out of state.
Lastly, I find it very disheartening the way this entire process went down. We were given a week’s notice. I am sorry but we are not on the city’s website looking for updates everyday. We should’ve been notified beforehand. Furthermore, I have seen several of the emails us supporters were emailed back. I find it problematic that 1- Several of the responses were just the same copy and paste that was sent back, you can tell the council members did not care to even educate themselves or hear our concerns. Another council member just sais “Where do you live” I get it, you serve PV but I spend thousands of dollars a year and have done so for 10+ years in PV and just because our personal residences may or may not be in PV does not mean we do not do business, shop or own homes in PV.
Overall I am very disappointed and frankly discouraged in the democratic process when it comes to this issue. I do not feel heard, I do not feel like any true thought was put into this, I feel like the decision was pre made and I feel powerless and like my voice and my colleagues and friends voices were ignored. I do not believe this is how our democracy is supposed to work. I am a 40 year old lifelong community member, I lived in PV, now I live a few streets over from PV, I own property in PV, I have advised my friends, family and colleagues to invest in PV as it is a city that promotes small business and supports individuals who do not want to get handouts from the government but rather find our own ways to be successful in life. This is the midwest, I was raised to be warm and welcoming to visitors. I was raised to belive that if you work hard and do right, you can have a good life. More and more, I see our govt. does not represent us nor do they listen to us or understand our situations. Is there anyone amongst you that can stand up and say this isnt right, this isnt ok. We need to have a larger, more educated and honest discussion.
Anyone?
Regards,
Tyler Shirk
My office is at 6103 arlington ave raytown mo. My phone number is 913-701-5607. I invite you to come see what we do, the people we employ, the families we help, the jobs we create. I invite you to remember what real life is like past all the bureaucracy.
Why Should You Care?
Short-term rentals (STRs) provide benefits that go beyond just offering a place for visitors to stay. As Tyler Shirk, a local host and owner of BearBnB Vacation and Short-Term Rentals, points out, STRs help a variety of people, including:
- Military families traveling for duty.
- Homeowners dealing with major repairs after events like fires or water damage.
- Families attending medical treatments, funerals, graduations, and more.
- Individuals fleeing domestic violence, providing a temporary, safe place to stay.
Beyond helping visitors, short-term rentals support local businesses by generating income for carpenters, cleaners, maintenance workers, lawn care providers, and others. They also contribute to local tax revenues, further boosting the Prairie Village economy.
Common Misconceptions About Short-Term Rentals
One of the biggest concerns voiced by opponents of short-term rentals is the fear of disruptive parties. However, professional hosts, like Tyler, go to great lengths to prevent such occurrences. With screening measures, noise sensors, and other strategies, most short-term rentals operate smoothly within the community.
Another misconception is that STRs contribute to the housing crisis. According to Tyler, the homes used for short-term rentals in Prairie Village are typically high-end properties, unlikely to be classified as affordable housing. In fact, if short-term rentals are banned, many of these homes may be sold to large investment firms for redevelopment, potentially changing the fabric of the neighborhood.
How to Take Action
If you want to share your thoughts or concerns with the city council, now is the time. Tyler has generously provided the contact information for council members, encouraging residents to reach out directly.
Contact Prairie Village City Council Members:
- mayor@pvkansas.com
- crobinson@pvkansas.com
- totoole@pvkansas.com
- cnguyen@pvkansas.com
- lsharp@pvkansas.com
- gshelton@pvkansas.com
- nreddell@pvkansas.com
- rnelson@pvkansas.com
- iselders@pvkansas.com
- drobinson@pvkansas.com
- tagniel@pvkansas.com
- tgallagher@pvkansas.com
- igraves@pvkansas.com
Tyler has also shared the email he sent to the council (see below), which you can use as inspiration for your own message. Personalizing your message with your own experiences or perspectives can help make your voice even more impactful.
Let Your Voice Be Heard
Short-term rentals offer vital benefits to the Prairie Village community. They accommodate families in need, generate income for local businesses, and contribute to a thriving local economy. If you believe in the positive impact of STRs, don’t let this moment pass without taking action. Reach out to the city council today and share your perspective.
