Dear Fellow Sonoma County Hosts and Friends,

You might ask why, since we have been around for almost 8 years, we are looking for donations to become Founding Members of the Sonoma County Coalition of Hosts.

Why do we need Founding Members?

As an informal group, we have worked together to provide hosts and elected officials with information to make better decisions about hosting in Sonoma County. We have monitored legislative calendars, and provided policy positions that hosts have been able to share in public comments and letters.

That has turned out not to be enough.

Hosting short term rentals in Sonoma County, and across the country, has been UNDER ATTACK in more ways than ever before.  Towns and unincorporated areas of Sonoma County, and the Coast have seen greater RESTRICTIONS on our ability to operate and share our homes in a responsible, welcoming way.

While we may gather as friends, groups, and coffee clutches, we want to show the elected officials in Sonoma County and its cities that we speak with a STRONG and UNITED VOICE on key issues that matter to us, and the health of our economy most.

Limits on nights, number of guests, and even outright bans are burgeoning in our cities and county.  Some supervisors and city council members are looking to further restrict what we do.

While we can all agree that sound regulation around noise, nuisance and safely makes sense, we are being restricted out of business across the county.

Our common goal is to safeguard responsible hosting in the cities and towns of Sonoma County and to aid in the growth of our economy and jobs.

Why is it time to strengthen our organization?

By making a more formal and registered organization, we can engage in RAISING A UNITED VOICE in keeping our right to responsible short term rentals alive and thriving. With the right structure, we can LOBBY for our rights. We are forming a 501(c)(6) to make our organization official.

What is a founding member and how much does it cost?

A FOUNDING MEMBERSHIP costs $150 and is good for ONE YEAR.  A FOUNDING MEMBER will become a VOTING Member of the registered organization as soon as we file with the state.

If I am not a host can I become a Founding Member?

YES! If you have an organization or business in Sonoma County with an interest in supporting Short Term Rentals in Sonoma County, you can join our group.

Whether you are a short term rental owner, host, or a business owner providing a service to hosts or property managers,  we welcome you. We are happy to have your voice along with ours. 

Who is leading the coalition now ?

Meet our volunteer founding committee members from across Sonoma County have been active for several years in helping the coalition get started, advocate, educate and are actively working to help the coalition grow by forming a 501(c)(6) organization.

Are donations to 501(c)(6) organizations tax deductible?

No, donations to 501(c)(6) organizations are not deductible as charitable contributions on the donor's federal income tax return. This includes donations made by vacation rental owners. 

As a Founding Member what benefits do I receive?

Advocacy

We will strive to monitor local governments and get the word out to you when it is time to have a united voice in keeping our right to host alive. We will lobby for the policies and people that create a win-win scenario for hosts and the communities we live in. A thriving economy and safe visitation is something we can all get behind.

Community

Want to share ideas with like-minded hosts? Do you ever want to check-in with a colleague on how to improve something about your short term rental? Looking for a vendor for a specific purpose? Chat with each other, connect online and at events, and find support for your short term rental activities.

Education

Come to in person and online events and seminars that will help you be a better, more profitable host. Attend vendor events that just might have a solution for something that is difficult for you. Concerned about new platform rules and options, tune in and get educated.

Resources

Need an attorney, plumber, or window blinds? We are looking to build a database of vendors who understand what we do, and are eager to help.

Questions ?

If you have questions, or would like a copy of our draft bylaws, please email us.

Next Steps

Donate today and become a Founding Member. Help us register officially as a 501(c)(6) so that we can maintain and broaden our ability to host short-term rentals in Sonoma County and its cities.

We have set up an account with the law firm of  Darryl Reese, Law PC, to help us craft our bylaws. Use our secure Donorbox account by clicking on the Donate button below to help us get started.

Warm Regards,
Sonoma County Coalition of Hosts