This week, members of the Washington Hosts Collaborative Alliance Board brought real-world experience directly to lawmakers, testifying on HB 2559 during a public hearing in Olympia. The bill would allow local governments to impose a new tax of up to 4% on short-term rental stays, layered on top of existing lodging taxes.
Board President Allison Moser, Board Treasurer Richard Moser, and Board Secretary Sean Lynn participated in a panel discussion, sharing firsthand perspectives on how the proposal could impact responsible short-term rental operators, guests, and communities across Washington State.
Together, their testimony underscored several key themes:
- Who hosts and guests really are: Allison emphasized that most short-term rentals are run by small, local hosts, and are frequently used by Washington residents, including families visiting loved ones, medical travelers seeking care in communities with limited lodging options, and military families relying on affordable, flexible stays.
- Economic impact: Richard focused on the broader ripple effects, noting how additional taxes could reduce bookings and negatively affect local small businesses and service providers.
- Unintended consequences: Sean cautioned against a targeted approach that could create broader impacts without meaningfully addressing housing affordability.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to ensure that responsible housing providers have a seat at the table and that their personal experiences help inform the policy conversation. The article below offers helpful context on the hearing, and you may even spot quotes from our members.
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