Local Law 18 requires hosts to be present when guests are home, but Airbnb's covert lobbying supports a new bill from Councilmember Farah Louis... that would upend that.
Some critics say Airbnb is pumping money into groups to fabricate a grassroots movement that doesn't exist... 'We've certainly seen no broad evidence of that,' said Michael McKee, treasurer of the Tenants PAC.
Airbnb spent nearly $400,000 to a coalition called Communities for Homeowner Choice... the group has no contact information on its website and hasn't posted on social media in six months.
McKee said that Airbnb's approach can be characterized as an 'astroturf' campaign, designed to give the illusion of grassroots support for its legislative changes.
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