Happy (belated) Independence Day!

As we celebrated the Fourth of July this weekend, I found myself thinking about the events that led to America's independence.

Long before the Boston Tea Party, the colonists tried something much less dramatic: they advocated. They wrote letters. They petitioned. They met with officials. They asked to be treated fairly.

Eventually, frustration boiled over.

Was dumping tea into Boston Harbor their most effective strategy? History can debate that. But one thing is certain: they believed they deserved a voice in decisions that affected their lives.

The short-term rental community in Pennsylvania finds itself at an important crossroads today.

Across the Poconos—and increasingly across the Commonwealth—owners are facing proposals that would make it harder, and in some cases nearly impossible, to continue operating responsibly. We're working every day to make sure cooler heads prevail and that the regulations adopted are fair, reasonable, and based on facts rather than fear.

Here's where things stand:

1. Pocono Township

If you own or manage an STR in Pocono Township, now is the time to get involved.

Our Litigation Committee will be scheduling a meeting this week to determine the next steps in our fight against the unreasonable STR tax imposed by the township last summer. If you've been waiting for the right moment to participate, this is it. The decisions we make now could affect every STR owner in the township (and BEYOND!) for years to come.

2. Join Us September 17 at Camelback Resort

Advocacy isn't something you're born knowing how to do.

That's why we're hosting the 2026 Poconos VRO Advocacy Summit on Thursday, September 17, at Camelback Resort. This half-day program is designed to help STR owners become informed, credible, and effective advocates—whether you're speaking at a township meeting, serving on an HOA board, or simply talking with neighbors about our industry.

You'll leave with practical communication strategies, economic data, advocacy tools, and a roadmap for becoming a stronger voice in your community. If you've ever thought, "I wish I knew what to say," this Summit is for you. (Poconos VRO)

3. A Statewide Voice is Coming

One thing has become crystal clear over the past year: these challenges aren't unique to the Poconos.

That's why we're helping launch the Pennsylvania Short-Term Rental Alliance (PASTRA).

The Poconos VRO will continue doing what we do best—serving and advocating for owners in Monroe, Pike, Wayne, and Carbon Counties. But Pennsylvania needs a coordinated, statewide voice that can educate legislators, support local advocates, and respond quickly when new threats emerge.

I encourage you to visit PASTRA.org, learn about the vision, and subscribe to receive updates as we continue building something that will benefit STR owners across the Commonwealth.

Two hundred and fifty years ago, Americans learned that freedom isn't something you inherit—it requires participation.

The same is true today.

Thank you for standing with us, supporting one another, and helping ensure that responsible vacation rentals remain part of Pennsylvania's future.

Happy Independence Day, and here's to another year of protecting the freedoms we all value.

— Rebecca

Ready to join our movement:  Just $150/year helps protect your ability to operate your STR!!  We encourage you to join today!