In a compelling short video the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) explores the negative effects the City of Austin's short-term rental ordinance on families like the Zataaris, who rely on their short-term rental income to provide for their family and achieve the American dream.
To view the video, please visit: http://www.austinpropertyrights.com
“For many families like the Zaatari’s, renting their home as a short-term rental is the difference between paying the bills or not,” said Robert Henneke, director of the Center for American Future at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. “They comply with the rules, pay taxes, and live in harmony with their neighbors, and the City wants to close them down without any legitimate interest. As much as this case is about the Zaatari’s pursuit of the American Dream, this lawsuit begs the question as to whether Austin remains a place for families to live.”
James Quintero, director of the Center for Local Governance at the Texas Public Policy Foundation added, “Ahmad and Marwa Zaatari are a young Austin couple just like any other—busy working, raising a family, and trying to make ends meet. But there’s something special about the Zaataris, too. Their willingness to stand up to an out-of-control city hall and defend the American Dream from excessive regulation is something that should make every Texan proud.”
TPPF filed a lawsuit to halt the City of Austin’s STR ordinance restricting property owners and guests on June 20, 2016. TPPF’s Center for the American Future, aided by the Center for Local Governance, represents individual property owners and entrepreneurs in the lawsuit, Zaatari et. al v. City of Austin, et al., which seeks declaratory and injunctive relief from the unconstitutional city ordinance.
The Honorable Robert Henneke is general counsel and director of the Foundation’s Center for the American Future.
James Quintero is director of the Center for Local Governance at the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
The Texas Public Policy Foundation is a non-profit, free-market research institute based in Austin, Texas.