Politic-ATL: Council rejects short-term rental ban in parts of Buckhead

• The ordinance was proposed by outgoing District 7 Council member Howard Shook.
• The overlay district's boundaries largely overlap with Shook's district in the northeastern half of Buckhead.

What they're saying: Realtor Justin Longenbach, one of several who spoke against the proposal, said short-term rentals offer a cheaper option for families than a hotel room.

• Rates for mid-range hotels often start at $150 per night — before the 16.9% lodging tax and a $5 per night state fee, he said.
• "Atlanta is one of the highest lodging tax rates in the entire country," he said. "That makes visiting our city more expensive and less accessible, especially for families."
• An Airbnb spokesperson told Axios in a statement the city's decision "affirmed that everyday Atlantans deserve access to the economic opportunities home sharing provides."

The big picture: The Landmark condominiums resident Nicky Buggs said she has spoken to City Council members for months about the staggering number of short-term rentals in their building and the negative impact it's had on her and other unit owners.

• She said she doesn't oppose a ban on short-term rentals, but believes there should be a city department that would hold operators accountable.

• "If we're going to have the conversation...meet with people that are suffering," she said. "Then you understand why we're saying what we're saying. We're not saying to demolish STRs, but there has to be some oversight."

TAD extension advisory group created

City Council members on Monday also established the Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative Commission.

How it works: The advisory group will be tasked with reviewing and making recommendations "on improving redevelopment efforts in economically distressed, underutilized, or strategically significant areas that are essential to promoting the general welfare."

Go deeper: Atlanta's bid to extend tax districts draws skepticism