Economic Impacts
There are 234 short-term rentals situated in the city's low- and mixed-density residential zones. These residences house an estimated 500-600 visitors per night during peak season, or the equivalent of two Red Lion Hotels. Creating a needlessly challenging ordinance or imposing punitive fees is a risky economic gamble, jeopardizing the jobs and livelihoods of hundreds.
Short-term rentals bring a positive economic impact
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They provide a city with additional income through tax revenues
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STR guests spend money in the community (a benefit for businesses and increased sales tax collection)
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Can help residents to make ends meet.
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Increase tourism
Visitors staying at our city's short-term rentals pay a 4% lodging tax. The largest percentage of Port Angeles' lodging tax revenue (30%) is generated by short-term rentals. In 2023, the city's short-term rentals are projected to raise an estimated $420,000 in lodging taxes, with approximately $336,000 generated by STRs in low- and mixed-density zones.
Short-term rentals are particularly important in Port Angeles given that tourism is the primary economic driver of our economy today. In 2022, there were 2.3 million visitors to Olympic National Park, with many, if not most, passing through Port Angeles.
Port Angeles's Lodging Tax Fund is the primary source of City funding for activities, operations, and expenditures designed to increase tourism. Short-term rentals help support numerous local organizations.
2022 Lodging Tax Recipients:
Destination Marketing $138,000
Visitor Center Operation (Fixed) $117,300
Port Angeles Youth Basketball $85,000
Port Angeles Fine Arts Center $75,000
Field Arts & Events Hall $58,500
Lincoln Park BMX Track $50,000
Port Angeles baseball $50,000
Capital Reserve (Fixed) $38,200
OPTC $32,000
Port Angeles Downtown Activity Center $25,000
Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club Shuttle $22,500
Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club Operations $15,000
Fiero Marine Life Center $15,500
Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts $15,000
OPTC Co-Opt Marketing $15,000
Port Angeles Marathon Association $14,500
Peninsula Trails Coalition $6,000
Olympic Culinary Loop Association $5,000
ROW, Traffic Control and Utilities $4,300
Other Fixed Costs $59,500
Lack of Lodging
Events leaders in Port Angeles have expressed concerns about not enough housing for visitors coming to events. While tourism is robust, our hotel capacity has declined in recent years, according to City Manager Nathan West. In addition, hotel stays are often too costly for families and groups of friends traveling together, and many prefer to stay in a home where they can all be together, with multiple bedrooms, a kitchen and laundry facilities.
Not a Wealthy City
The City serves a population with a median income of $28,774. Our average household income is $65,000 (minimum wage times two earners). Many people here inherited their family homes, and economic impacts from imposing draconian regulatory requirements or fees on short-term rentals would likely drive a number of them out of business. STR owners tend to be older, many of them retirees or veterans living on fixed incomes. Losing this source of income would be financially catastrophic for many, including the hundreds of service workers who gain a substantial part of their income from short-term rentals.