The Montgomery City Council has delayed votes on a proposed $375 million bond initiative and a short-term rental ordinance. The bond proposal would help fund a downtown convention center expansion and other city projects.

Short-Term Rental Ordinance

Residents packed City Hall to voice support and opposition to the proposed short-term rental ordinance, which would establish new licensing, inspection, and operational requirements for properties listed on platforms such as Airbnb. Some residents argued that the ordinance would make it too costly for hosts to operate, while others urged the council to adopt regulations to address concerns about neighborhood quality of life.

Airbnb owner Justin Hampton argued that the proposal would make it impossible to operate as an Airbnb host, citing inspection costs, licenses, and architectural drawings. Lori Lawrence, who lives across the street from an Airbnb, said the constant turnover of guests has left neighbors uneasy.

Bond Proposal

The council also spent nearly an hour debating the proposed $375 million bond initiative before deciding to send the measure back to the Finance Committee for further review. Council members requested a more detailed breakdown of how approximately $175 million would be allocated among city departments and neighborhoods.

According to information released by Mayor Steven Reed’s office, the proposal includes $200 million to expand the downtown convention center, $50 million for facility and service enhancements, $45 million for a sports complex and amphitheater, $40 million for neighborhood projects, $15 million for housing infrastructure, and $25 million for bond issuance costs.

Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.