Alliance Updates

🚀 EVSTRA’s Enhanced Role: We’re excited to announce our new, robust mission to be the leading advocate in our local vacation home industry:

  • Upholding Property Rights: We’re committed to protecting the rights of our members.
  • Building Trust: We strive to be a reliable partner for our members, championing their interests.
  • Membership Expansion: A strong membership base is key to our influence and effectiveness.

🤝 Partnership with Rent Responsibly: To achieve our goals, we’ve partnered with Rent Responsibly for a fresh website and communication strategy, ensuring you’re well-informed and engaged in the vacation home ownership landscape.

🤝 New Alliance with CLARA: Excitingly, EVSTRA is a Founding Member of the Colorado Lodging and Resort Alliance (CLARA). This alliance, a coalition of professional property managers, vacation industry operators, and supportive organizations, is dedicated to advancing fair and effective industry regulations, policies, and laws. This membership empowers EVSTRA to represent your interests at the state level, significantly amplifying our voice and influence.

And a special thank you to all who supported EVSTRA on Giving Tuesday! If you missed out, no worries…you can still become a member today. Now is the time to get involved to make a difference in our community!


Welcome to the EVSTRA Board of Directors: Andrew Graham

The EVSTRA Board is pleased to welcome our newest board member, Andrew Graham.

Andrew Graham, an accomplished attorney based in Austin, Texas, brings a wealth of expertise to the EVSTRA Board. Specializing in patent law, Andrew has built an impressive career at a major law firm in Austin, known for its extensive network and multiple offices across key locations. His specialization in intellectual property and patent law has positioned him as a key figure in the legal community, offering valuable insights and guidance in these complex areas.

Beyond his professional achievements, Andrew also shares a personal connection with our industry. Owning a vacation rental home in Estes Park, Andrew has gained a firsthand understanding of the vacation rental market. This unique perspective, combined with his legal acumen, makes him an invaluable asset to our Board.


Local News

💻 CLARA Webinar: Understanding the Colorado Lodging Tax Treatment Bill (Bill C/Bill 6)

The Colorado Lodging and Resort Alliance (CLARA) is hosting a webinar on Monday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. MT to discuss proposed legislation that could substantially increase Short-Term Rental (STR) property taxes—up to four times the current rates. 

In this webinar, you’ll gain insight into the legislative process behind the proposed bill, exploring its potential effects on short-term rental properties and Colorado. This webinar will also address the significant change in the property assessment rate to 27.9% and help navigate this landscape. 


Why You Should Attend:

  • Understand the potential implications of the proposed bill on your properties.
  • Learn key strategies for effectively advocating for your rights and interests in this evolving landscape.
  • Discover how to make your voice heard and contribute to shaping the outcome of this legislation.


đź“ŁMake Your Voice Heard: Colorado Lodging Tax

The Colorado Legislative Council voted to advance the Lodging Property Tax Treatment Bill forward. This bill would tax STRs rented for 90 days or more at the lodging tax rate (the same as hotels and bed-and-breakfast properties). This could quadruple property taxes for STRs renting over 90 days per year.

The bill will now be introduced in the Colorado Legislature in January 2024. We encourage everyone to make their voice heard by using the form below to reach out to Senator Hansen, your own State Senator, and House representative.


📆Mark Your Calendars: Due Jan. 31 – Vacation Home Licensing and Workforce Housing Regulatory Linkage Fees

2024 Vacation Home Licensing Fee and Workforce Housing, Regulatory Linkage Fees, are due January 31

  • Licensing Fee: $200 base fee, $50 fee/bedroom
  • Linkage Fee: $1,390

How to pay: Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit/debit card online (transaction fees apply) by visiting the Town of Estes Park website and selecting “Vacation Home License Payments.” Make checks payable to the Town of Estes Park.


News You Can Use

How to Make an Airbnb Welcome Book to Impress Your Guests  + Template

From Breezeway

A guest welcome book is a must have to keep your guests informed and minimize questions but you can also wow your guests with a unique welcome book experience. 


Should I Allow Pets at My Short-Term Rental?

From Proper Insurance

Allowing guests to bring pets to your property can help increase bookings and revenue but can also increase your chance for damages.Â