Advocacy: What We Do and Why It Matters

Standing Up for STR Owners

The Poconos Association of Vacation Rental Owners (Poconos VRO) was founded on one simple principle: short-term rental (STR) owners deserve a fair voice in the communities where they live and invest.

Across our four-county region—Wayne, Pike, Monroe, and Carbon—more than 6,500 Vacation Rental Homes (VRHs) generate an estimated $3 billion annually, support thousands of local jobs, and fuel the businesses that make the Poconos thrive: restaurants, shops, attractions, contractors, landscapers, and more.

Despite these benefits, STRs are often the target of sudden, unreasonable regulations, steep fees, or outright bans. Too often, these decisions are made without data, without transparency, and without representation from the very people most affected—STR owners.

Our Role in Advocacy

That’s where the Poconos VRO comes in. We:

• Monitor local government activity – tracking ordinances, zoning proposals, and HOA rule changes across more than 80 municipalities.

• Build relationships with decision-makers – engaging with township supervisors, county officials, and community leaders to ensure STR owners have a seat at the table.

• Educate and inform – providing factual data on the economic contributions of VRHs and correcting misinformation about their impact.

• Mobilize owners and allies – organizing letter-writing campaigns, public meeting attendance, and legal action when necessary.

• Protect property rights – challenging unfair regulations, excessive fees, and taxes that threaten the ability of owners to operate responsibly.

Why It Matters

When one township passes an unfair ordinance, others take notice. Left unchallenged, a single harmful policy can spread across the region, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of owners and the jobs that depend on them.

Advocacy isn’t just about reacting when the storm hits. It’s about building long-term credibility, relationships, and strength so that when challenges arise, STR owners aren’t left standing alone.

Your Role in the Fight

Every member, every donation, and every volunteer helps strengthen our collective voice. With your support, we can transform from a handful of owners raising concerns into a united association capable of weathering any challenge.

Together, we ensure that Vacation Rental Homes remain a vibrant, respected, and protected part of the Poconos economy and community life.