New York Road Runners pressured to drop Airbnb

City lawmakers and activists are pressuring the New York Road Runners to drop Airbnb as a sponsor of Saturday's Brooklyn Half Marathon, but the nonprofit organization says it has no intention of dropping its deal with the short-term rental site.  

Three state senators, five members of the Assembly and seven New York City Council members joined with dozens of housing advocates and other groups to sign a letter arguing that Airbnb’s business model violates rent laws and that their business is contributing to a housing crisis in New York City.  The letter, directed to the NYRR's president and CEO, also argues that Airbnb is unsafe for renters. 

"As New York City faces a severe housing crisis, we encourage NYRR to end its relationship with this predatory and opportunistic company," the officials and groups wrote in the letter. "Further, we urge NYRR to issue a statement to its members warning them of the perils of renting on Airbnb."

Airbnb New York Press Secretary Peter Schottenfels disputed the claims.

"The Airbnb community in Brooklyn is incredibly proud to be part of this great celebration,” Shottenfels said in a statement. “While a hotel industry front group has unfortunately decided to stage a publicity stunt, we are focused on highlighting the amazing and diverse communities that make up Brooklyn and the runners that take part in the event."

In a statement, NYRR Vice President of Public Relations Chris Weiller also defended the partnership. 

“From events like the New York City Marathon and the Brooklyn Half, to free youth and community-based running programs and initiatives, we work closely with a variety of city and state agencies and sponsors to help and inspire people through running,” Weiller said.  “Sponsorships help fund New York Road Runners' non-profit mission to promote health and wellness through running programs and initiatives that positively impact over 400,000 people of all ages and abilities, including 200,000 kids, in the five boroughs and beyond. With runners making up such a large part of the Airbnb community, our partnership focuses on New Yorkers serving as neighborhood ambassadors to the global running community.”

You can read the letter below:

Letter to M. Capiraso Regarding Brooklyn Half Marathon by Michael Gareth Johnson