Orem’s strength lies in its long-term residents. A “Family City” requires neighbors who invest in their local schools, look out for the kids next door, and help maintain the neighborhood’s social fabric. Airbnb replaces these invested and connected neighbors with a revolving door of strangers.

• The “Hotel Next Door” Problem: Unlike traditional hotels, which are confined to commercial zones, STRs bring commercial activity into the heart of quiet residential neighborhoods. Residents have already voiced concerns about loud parties, increased traffic, and unfamiliar guests approaching their children, even guests trying to enter the wrong home, remember the ‘Goat House,’ the ‘BYU Fan House,’ the ‘Aspen Elementary House’ & the ‘High Country Drive House’ in Orem? These incidents directly erode the “safe environment” Orem prides itself on.
• Security and Trust: Research suggests that STR listings can undermine a neighborhood’s natural ability to prevent crime, as there are fewer “familiar eyes” on the street to spot unusual activity. Reports of lack of respect for long-term residents, overflowing parking and trash cans, late night check-ins, and strangers approaching young children all affect the safety and security of our neighbors.

Pricing Out the Next Generation

Four years ago, Orem’s leadership championed “smart, balanced growth” by removing thousands of proposed high-density apartments and instead encouraging more owner-occupied housing to preserve and balance the city’s single-family neighborhoods and strengthen Orem’s character. Now, a new threat has emerged as the number of short-term rentals (STRs) continues to increase, affecting quality of life, taking over existing homes, and creating growing concerns about housing supply scarcity.

• Shrinking Housing Stock: There are estimated to be anywhere from 250-525 short-term rentals (STR) operating in Orem, even though they are technically prohibited. That’s not insignificant. Every home converted into a full-time Airbnb is one less home available for a local family or a young couple looking to start their life in Orem, to enroll their children in Orem schools.
• Rising Costs: By treating residential homes as investments for high-yield nightly stays, STRs drive up property values and rents, making it increasingly difficult for families to find and buy a home in Orem.

Reclaiming Our Motto

Orem is at a crossroads. The City Council is currently debating whether to maintain its ban or move toward a licensing model. STR owners argue that STRs are more profitable for them than long-term rentals. However, the residential property rights of existing neighbors and neighborhoods, and the broader community interest must come first-it must come before profits.

“Family City USA” shouldn’t just be a slogan on a city flag; it must be a policy priority. To protect the stability and affordability of our homes, Orem must prioritize the families who live here over the tourists just passing through.

Debbie Lamb is a long-time Orem resident and a member of the Neighborhood Advisory Commission.