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3 owners to share feedback and concerns. Their day-to-day experience can shed light on what regulations are truly needed or how existing rules are working in the community. • Delay any formal decisions or implementation of changes until such stakeholder engagement has taken place and the feedback has been meaningfully incorporated. Rushing to enact new zoning rules without this input would be premature. A short delay in the decision-making timeline is worthwhile if it ensures that all voices are heard and potential pitfalls are identified. This patience will help avoid having to amend or repeal problematic rules later. • Form a stakeholder advisory group composed of rental license holders. Establish a working group or task force that includes a representative cross-section of those holding rental licenses in Saint Anthony (including both short-term and long- term rental operators). This group can work with City staff and officials to examine the issues, discuss proposals, and collaboratively develop solutions. In other cities where I’ve worked, such stakeholder committees have been invaluable in crafting balanced policies — they build mutual understanding between regulators and those regulated, and they often come up with creative compromises that one side alone might miss. • Clearly articulate the specific concerns or issues prompting consideration of new rental regulations. It is important for the City to transparently identify what problems you aim to solve or what goals you hope to achieve with changes to the rental zoning rules. For example, are there particular complaints, safety issues, property maintenance concerns, neighborhood impacts, or other data driving this initiative? Clarifying these points will focus the conversation and allow stakeholders to address the actual issues at hand. It will also help prevent misconceptions or the feeling that changes are being made arbitrarily. When everyone understands the reasons behind a proposal, we can all work toward the best solutions for those defined problems. By taking the steps outlined above, the City Council can ensure that any revisions to our rental zoning regulations are well- informed, fair, and effective. Engaging stakeholders early and openly will likely result in better outcomes that achieve the City’s objectives while also being practical for those who must abide by them. It will demonstrate the City’s commitment to transparent, inclusive governance and will build greater trust within our community. In short, broadening the dialogue now will save a lot of trouble & expense later. 141