Airbnb has promised to take down a number of posters that tell public utilities in San Francisco how to spend the money they receive from taxes.
In a series of posters placed across the city, the sharing economy company gave libraries, schools and parking attendants advice for using the estimated $12 million in hotel taxes paid by Airbnb hosts and guests. "Dear Public Library System," read one message displayed next to a library. "We hope you use some of the $12 million in hotel taxes to keep the library open later." "Dear Public Works," ran another placed beside a bike lane. "Please use the $12 million to build more bike lanes, like this one."
The posters have provoked outrage from San Francisco residents and observers across the world. Martha Kenney, an assistant professor at San Francisco State University, summed up the mood: "Dear Airbnb. I'm happy to hear that you paid your taxes this year. I did too! Isn't it awesome?"
Airbnb has pledged to take down the posters "immediately". "The intent was to show the hotel tax contribution from our hosts and guests, which is roughly $1 million per month. It was the wrong tone and we apologize to anyone who was offended," an Airbnb spokesman told Business Insider.
However, swift action may prove difficult, as the advertisements have been spread across the city and splashed across Union Square.
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@juliacarriew @khuey_ @njudah Wonder if they're going to take down these giant billboards above Union Sq. too pic.twitter.com/cr79pdbDgm
— Adam N. Mayer (@AdamNMayer) October 22, 2015</blockquote>
The campaign is aimed at fighting Proposition F, a ballot to restrict short-term rentals in San Francisco.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
