Austin short-term rental operators can expect to see a streamlined licensing process for their properties and increased enforcement of unsanctioned units, following regulatory changes that went into effect this fall.

What's happening: Changes rolling out in the weeks and months ahead follow an "overhaul" of local policies related to short-term rentals, or STRs, completed this year. The process played out in response to some past legal challenges to Austin's STR system, and in an effort to rein in the thousands of unlicensed STRs believed to be operating around town.

To that end, City Council advanced contracts totaling nearly $2.5 million to assist with STR enforcement and licensing services. The contracts, both with San Diego-based Deckard Technologies, were authorized Nov. 20.

Quote of note: "We look forward to having these tools in place to improve compliance and services for short-term rentals in Austin," Austin Development Services spokesperson Robbie Searcy said in an email.

Austin’s annual New Year’s event with Visit Austin has made some upgrades to this year’s experience with a drone show and expanded media coverage from national outlets.

What to know: Community members can check out headliners The Head and the Heart, who will be joined by local musicians Chaparelle, Tameca Jones and The Point. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy the experience with bites from local food trucks, nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages and a drone show. 

Presented by Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, the drone show will be a first in Austin’s New Year’s celebration and will kick off the lighting of the downtown skyline with a fireworks finale. As part of their national New Year’s Eve coverage, CNN will broadcast live from Austin.

Stay tuned: The city will share the full lineup of artists in December. Individuals looking to attend the event can also expect transportation and general event tips to be posted on the website in the near future.

• Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin

So far in 2025, Community Impact has covered two election cycles, major transportation updates, development news and local businesses throughout the greater Austin area.

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