News

Airbnb and the Barter Economy: What’s the Future in Virginia?

The barter economy and how Virginia will treat or authorize these types of real estate “businesses” is a hot topic of debate in the General Assembly. The concerns and opportunities for Airbnb and others like it are of importance to the Wilder School, which will host a panel discussion about this issue on Tuesday, April 19, with legislators, lawyers and faculty experts.

“Airbnb and the Barter Economy: What’s the Future in Virginia?“ will take place from 3-5 p.m. the Student Commons Theater and is free and open to the public.

Pia Trigiani, a real estate attorney and founding partner of MercerTrigiani law firm in Alexandria, will moderate. Trigiani is a leading authority on common interest ownership community associations.

Panelists include:

• State Sen. Tommy Norment, R-James City, Senate Majority Leader and co-chair of the Senate Finance Committee.
• Edward Mullen, partner at the law firm Reed Smith who focuses on administrative issues before state agencies, the General Assembly and Virginia’s congressional delegation.
• Elsie Harper-Anderson, Ph.D., assistant professor of Urban and Regional Studies/Planning who’s an expert in economic development and entrepreneurship.
• Nancy Morris, Ph.D., assistant professor of Criminal Justice who’s an authority on crime prevention and policing.

“Whether to regulate Airbnb and other real estate enterprises is a public policy issue in Virginia that has profound implications,” said Meghan Gough, Ph.D., chair of the Urban and Regional Studies/Planning program. “The Wilder School believes it’s important to convene experts and explore the many components of this ongoing issue.”