Borrego Springs Local • December 10, 2023
The Impact of Short-Term Rentals on Small Towns
Share
The Impact of Short-Term Rentals on Borrego Springs: A Comprehensive Analysis
The rise of short-term rentals in Borrego Springs, fueled by platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, has brought about significant changes in this charming desert town. These changes have sparked a debate on how best to manage the positive influx of tourism against the backdrop of housing and infrastructure challenges.
Pros and Cons of Short-Term Rentals in Borrego Springs
Pros:
- Economic Growth: The influx of tourists staying in short-term rentals has a ripple effect on Borrego Springs’ local economy. From restaurants to retail stores, various sectors benefit from increased spending.
- Homeowner Benefits: Residents of Borrego Springs who rent out their properties enjoy a supplementary source of income, which can be significant in a town with limited economic opportunities.
- Tourism Diversification: Short-term rentals diversify the type of tourists attracted to Borrego Springs, catering to those seeking a more 'local' experience.
- Property Value Increase: Homeowners may see an increase in property values due to the popularity of the area as a vacation destination.
Cons:
- Housing Market Pressure: As properties shift from long-term to short-term rentals, residents find it increasingly difficult to find affordable housing in Borrego Springs.
- Community Disruption: A high turnover of visitors can disrupt the sense of community, altering the small-town charm of Borrego Springs.
- Resource Strain: Increased tourist numbers can strain public resources like water, waste management, and emergency services.
- Cultural Erosion: The unique cultural identity of Borrego Springs risks being overshadowed by a tourism-focused economy.
Addressing the Housing Challenge in Borrego Springs
The challenge of maintaining affordable housing in the face of lucrative short-term rentals is significant. Borrego Springs needs strategies that protect both the interests of homeowners looking to capitalize on their properties and those of long-term residents who call the town home.
Proposed Solutions for Borrego Springs
- Zoning and Regulation: Implementing zoning laws that limit where short-term rentals can operate or setting a cap on the number of rental days per year can help maintain a balance.
- Affordable Housing Funds: Implementing a tax on short-term rentals that goes directly into an affordable housing fund can be a way to address the housing scarcity.
- Community Engagement: Involving residents in the decision-making process ensures that the needs and concerns of the community are addressed.
- Infrastructure Investment: Allocating a portion of tourism revenue to enhance and expand public infrastructure can help mitigate the added strain from visitors.
The Role of Tourism in Borrego Springs
While short-term rentals bring undeniable benefits to Borrego Springs, particularly in boosting tourism and the local economy, it's crucial to manage this growth sustainably. This means ensuring that the influx of tourists does not detract from the quality of life for residents or the natural beauty that makes Borrego Springs a unique place to visit.
Future Outlook for Borrego Springs
The future of Borrego Springs hinges on a balanced approach that embraces the benefits of tourism while safeguarding the town's character and long-term livability. Thoughtful policies, community collaboration, and a commitment to preserving the town's heritage and environment are key to achieving this balance. Borrego Springs stands at a crossroads, with the potential to model how small towns can thrive in the face of changing economic landscapes and tourism trends.
Holiday Gift Event in Borrego Springs On Sunday, December 14 , families gathered at Christmas Circle for the annual Santa at the Circle Gift Giveaway , a holiday event organized by OLAX – Organización de Latinx de Borrego Springs in collaboration with community partners. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at the event aboard a Borrego Springs's San Diego County fire truck , while the Grinch made an appearance in a decorated truck , interacting with children throughout the afternoon. Holiday music played during the event, creating a seasonal backdrop as families moved through the activities. The Event was Open to all Families Children met Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos, received a stuffed animal, and then walked through a decorated toy tunnel , where they selected a gift to take home. Free cookies and hot chocolate were provided for everyone. Volunteers assisted with greeting families, guiding children through each station, and supporting gift distribution to ensure that each child received an age-appropriate gift in an organized and efficient way. Volunteers included members of OLAX , Miss Borrego and the Princesses , and S-Interact students , a Rotary–Soroptimist youth service group. Their coordination helped the event run smoothly and safely. The Santa at the Circle Gift Giveaway reflected continued community collaboration in Borrego Springs, bringing together local organizations, volunteers, and families for a shared holiday tradition.
The Borrego Springs Rotary Toy Giveaway is a long-standing holiday tradition that reflects the community’s commitment to caring for one another. A Day of Holiday Giving On Sunday, December 14, the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center was filled with holiday spirit as the Rotary Toy Giveaway welcomed families from across the community. The event was organized by the Borrego Springs Rotary Club , continuing a tradition that began in 2011. Originally created to support families facing financial hardship, the Toy Giveaway has grown over the years. Today, every child in Borrego Springs is invited to participate, reinforcing the Rotary Club’s commitment to inclusion and community care. Community Volunteers and Youth Leadership Rotary members were joined by Miss Borrego, the Princesses, and S-Interact students—a Rotary–Soroptimist youth service group—who volunteered their time to help distribute gifts and assist families. Together, volunteers ensured each child received a high-quality, age-appropriate gift in a welcoming and joyful setting. A Tradition That Brings People Together Each year, the Toy Giveaway highlights what makes Borrego Springs special: neighbors supporting neighbors and organizations working together for the common good. The smiles, gratitude, and shared moments captured during the event reflect the lasting impact of service rooted in compassion and collaboration. Learn More About Rotary Events like the Toy Giveaway are just one example of how the Borrego Springs Rotary Club serves the community throughout the year. Those interested in learning more about Rotary’s work—locally and beyond—are encouraged to explore how the organization supports education, youth leadership, and community enrichment in Borrego Springs.
Campaign fundraiser for Rebecca Jones
Ricardo Breceda’s New Sculptures Installed on Borrego Springs Road The community gathered on December 5 for the unveiling of Battle of the Desert, the newest addition to Borrego Springs’ iconic Sky Art by sculptor Ricardo Breceda. Installed at 4990 Borrego Springs Road, the pair of towering steel figures—a Greater Roadrunner and a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake—now join the region’s well-known collection of more than 130 Breceda sculptures that define the local landscape. Commissioned by Rams Hill and Borrego Community Builders, a Rams Hill initiative supporting community development and Borrego Community Homes, the installation highlights the wildlife and ecological relationships that shape the Anza-Borrego Desert. The roadrunner and rattlesnake are two of the desert’s most recognizable species, each playing a key role in rodent control and ecological balance. A permanent interpretive sign was also introduced during the event, explaining the meaning behind the sculptures and Breceda’s long-standing impact on desert art in Borrego Springs. Speakers included Rodney Bruce (Rams Hill), Wade Beane (Borrego Art Institute and Honorary Mayor of Borrego Springs), Gabriela Dow and Jennifer Sencion (Borrego Community Builders), Harry Turner (COO), and Ricardo Breceda, who spoke about the creativity and craftsmanship behind his work. The program acknowledged the collaborative planning behind the installation and the ongoing efforts to expand public art in the community. Following the unveiling, attendees were invited to a reception at Rams Hill. Breceda’s new roadrunner and rattlesnake join the larger Sky Art story—a regional landmark that continues to draw visitors, celebrate desert wildlife, and honor the artistic history shaped by the late philanthropist Dennis Avery’s original vision for large-scale, outdoor public sculpture in Borrego Springs.
Happy Thanksgiving! The Borrego Springs Welcome Sign committee is grateful to the many individuals and businesses who have supported efforts to construct the first new “Welcome to Borrego Springs” sign since the 1970’s. Because of their support, we have raised almost $29,000. Donations have ranged from $10 - $5,000 and we are thankful for every single dollar. Apparently costs to construct and install the signs have gone up significantly in the last year and a half. Therefore, when we thought we had almost reached our fundraising goal, we were told we might need as much as 50% more. The Borrego Village Association has got to work looking at alternative vendors, we are currently requesting estimates, and still hoping to get the job done for closer to the original estimate. If you pledged funds, that pledge will likely be requested in December or January. If you donated cash, please know that it is safely in an account earmarked for the welcome sign. If you haven’t donated yet, PLEASE DO! More funding is certainly needed and appreciated, especially as we have two more signs to construct after this one. To donate: The Borrego Village Association, a 501c(6) c, nonprofit organization, is leading the fundraising. Contributions checks can be made out to the Borrego Village Association and sent to Borrego Village Association. P.O. Box 1133, Borrego Springs, CA 92004. Donations can also be made via PayPal found on our website at BorregoVillageAssociation.org, or made via Zelle transfer. Pledges can be made using the form below. If you have any questions or require further information, email BorregoVillage@gmail.com Happy holidays and with many thanks to those who have - or will - donate, The Welcome Sign Committee - Jim Dion, Bruce Durbin, Nancy McRae, Alicia Wszelaki -- James Dion Executive Director Borrego Village Association Learn More About Borrego Springs
A Legacy for Borrego — Celebrating the Wermers’ Impact
