Showing Up, Speaking Up, and Shaping the Future of STRs in His Tow
Every month, we meet members who remind us why NHVRTA exists. This month, we’re proud to spotlight Tom Daniels, a host who stepped into local advocacy not because he sought the spotlight—but because his community needed a voice.
A Spark of Concern
It started simply enough. A planning board member in Tom’s town raised questions about short-term rentals—questions that hinted at potential restrictions. For many, this would be the moment to quietly hope things resolved themselves.
But Tom chose a different path.
Showing Up, Meeting After Meeting
In a town with permissive-use zoning, the rules weren’t entirely clear. So Tom began attending every single planning board meeting, determined to ensure STRs were understood, represented, and—most importantly—fairly considered.
He used public comment not as a soapbox, but as a bridge:
- Sharing NHVRTA materials, including Julia’s letter and our fact sheet
- Bringing relevant RSA and case law to the conversation
- Asking thoughtful, consistent questions
- Keeping the tone respectful, patient, and community-centered
Meanwhile, the board member who initially raised concerns hasn’t attended a meeting in over three months—making Tom’s steady, informed presence even more impactful.
Even now, with an upcoming agenda item regardless of whether that board member returns, Tom keeps showing up.
Why Tom’s Story Matters
Tom’s journey is a reminder that local advocacy isn’t always dramatic. Often, it’s quiet persistence—showing up, sharing facts, building relationships, and trusting that consistency leads to credibility.
He’s not fighting a battle; he’s shaping a conversation.
And his experience reflects what’s possible when community members feel empowered, prepared, and supported—something NHVRTA strives to cultivate statewide.
Quiet Leadership, Real Impact
Tom has helped reframe how STRs are viewed—not as unknown variables, but as part of the fabric of his town’s economy and community life. His presence has brought clarity where there was uncertainty and collaboration where conflict could easily have taken root.
Because of his efforts, local leaders now have:
- Accurate information
- Real-world examples
- A better understanding of responsible hosting
- A face and voice representing STRs in the community
This is the kind of leadership that strengthens New Hampshire communities.
A Path Others Can Follow
What makes Tom’s story powerful isn’t that he did something extraordinary—it’s that any host can do what Tom did.
A few simple actions can change the trajectory of local policy:
- Show up to meetings
- Share trusted information
- Engage respectfully
- Ask good questions
- Build relationships over time
Town by town, meeting by meeting, hosts like Tom are reshaping the STR narrative across New Hampshire.
Be Like Tom. Shape the Future.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your voice matters, Tom’s example is your answer: it absolutely does.
NHVRTA exists to equip hosts with the tools, confidence, and support to engage effectively—just like Tom. When hosts participate, STR conversations become more informed, more balanced, and more reflective of the families and communities behind them.
New Hampshire’s STR future is being shaped right now—and we want you at the table.
👉 Become a Member and Make Your Voice Count: JOIN LINK