It's Time to Pass the Paton

Lawsuits Aren’t Enough Anymore

Carl Vidal, the driving force behind the grassroots STR movement in Albuquerque, has made major strides. In the January 2025 legislative session, he successfully captured the attention of state lawmakers and secured their commitment to study the economic impact of short-term rentals (STRs) across New Mexico.

This win builds on Carl’s 2024 comprehensive economic study, which revealed that STRs generate an impressive $1 billion annually for New Mexico. The immediate goal of this state-level agreement is to demonstrate that STR benefits far outweigh their downsides. The broader objective? Shift STR regulation and taxation away from biased, ill-equipped local governments and into more capable hands at the state level.

In the meantime, the state has recommended that county tax assessors pause any reclassification of STR properties until the study concludes. Unfortunately, Santa Fe County Assessor Isaiah Romero is ignoring this guidance. Remember his name—Romero is up for re-election in 2026. Hold him accountable at the ballot box.

Carl Vidal has also joined the board of the New Mexico Airbnb STR group. While that organization has had limited impact, Carl brings strategic focus and credibility. We highly recommend following him on Facebook to stay updated on state-level advocacy efforts.

After consulting with attorneys Zack Cook and Blair Dunn, we've concluded that further legal action is not in our best interest. The courts are currently too politicized and hostile toward STRs to offer a fair hearing.  

Back in January, retired Republican Senator and fellow STR owner Mark Botano reached out to propose a new lawsuit, hoping the STR Fellowship of Santa Fe County would mobilize support. After reviewing his plan, we advised against it. Instead, we believe advocacy at the state level is a more effective path forward.

Santa Fe STR owners have led this fight—raising awareness, challenging unjust policies, and taking legal action when no one else would. We've carried the torch since 2020, and it's time for others across New Mexico to step up and push for change at the state level.

The political climate is shifting. 

Economic concerns are making lawmakers more receptive to the benefits of STRs.

Now is the time to press the case.

The STR Fellowship of Santa Fe County was formed to defend our rights and push back against biased local leadership. But we were never meant to exist forever. 

Truthfully, we never should have had to exist—our rights should have been respected from the start. 

We’ve accomplished a lot. No other group has taken the kind of bold, consistent action that you and your fellow STR owners have. 

After five years of hard work, it’s time for the next wave of advocates to rise.

This will be the final message from The STR Fellowship of Santa Fe County.

We’re closing this chapter—but here’s what we’re leaving you with:

• Support Carl Vidal and his efforts at the state level.
• Run for local office. Santa Fe County Commissioners have shown they lack the vision and critical thinking skills to lead. The 2026 elections are fast approaching. Many of you are more than qualified to replace them.
• Build a coalition now. You have the support and the credibility. Imagine what it would mean to stand up at a County Commission meeting and call out incompetence and bias in real time. That’s how change happens.

You could be the Commissioner who actually fights for property rights.  The one who listens. The one who leads.

It's not a fantasy. It's entirely within reach.

Now’s the time. Make your move.