2023 Advocate of the Year: Scott Leggat
8/6/2024
The VRMA Excellence Awards celebrate and recognize the incredible work, contributions, and impact that vacation rental professionals have made in the past year. We are highlighting each of the 12 award recipients in 2023, continuing today with the Advocate of the Year: Scott Leggat.
Scott Leggat’s commitment to promoting pro-short-term rental (STR) government policies and his relentless fight against anti-STR regulations have not only transformed the industry but have also been a source of inspiration for all those involved.
Fighting for the Right to Rent
One of Leggat’s most significant achievements is the “Right to Rent” initiative, which has become a transformative program in the vacation rental industry. This program has organized and harnessed the collective strength of industry resources for advocacy, ensuring the continued viability of the industry. It provides ongoing resources for national and local regulatory advocacy initiatives, research for policymaking, and funding for emerging regulatory battles.
Leggat’s legacy, however, extends beyond this initiative. Those who nominated him said he is always available and willing to offer advice and support, making his phone number a valuable resource for anyone in the industry seeking guidance. Leggat’s altruism and selfless service have made him a true luminary in the field.
A Lifetime of Industry Experience
Leggat’s journey in the vacation rental industry spans decades. He has experienced it from various angles, from serving as a property manager to becoming a vendor in the supplier space. His wealth of knowledge and experience has been instrumental in his role as an advocate for the industry.
Leggat’s dedication is not limited to domestic efforts. He has traveled far and wide, from Austin to Palm Beach, and even overseas, to speak on behalf of the industry. He and his team are always at the forefront, representing the vacation rental community, offering guidance, and engaging in legislative strategies.
Supporting Local Advocacy
At the local level, Leggat has been a beacon of advocacy leadership. His work empowers vacation rental managers and hosts to navigate the complex regulatory landscape, ensuring sensible regulations that contribute to the industry’s growth and legitimacy. His commitment to providing resources and support for local initiatives is unmatched.
Leggat’s ability to connect people to resources and organizations has resulted in substantial fundraising efforts that have benefited vacation rental hosts and the industry as a whole. Whether it’s education programs, community building, or disaster relief support, Leggat is always ready to lend a helping hand.
Building Strategic Partnerships
Leggat’s exceptional leadership is evident in his ability to build strategic partnerships with governmental bodies, local communities, and other stakeholders. By bringing diverse perspectives to the table, he has played a pivotal role in crafting inclusive policies that balance the interests of the vacation rental industry with those of local residents and governments.
A Legacy of Success
Leggat’s impact on the industry can be measured in numerous success stories. He played a critical role in the formation of the Atlanta Metro Short-Term Rental Alliance (AMSTRA), connecting the founding board and providing invaluable resources. AMSTRA’s success in revising and writing sensible policies for Atlanta is a testament to Leggat’s dedication to fostering true partnerships between local advocacy organizations.
In Clatsop County, Oregon, Leggat’s guidance and support were instrumental in the fight to keep STR ordinances in place. His assistance in setting up a website, securing donations, managing PR campaigns, and legal battles all contributed to the victory that ensured the county’s continued tax revenue and the preservation of short-term rental permits.
Leggat’s tireless advocacy has not only transformed the vacation rental industry but has also set a high standard for selfless service and support. He is a model advocate, and his impact resonates not only at the national level but also in local communities. Leggat’s legacy is a testament to the power of commitment, passion, and the unwavering fight for the vacation rental industry’s right to thrive.