How Cities Are Regulating the Sharing Economy

Compiled from interviews conducted with city officials, this National League of Cities report gives us a regulator's-eye-view of the sharing economy. Among the topics discussed are equity, taxation, and data transparency.

1 minute read

April 15, 2015, 11:00 AM PDT

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


Lyft

Alfredo Mendez / Flickr

The sharing economy and peer-to-peer commerce continues to evolve. Recently released by the National League of Cities, Cities, the Sharing Economy, and What's Next is an overview of that ongoing development from the perspective of established city officials. 

From the report: "Of the 12 interviews conducted, four officials held positions as a city councilmember, four held positions in offices focused on economic development or special projects, two held positions in offices focused on transit or sustainability, and the remaining two served as advisors to councilmembers or to the city."

Several consistent themes emerged from the research, including:

  • Ensuring equity and ease of access, especially in homesharing and ridesharing applications
  • Insurance provisions for next-gen "taxi" services like Lyft and Uber
  • How and when cities should have access to the data sharing economy companies collect
  • What kind of taxes cities should levy on sharing economy transactions
An article about the report on the NLC's blog concludes, "We also hope our findings inspire city officials to ask the tough questions. The sharing economy is disruptive, and it's moving quickly. It's changing how we get around, where we stay, how we manage tasks, what we buy – and sometimes the changes occurring can be overwhelming for city officials."

Tuesday, March 31, 2015 in National League Of Cities

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Two people on bikes in red painted bike lane with bus in traffic lane next to them.

Understanding Road Diets

An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.

2 hours ago - Momentum Magazine

Aerial view of large warehouses across from development of suburban single-family homes in Jurupa, California with desert mountains in background.

New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution

A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.

3 hours ago - Black Voice News

Purple Phoenix light rail train connected to overhead wires at sunset.

Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension

The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.

4 hours ago - Arizona Republic