This book describes intriguing issues raised by the sharing economy which has resulted in rapid financial growth for several internet firms, such as Airbnb and Expedia/HomeAway, which have rapidly become larger than major hotel chains. The impending surprise is the current economic disaster that is resulting from overreaching of city laws designed to raise city tax revenue, but instead are now causing severe damage the local and national economy.

The rapid growth of short-term rentals resulted in aggressive response from hotel workers unions and low-income persons who want minimal...