In this article, I offer six reasons why cities should embrace short-term rentals as a driver of long-run economic competitiveness.

The meal delivery industry is putting pressure on traditional dine-in establishments, as consumer opt to stay home rather than dine out. More dinner parties and less diners could have an in-direct impact on tourism, as urban living becomes more insular.

Technology has upended traditional notions of living space. Homes are now hotels and hotels are now homes. For decades, these clear-cut categories had guided the real estate industry in building orderly lucrative business ventures.

The travel industry has owned the conversation around short-term rentals. Now the real estate industry has a stake, as technology fundamentally transforms our relationship to property and place.

Airbnb has acquired serviced apartment rentals marketplace Urbandoor. What it really bought into was a direct-connect into the world of global corporate real estate.

Would you sign up for your city's branded travel loyalty program? What if it gave you exclusive discounts with your favorite independent hotels? What if it doubled as your local coffee shop punch card? What if it helped employ your friends and family? What value would it need to create for you? What would such a program look like? Can it be done?