The Village of Pinehurst has been rooted in tourism for well over a century. In 1895, James Walker Tufts purchased approximately 5000 acres of land for $1/acre. Not one for wasting any time, Tufts immediately began construction of his famed guest cottages, (eventually 52 in total) and later, the Holly Inn. His purpose was simple, to create and promote a resort for weary Northerners traveling by rail. These travelers were seeking health benefits and a lifestyle not found anywhere else at the time. Subsequently, the area boomed and Pinehurst was born.

Throughout history, The Village of Pinehurst and Moore County have weathered economic ups and downs due to the backbone of golf and tourism in the area. Without adequate high-quality accommodations to support the large number of families, travelers, golfers & individuals coming to the area for vacationing, our local economy will dramatically suffer. The Village and area as we know it will NOT be the same.

ECONOMIC IMPACT: "In 2021, Moore County witnessed an unprecedented $673 million in economic impact from visitor spending, a 70 percent increase from the previous year. That increase ranks as the fourth highest rate of increase statewide, up from $396 million in visitor spending in 2020 which was deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the substantial increase in visitor spending last year, Moore County now claims the tenth highest tourism economy in the state, the highest ranking in history". (From a 2021 study by Visit North Carolina). From the same study, "The report also provided visitor spending based on a variety of sectors. Overall, Moore County ranked no worse than eleventh in the state in all of the areas including: Lodging ($168.5 million, ranked 7th); Food and Beverage ($212.26 million, ranked 11th); Recreation ($96.3 million, ranked 9th); Retail ($60.1 million, ranked 8th) and Transportation ($135.9 million, ranked 11th). The rates of increase in visitor spending in each sector compared to the previous year are as follows: Lodging (up 89 percent); Food and Beverage (up 54 percent); Recreation (up 86 percent); Retail (up 63 percent) and Transportation (up 67 percent)".

IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH RENTALS? Quite simply, no, there's not. There are a few outspoken Village residents who have voiced their distain for short term rentals (STRs) in the area, wanting them banned once and for all. Complaints about persistent, consistent and an ongoing problems with vacation rentals in the area simply doesn't hold up as being a real problem whatsoever. If this ban comes to fruition, it swiftly becomes a property rights issue and very clear government overreach of power. Additionally, Pinehurst and Moore County could lose national prominence and recognition as a tourism-supporting destination. All of these impacts could show big organizations such as USGA, US Kids Golf, LPGA, and MORE that Pinehurst possibly isn't the right choice. 

WHAT CAN I DO?: For starters, SIGN this petition....THEN, attend the upcoming meeting. On September 1, the Village of Pinehurst Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustment will meet at 4 PM at Assembly Hall (395 Magnolia Rd, Pinehurst) to vote on a proposed ban of Short Term Rentals (STRs). By signing this petition, you will show Village leaders that you OPPOSE the ban and show SUPPORT of the continued existence of Vacation Rental properties in the area. Your support of vacation rentals is CRITICAL and TIME-SENSITIVE to the economic health of Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Moore County as a whole. Without STRs, Pinehurst and surrounding areas do not have the infrastructure and lodging to accommodate the level of tourism experienced now and in the past. The time is NOW to recognize the deep and multi-faceted impact tourism has on ALL of our lives and area businesses. Thank you for your support!