Even though Uber lost its battle here in Seattle to prevent its drivers from gaining the ability to unionize, it has wielded remarkable political muscle across the United States to its great benefit.
Here’s a great article showing how Uber has shaped its regulatory landscape by successively rolling over states’ legislative branches. What is equally fascinating is the tool they used to make it happen: the Uber app itself, through which it mobilizes its customers and drivers to put pressure on politicians.
There are surely lessons here for Council member Tim Burgess as he takes on Airbnb (as are there lessons for Airbnb).