Jennifer Peltz, Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — A new study finds American cities are enticed by the economic growth and services that “sharing economy” companies such as Uber, Lyft and Airbnbcan offer.

But officials are anxious about safety in a largely unregulated realm. The National League of Cities released the findings Wednesday.

They’re drawn from survey responses from 245 leaders of American municipalities large and small.

Last month, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback signed a compromise on regulations that the ride-hailing company Uber says will allow it to stay in the state.

Under the new Kansas law, Uber and other ride-hailing companies are allowed to do their own private background checks on subcontracted drivers, but the attorney general also can sue them if drivers are found to have criminal backgrounds.

Uber spokeswoman Lauren Altmin reported in April that riders in Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan and Topeka could begin hailing Uber drivers soon. The company already offers service in Wichita, Kansas City, Kansas, and Johnson County.

Seventy-one percent of city leaders surveyed say they want to see the “sharing” sector grow.

Yet 61 percent say they’re concerned about the safety of using apps and websites that let everyday people rent out rooms, arrange car rides and provide other services to strangers.

More than half the cities said they imposed no rules on “sharing” players.
Companies say they’re safety-conscious contributors to cities’ economies.