I agree that non-profits can and often are not independent of private influences. Universities can fall under the same influences as well, such as MIT's concret

I agree that non-profits can and often are not independent of private influences. Universities can fall under the same influences as well, such as MIT's concrete research studies being funded and advocated by the Portland Concrete Association. In this situation, I would have liked to see an independent non-profit or University group that was funded 50/50 by New York City and Airbnb to do the study. Perhaps you can argue that the funding arrangement is not perfect, but it's definitely a step in the right direction.