Events

Many rural and suburban communities with natural assets—and robust internet service—have become attractive places for telecommuters to locate full time. Hear from communities that are weighing the benefits and pitfalls of the "zoom town" phenomenon, working to collect data about it, and seeking to understand potential long-term implications of working from home. Planners can help communities prepare by developing a deeper understanding of the influencing factors and how different approaches to accommodating them have impacts on both the physical environment and people's daily lives. This session also focuses on identifying key considerations for making decisions about policies and programs that address this phenomenon. It's especially important for planners to consider how benefits can be distributed equitably across segments of the population. How can the economic advantages of zoom towns benefit all community members?