The New York Times profiles Marathon, a tiny town in Texas with no jobs to speak of but a growing number of second-home buyers looking for the quiet life.
"JAMES A. MANGUM and his wife, Sidney Spires, stopped into Marathon, Tex., last September while researching Mr. Mangum's third western-themed novel, "Stalking Azazel." That night, they met a group of Marathoners gathered around a resident's outdoor pizza oven, drinking beer and watching the sun set behind the Del Norte Mountains. Two weeks later, they bought a $60,000, 600-square-foot cottage next door.
Mr. Mangum and Ms. Spires, who now split their time between Marathon and a home in Shiner, Tex., about 460 miles away, joined the artists, writers, ranchers and outdoor enthusiasts who have settled in this town of 450, 600 or 800, depending on whom you ask. Once little more than a pit stop on the way to Big Bend National Park, 40 miles south, Marathon has lost its industry but found new life as a quiet but thriving second-home community.
"The first thing you notice when you get here, your heart rate drops about 50 percent," Mr. Mangum said."
FULL STORY: Where Cowboy Hats Meet Birkenstocks
Pied-à-Terre Tax Would Generate Significantly Less Revenue in NYC Than Estimated, Report Says
A pied-à-terre tax proposed by New York State legislators faced the scrutiny of the Independent Budget Office.
The State of the Market for Second Homes, Prior to the Pandemic
Half of the nation's second homes are found in nine states, according to recent data analysis by the National Association of Home Builders, and building is likely to increase in vacation areas soon, according to one expert.
Paris Targets Vacant Second Homes With 60% Tax
7.5 percent of homes in the French capital have no one living in them.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.
From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.
New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service