Tulsa Remote was featured in Bloomberg, spotlighting how our program is reshaping economic development nationwide. The article highlights the story of Kagan Conaway, who moved from Indiana to Tulsa in 2024 after seeing an Instagram ad she first thought was a scam. Within days of visiting, she “fell in love with the city,” made the move, and has since convinced her mom to join her in Tulsa as well. Kagan’s journey is just one example of how Tulsa Remote is helping people find opportunity, connection, and a true sense of belonging in our city.
The Bloomberg story also underscored findings from a new independent study by economist Timothy Bartik of the W.E. Upjohn Institute. His research found that Tulsa Remote generates more than $4 in local economic benefits for every $1 spent - double the impact of traditional incentive programs aimed at attracting corporations. Since our launch in 2018, more than 3,600 members have chosen to call Tulsa home, with 96% staying through their first year and 70% still here today. Those numbers, Bloomberg noted, make Tulsa Remote a model for how cities can grow stronger by investing directly in people.
Bloomberg emphasized what sets Tulsa Remote apart: the community and support systems built into the program. From mentorship and coworking to volunteer opportunities and social events, members are welcomed with intentional infrastructure designed to help them thrive. With 26% of our 2024 program participants working in tech, Tulsa is also solving the “chicken-and-egg” challenge of attracting both talent and employers. As Bloomberg concluded, Tulsa Remote is proving that when cities choose to invest in people, not just corporations, the returns are powerful, sustainable, and transformative.