What began as a pandemic era experiment offering cash to attract remote workers has now become a mainstream strategy in cities and towns across the country. From cash bonuses to concert tickets, golf memberships, and even coffee with the mayor, communities across the country are finding creative ways to bring in new residents and revitalize their local economies.
The team at Tulsa Remote is happy to report that since launching in 2018, we have brought more than 3,600 remote workers to Tulsa through our program, offering $10,000 to eligible remote workers who relocate for at least a year. The results speak for themselves: 70% of participants remain in Tulsa after completing the program, and a recent W.E. Upjohn Institute study found that every $1 invested in Tulsa Remote generates more than $4 in local economic benefits. The program is also six times more effective at creating jobs than traditional business incentives.
The Wall Street Journal recently explored how this trend is expanding, with more than 178 programs nationwide listed on MakeMyMove, a platform connecting remote workers with relocation incentives. While many of these programs are relatively new, there’s one thing in common – each program sees the immense value of adding remote workers to a city’s population.
We love seeing the rising trend of other communities successfully building out these talent attraction programs. In Noblesville, Indiana, newcomers can receive $5,000, plus perks like coworking memberships and golf course access. Eastern Kentucky’s EKY Remote program offers financial incentives alongside a personal welcome to the community from neighborly support to school tours. These incentives are helping towns combat “brain drain,” bring in new skills, and spark economic growth.
The WSJ article makes one thing clear: in the race to attract remote talent, offering cash is just the beginning. Success depends on creating connections, building community, and making newcomers want to stay something Tulsa Remote has been doing for years.
📖 Read the full Wall Street Journal article to see how relocation incentives are transforming communities nationwide and why Tulsa is at the forefront of this movement.
