Lincoln County, Kansas is asking you to move in with them and they will pay you for it.
The rural area population, which is approximately 130 miles north of Wichita, is home to fewer than 3,000 people. Local leaders see this as a problem in the territory’s economic growth, so they recently launched a “lucrative” program to attract more settlers and remote workers to move there.
To grow the population, attract remote workers and expand the economy, local leaders have pledged to provide new residents with a generous “move-in” package. This includes $4,500 cash, a $500 donation for high-speed internet, a gym membership, and a monthly delivery of farm-fresh eggs. New residents will also be greeted with land on which they can build a home, offering a truly unique opportunity.
The plan in Lincoln County was inspired by many other cities that experimented with similar economic growth techniques to combat the financial implications of a low population. West Lafayette, Indiana; Ellsworth County, Kansas; Tulsa and Oklahoma, among other places, also saw the introduction of these measures.
The goal of that package was to attract at least five remote workers to the county during the first year when it launched in January 2023. The plan has since expanded to attract a new group of applicants.
Make My Move, an Indianapolis-based company that promotes connections between communities and remote employees through rewards and cash, is in charge of advertising and monitoring the plan. According to Make My Move, the scheme has already shown promising results, with the aim of bringing 70 new homes to the area. Twenty-three other counties have already expressed interest in participating, demonstrating the potential success of the initiative.
Who can apply?
To apply for the relocation package, remote workers must be full-time employees, earn a minimum of $50,000 per year, and have previously lived outside of Kansas. After signing up for the plan on its official website, participants must agree to move within six months and commit to staying in the area for at least a year. Remote workers may also be eligible to receive an additional $5,000 in cash if their partner is employed in a local position.
So far, 330 applications have been submitted for the scheme since its announcement. Business Insider reported that more than 35 of the applications meet the requirements.
Participants accepted into the economic plan will enjoy a number of benefits. These include lower living expenses, affordable housing options, tax reductions, and opportunities to reduce debt. Additionally, participants may be eligible for supported student loan payments and state income tax reductions in select areas, further improving their financial stability.
“We work hard to ensure our movers know what we offer and what we don’t, so they don’t have any regrets,” said Kelly Gourley, executive director of the Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation. “And we work to connect them with people who will introduce them to our community and welcome them.”
“Money is just the hook,” Gourley said. “It’s not going to make someone like where they live; it’s what comes after that makes someone feel good about moving.”
Lincoln’s first residents come from diverse and densely populated areas, including Atlanta, Dallas and Memphis, Tennessee, according to Make My Move. These pioneers have found success and fulfillment in their new home, with many citing community support and opportunities for personal and professional growth as key factors. Lincoln is also one of 95 Kansas counties that are part of the state’s Rural Opportunity Zone initiative, which aims to increase employment and attract newcomers.
The Innovation Center is a key support of Lincoln’s plan, providing resources and guidance to entrepreneurs and contributing to the local economy. The Center has played a crucial role in expanding the Lincoln movement’s recruiting strategy, successfully attracting new workers to northwest Kansas.
“As a participant in our relocation plan, you will also be able to benefit from the Center’s services and network, further enhancing your career opportunities,” Gourley added.
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