Choose Topeka Relocation Initiative Offering $10K for Remote Workers to Move
GO Topeka announced today the approval of the Choose Topeka Relocation Initiative, which would allow candidates working remotely to receive an incentive up to $10,000 to move to Topeka/Shawnee County. The official approval for this initiative came at the Joint Economic Development Organization’s (JEDO) September 9, 2020 meeting.
Based upon verified salary, potential candidates for this initiative may receive up to $10,000 for a home purchase or rehab; and up to $5,000 toward a minimum one-year lease, both for primary residence only. Funding comes from current allocations for the traditional relocation program approved in December 2019 and is an added remote worker option. Guidance within the remote option still includes documentation verifying proof of prior residency, rental or agreement/home purchase and proof of salary/benefits package, in addition to including guidance for remote workers with a limit of one relocation incentive per household, a minimum three-month waiting period for incentive, and the employer providing remote employment must be located outside of Shawnee County.
“The pandemic has reshaped the way we perform professionally, with remote work becoming the new normal for many,” said Barbara Stapleton, vice president of business retention and talent initiatives, GO Topeka. “Within the last few months, Choose Topeka has seen a sharp uptick of remote candidates expressing an interest in choosing Topeka as their next home. It was imperative that a remote option for the relocation initiative come into play.”
“Topeka is only one of a few cities in the entire country to offer this type of incentive to relocate remote workers. I think this alone shows how local organizations like GO Topeka work to activate new talent and promote the Topeka & Shawnee County community,” said Dan Foltz, GO Topeka Board chair. “Communities, such as ours, that invest in talent ultimately reap the benefits of a robust and specialized workforce as well as a stronger, more intentional community.”
“As Topeka looks to develop its innovation space, this incentive will help us be able to target the best and brightest, especially within the fields of animal health and ag tech, said Katrin Bridges, senior vice president of innovation, GO Topeka.
“To those remote workers looking at this program with interest, let me be the first to say we’re happy to welcome you to our vibrant, growing community and we’re excited to provide you with the resources to help you start your best life here in Topeka,” said Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla.
Those interested the Choose Topeka Relocation Initiative should contact Barbara Stapleton at Barbara.Stapleton@TopekaPartnership.com. To learn more about the Choose Topeka talent recruitment initiative, visit ChooseTopeka.com.
