Traditional economic development strategies focus on wooing corporations: the larger the better. Now, a small but growing number of cities are offering incentives to encourage individuals to relocate. MakeMyMove.com currently lists 106 communities with active relocation programs. For example:
Baltimore, MD, is home to the Buying into Baltimore program, which offers $5,000 in down-payment and closing costs to homebuyers in specific neighborhoods. Columbus, GA, is working to attract out-of-state residents with remote jobs. The Move to Meaningful program offers $5,000 cash for relocation. Meanwhile, tiny Neodesha, KS, offers no cash, but a range of incentives such as waiving state income tax through 2026, property tax rebates on exterior home improvements, and help with day care for working parents.
Other cities are working to attract residents with special talents such as teachers, police officers, and healthcare workers.
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