It’s no secret that remote work has changed the game for many Americans, allowing them to not only work at a job they love, but to do so while living in a place they love. The combination of an increasingly high cost of living in many urban areas and remote workers knowing they have this flexibility of location has spurred many of these workers to consider relocating to somewhere more affordable.

Thanks to the strong guidance and expertise of Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation Director Kelly Gourley and a grant from the Innovation Center, Lincoln County is on the cutting edge of this remote worker relocation in the state, acting as the lead county in the 26 county service area to partner with a remote worker relocation program. The goal is to increase population within the county as well as to provide these workers and their families a comfortable, safe, affordable place to call home.

Gourley grew up in the small town of Scandia, Kansas, located in Innovation Center territory. A graduate of Pike Valley High School and Kansas State University, Gourley earned her Bachelor’s degree in Interior Architecture. After a stint working at an architecture firm, her love for old buildings led her to her next adventure in Michigan as a local downtown Main Street manager and then as a Design Specialist for the Michigan Main Street program. Her experiences working with the Main Street program, historic preservation, and old buildings provided her with a unique skill set that would become invaluable in her future endeavors.

A couple years back, Gourley received a marketing call from an up-and-coming company called MakeMyMove, which advertises itself as a “marketplace product that connects remote workers and other work-from-anywhere talent with communities that are attracting new residents.” The program got its birth in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which as we know, redefined remote work and its possibilities.

“What they were trying to do just really stuck in my brain for a while,” says Gourley. Fast forward a year or two, and Gourley and the MakeMyMove program made another connection. Remote worker relocation job incentive programs were emerging in various parts of the country, but Lincoln County, not unlike other counties, did not have the expertise to develop such a program singlehandedly.

After several months of conversation, Lincoln County made the decision to partner with MakeMyMove. With its experienced team and consumer marketing knowledge, MakeMyMove seemed the ideal partner for this unique endeavor. According to the Lincoln County website, “NWKEICI granted an additional $20,000 to help with the cost of the marketing campaign and relocation incentives. With success in attracting remote workers, this program could be implemented on a more regional basis.”

Launching a remote worker relocation program was not a comfortable decision for Lincoln County. But, Gourley knew something had to be done. “When it comes to economic development, so many of our conversations come down to population. It’s hard to grow when you’ve been losing population for 100 years.”

While such programs are common in urban areas, rural communities haven’t ventured into this territory. Trust was a significant factor. Could they trust the individuals joining the program, and could they trust the program itself?

Lincoln County took a deep breath and took the bold step into the uncharted territory. Gourley notes, “We felt like if you keep doing the same things over and over, you won’t get any different results. We had to try something different.”

Now, a year into the partnership, they’re certainly glad they made the choice to try it. The program has already had a significant impact, bringing people from metropolitan areas to the heart of Kansas. Lincoln County has welcomed its first family, with more on the horizon.

The benefits of the MakeMyMove program are plentiful. When a remote worker and their family relocate, they become part of the local community, supporting local businesses, schools, and more. The positive impact is amplified when multiple families make the move.

Lincoln County has specific goals surrounding the program. According to their website, “The goal with the MakeMyMove program is to attract five remote workers to Lincoln County within 24 months with $5,000 relocation grants as part of a complete relocation package that highlights the local quality of life, recreational opportunities, small-town safety, and neighborly character. Marketing is being focused to attract not just one remote worker with each incentive package, but to attract families that will also help fill other key positions in the community and bring students to our schools.”

With one family already moved and with another planning to close on their house purchase in December, MakeMyMove and Lincoln County are well on its way to achieving their goals. Gourley mentioned several potential families in the pipeline, further bolstering Lincoln County’s population. They may not see immediate cash return, but the investment in the local economy and school districts is invaluable.

When asked about the future, Gourley emphasized that housing remains a significant challenge. She acknowledged the need to address housing options that fit various household sizes and preferences. The program’s success relies on providing suitable housing for those looking to make the move. Gourley notes that there was one family with four children who were completely ready to make their move, but simply could not find a house that fit their needs and wants.

Making a big move to a new place can be daunting, so both MakeMyMove and Lincoln County offer perks for their movers, including things like cash bonuses, free gym memberships, free farm fresh eggs, connections with local clubs and organizations, and more.

As MakeMyMove continues to grow and make an impact, rural communities in Kansas and beyond are eagerly watching the progress and considering similar initiatives.

In a region where population decline has been the norm for a century, Make My Move and Lincoln County’s partnership is an inspiring story of adaptability and hope. It demonstrates the transformative power of innovative ideas and partnerships in reshaping the future of rural America.

To learn more about the MakeMyMove program in Lincoln County, please visit https://www.livelincolncounty.com/

Additionally, to learn more about the MakeMyMove program, please visit their website at https://www.makemymove.com/.

Gourley herself can be reached at 785-524-8954 or Lcedfdirector@outlook.com