Cumberland offers $20,000 for remote workers

Cumberland, Maryland, is paying up to $20,000 to remote workers who agree to move to the city. The program, called Choose Cumberland, targets individuals who can work from anywhere and are considering a change of residence.

The city faces a steep population drop. Residents declined from more than 40,000 to fewer than 19,000 after major manufacturing firms closed starting in the 1970s. Mayor Ray Morriss stated that the goal is to attract people who bring their jobs with them. He noted, "The people we are trying to entice are the people who are bringing their jobs with them."

The incentive structure splits the total amount into two parts. Recipients receive $10,000 in cash for relocation and another $10,000 for a down payment or approved home renovations. Participants must maintain Cumberland as their primary residence for at least five years to qualify for the full benefit.

Cumberland is not acting alone in this effort. A website called Make My Move lists over 100 locations offering similar cash incentives. Tulsa, Oklahoma, operates one of the largest programs, known as Tulsa Remote. That program began before the pandemic and offers $10,000 to remote workers who rent or buy a home in the city.

Tulsa Remote started as an experiment to diversify a workforce historically dependent on oil and gas. Justin Harlan, the managing director, explained that the initiative aims to broaden the local labor base. The program has expanded from approximately 70 participants in 2019 to more than 3,500. It requires only a one-year residency but reports a 90% retention rate after that period ends.

Research suggests that long-term retention is a key measure of success. Evan Starr, an associate professor at the University of Maryland’s School of Business, studied the Tulsa program. He found that the retention rate indicates participants are staying for reasons beyond the initial cash bonus. Starr said, "You don’t want people only coming to your area for the money."

Faith Langevin moved from Atlanta to Tulsa in 2022. She and her husband, who also works remotely, both received the $10,000 incentive. Langevin cited the lower cost of living and the social integration as primary reasons for the move. She stated, "Absolutely not!" when asked if she had regrets three years later.

In Cumberland, local businesses welcome the potential influx of residents. Gino Giatras has operated a hot dog shop in the city since 1918. He expressed support for the new neighbors, citing the community, weather, and local activities as reasons to stay.