Delaware County added to remote worker enticement program Muncie uses

Delaware County is adding itself to the boundaries of a program the city of Muncie has used for several years to entice remote workers to relocate to Muncie.  IPR’s Stephanie Wiechmann reports.

Muncie first signed with the national Make My Move service in late 2021.  Since then, it’s been paying a $5,000 cash stipend and other perks for remote workers to relocate to Muncie, bringing with them their remote jobs with salaries of at least $50,000 a year.

Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour has touted the program for years, including recently in this year’s state of the city address.

“We’ve had 188 people move here through this program, including spouses and children.  That is helping our population growth, after 50 years of decline.

Now, according to a statement, Muncie’s program will expand its boundaries to “unincorporated Muncie addresses.”

Muncie has been paying the $5,000 stipend for participants through money from the state and an EDIT fund controlled by Ridenour.  For the new county participants, the Delaware County Redevelopment Commission will pay the stipend.

Read More: Remote workers dominate Indiana’s labor force

Make My Move lists 75 places in Indiana offering move benefits.

Stephanie Wiechmann is our Managing Editor and “All Things Considered” Host.  Contact her at [email protected].