Muncie renews contract with MakeMyMove worker enticement program

The city of Muncie is renewing its contract with a national program that pays people to relocate.  IPR’s Stephanie Wiechmann reports.

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00;00;00;02 - 00;00;09;13 Stephanie Wiechmann Muncie began its contract with Make My Move in late 2021. Since then, City Communications Director Amber Greene says the city has moved 92 households. 00;00;09;15 - 00;00;12;19 Amber Greene And that equates to about 225 individuals. 00;00;12;25 - 00;00;39;24 Stephanie Wiechmann Those choosing to move to Muncie and as of last year, Delaware County receive a ,000 cash stipend to relocate. Greene says the city pays half of that out of the mayor controlled EDIT fund, and half comes from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. She says since the program began, Muncie's financial obligation is about 5,000. While the program is increasing the local population, it isn't always increasing local home ownership. 00;00;39;28 - 00;00;52;08 Amber Greene The majority is renting, especially in city limits. But actually, since we've started the interlocal agreement with the Delaware County Redevelopment Commission, all of the ones that have moved outside of city limits have purchased homes. 00;00;52;10 - 00;00;57;18 Stephanie Wiechmann Muncie's Board of Works voted to renew the contract with the program. I'm Stephanie Wiechmann in Muncie.

Muncie began its contract with MakeMyMove in late 2021.  Since then, city communications director Amber Greene says the city has moved 92 households.

“And that equates to about 225 individuals.”

Those choosing to move to Muncie and, as of last year, Delaware County, receive a $5,000 cash stipend to relocate.  Greene says the city pays half of that out of the mayor-controlled EDIT fund and half comes from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.  She says since the program began, Muncie’s financial obligation is about $175,000.

Greene says the program began with enticing remote workers, now it’s open to those relocating to Muncie for a local job opportunity.

While the program is increasing the local population, it isn’t always increasing local home ownership.

“The majority is renting, especially in city limits.  But actually, since we’ve started the interlocal agreement with the Delaware County Redevelopment Commission, all of the ones that have moved outside city limits have purchased homes.”

Muncie’s Board of Works voted to renew the contract with the program.

Make My Move lists 88 places in Indiana offering move benefits.

Stephanie Wiechmann is our Managing Editor and “All Things Considered” Host.  Contact her at slwiechmann@bsu.edu.