Western Pennsylvania, anticipating steep population declines over the next 25 years, is attracting new residents with cash offers through the MakeMyMove program, writes Abigail Hakas for the Pittsburgh Magazine.
Several towns in Mercer County, including Sharon and Hermitage, are offering $5,000 to families who relocate there, along with benefits like YMCA memberships and access to a coworking space. These incentives are part of a collaboration with the online relocation marketplace MakeMyMove. Meanwhile, Greenville, also in Mercer County, provides nonmonetary benefits.
State officials have also taken notice, forming the Rural Population Revitalization Commission last year to recommend ways to bring in and retain residents in rural areas.
Many community leaders have recognized the potential in the growing population of remote workers nationwide. MakeMyMove campaigns specifically target those who are able to relocate without changing jobs.
Mercer County has been steadily losing one percent of its population annually, and focusing on newcomers to counter that trend.
“Our schools receive less funding, our infrastructure, our roads, all that receives less funding,” said Jake Rickert, associate executive director of Penn-Northwest Development Corp., which cooperated with MakeMyMove on the program. “Population is the answer to about 95 percent of these rural communities’ problems.”
To learn how these small towns are using creativity—and cash—to reshape their futures, read the full story in Pittsburgh Magazine.
