Program offers $5,000 in incentives for remote workers who relocate to Central Indiana

The Indiana-based company MakeMyMove will offer $5,000 in incentives to remote workers who relocate to specific Central Indiana counties.

The incentives include music and sports experiences, co-working and networking perks and fitness passes. They'll be available for remote workers moving to Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson, Morgan, Hendricks, Boone, Madison, Brown and Putnam counties.

Joe Pellman, vice president of talent and image for Indy Chamber, said part of the impetus for the program is the limited way people think about Indiana.

“The unfortunate reality is, for a lot of individuals they're either not thinking about Indy or their impression of Indy is maybe only one or two things,” said Pellman. “Could be racing, could be sports. It's likely one of those two.”

The incentive program aims to direct new transplants toward activities and groups that show off what Central Indiana has to offer.

“We can leverage that beyond simple tourism into the residential experience,” Pellman said. “And we can give that kind of interest and effort into how we attract and retain our current or future neighbors.”

Tawnya Mosgrove took advantage of the program when she decided to relocate from the Chicago area.

“This community is investing in its people,” Mosgrove said. “So they're willing to say, ‘Hey, look at what we have to offer. Come hang out with us.’ And that's a big commercial for Indianapolis and the greater metro area.”

MakeMyMove’s goal is to recruit 50 new households to Central Indiana by the end of May.

The program is a collaborative effort between MakeMyMove, The Indianapolis Chamber, the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

Contact WFYI Digital Producer and Reporter Jeremy Reuben at jreuben@wfyi.org.