Following its launch in 2018, Tulsa Remote will go from having chosen 100 people last year to doubling that amount for its 2020 process. In 2019, Tulsa Remote participants ages ranged from 22 to 64. In the first cohort, 90% stayed past the first year. Today I have my interview with the Tulsa Remote Program which was one of my selling points for moving to Tulsa. "I suspect that they don't want to be subsidizing people who come here and would otherwise be competing for jobs with local people," said Gene Perry, a director of strategy and communications at Tulsa-based Oklahoma Policy Institute. This is when we finally decided to make the move. Check out the Visit Tulsa page of our website. In creating Tulsa Remote, Stewart says he was inspired by Teach for America, a non-profit organization that deploys graduates from the countrys top universities to low income communities to teach for two years. Rent - $658 Tulsa vs. $2,111 DC, 2 BR Avg. , the success of local economic development programs requires bridge-building across communities within a city and the involvement of local residents in the planning process. For one thing, the cities with the most remote work are the same big superstar cities that dominated the pre-pandemic economy. A second analysis by the Economic Innovation Group, a think tank, estimated Tulsa Remotes effect on the citys economy using standard models of economic development. to the local community at least when housing costs dont rise enough to cancel out those benefits. Can I apply? 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. And they estimate every dollar spent on the program creates $13 in economic activity. What kind of things did they ask? . You are 18+ years old. function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} The program was expected to bring in around 1,000 applicants and hopefully bring 50 people to Tulsa. To be considered for the Tulsa Remote program, we ask that applicants meet all four eligibility requirements: You can move to Tulsa within the next 12 months. Individuals from outside the U.S. are eligible to apply, so long as they are permanent residents who possess a green card. Lettieri explains that prior to Tulsa Remote, the city had a negative net migration of about 1,200 per year, and the majority of people leaving were college-educated. And by attracting remote workers, Tulsa could bring in new residents and income and even plant the seeds of its own knowledge sector. If selected for the program, do I have to live downtown? I enjoy going to all the member meetups TR arranges and free drinks, plus we get to check out different restaurants, bars, and even sporting events in the city. Events relating to Tulsa Remote program extends to events to help participants get to know their [+] communities better. This was our first time doing a road trip this long. Instead they received more than 10,000 in the first 90 days. Food, housing, transport, healthcare, etc. They do ask about your salary, so dont let that catch you off guard. To make your move easier we've curated the best local apartments, centered around our thriving remote community at the heart of Tulsa. I dont currently work remotely, but I can transition to remote work in my current role. The goal is to reach at least 250. Tulsa, Oklahoma, wants you to move there and is offering $10,000 to sweeten the deal. Whats counts as community involvement? Amid these challenging times, were still safely welcoming new members to Tulsa.You can check out our COVID-19 information to learn more about how weve adjusted. Its been almost a year since Sen and I moved to Tulsa from Los Angeles, and I am glad to report that we love it here! I asked about the next steps, and was told they meet to talk about how many spots are left and decide yes or no on those interviewed for the week. The answer seems to be they have more time to do almost everything, he said in an interview, because they spend less time commuting. In other words, if you get a job in Tulsa, you don't qualify for the cash. May 04, 2021. The total drive time from LA to Tulsa straight shot is over 21 hours. I had my semi finalist interview last Thursday. On top of the cash subsidies, the program, dubbed "Tulsa Remote," comes with a free membership to 36 Degrees North, a co-working space in the city, which ordinarily charges members $149 per month or more. And two recent studies suggest the investment was worth it. Rent - $658 Tulsa vs. $2,449 LA, 2 BR Avg. Tulsa Remote is a unique recruitment initiative aimed at attracting talented individuals to Tulsa. r=o.createElement('script');r.async=1; After the pandemic I knew I wasnt going to go back to California, so I was in limbo looking for that next place to call a home base, she says. At that point I had learned that they wanted me to live in Tulsa proper and our lifestyle is more suited to the suburbs. Tulsa is seeking digital nomads to put their roots down here. "So many people share with us that they're attracted to potentially moving here, especially from people in more expensive cities," wrote Levit in an email to CBS News on Wednesday. Just in case anyone is planning on applying: DO NOT TELL THEM YOU ARE OR HAVE PLANS TO MOVE TO TULSA. The George Kaiser Family Foundation is funding the program in its entirety and expects to spend somewhere between $250,00 to $500,000 in 2019 on 20 to 25 program recipients, but there's no hard limit to how many the program will welcome. The list wasnt topped by new remote hubs like Tulsa, but by Washington, DC, San Francisco, and Austin. Tulsa Remote also compares favorably to one of the other staples of local development: Cutting taxes to attract companies. Do I still qualify? Burlington, Vermont, rolled out a similar program in June and all Alaskans are eligible for payouts via the state's Permanent Reserve Fund. Thats what helped me get in, Thank you for the advice! It was one of the most widely publicized bids by a city to become a hub for remote work and so far, its succeeding, according to two recent studies of the program. Hi, I have my semi-finalist interview day after tomorrow. Tulsa Remote is a case study in how remote work can shift economic development, and it paints a hopeful picture for smaller cities. Remote workers have high-paying jobs, and that income trickles out into Tulsa as they spend it. Each community is unique, and has to have a unique set of data that theyre monitoring and working through regularly, says Ben Stewart, the senior program officer at the George Kaiser Family Foundation, which designed and funded the Tulsa Remote program. Born in Rochester, and raised and educated in North Carolina, shes also lived in Atlanta, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles. Initially, 100 slots were available, and the program administrators figured they might get 1,000 total applications. We've already driven back to LA for work and seen our families a few times during our first nine months. But it is likely less regressive than the all-too-common strategy of cutting taxes to lure corporations. ", "I am loving Tulsa. It's not the first time cities and even states have offered cash to entice would-be residents. It was also wintertime, the height of the pandemic, and a lot of Asian hate news, so we decided to wait. While the Oklahoma state population has increased 14 percent since 2000, Tulsa's population growth has been sluggish, according to Census data. Individuals must be at least 18 years of age to apply. How Tulsa is Helping Remote Workers: An Interview with Dustin Curzon of 36 Degrees North Cobot The leading management software for coworking spaces worldwide, trusted by coworking spaces, office hubs, and flexible workspaces of all sizes to grow and manage their communities. Tomms experience is not unusual. But LA is not bad in my personal experience, and I've lived there for over 20 years. And as effective as the GKFFs $10,000 stipends have been, its not sustainable to get in a bidding war with other cities to lure workers. Follow us for travel tips, photos of different destinations in the US and inspiration~, Dig for Crystals at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma. The researchers estimate that one new full-time job was created in Tulsa for every two Remoters who moved there. Remote Work Program Opportunity lives in Tulsa. Details. There are even a few Tulsa Remote specials. For example, if John Doe applies on September 1st, his partner must apply no later than September 14th to be considered. Yes, I am from Los Angeles, where the crime rate is high too! I've visited Tulsa a couple times and I agree, you Tulsans are very welcoming. To qualify, you must be a full-time remote worker or self-employed outside of the state. You are 18+ years old. Jared Lindzon is a freelance journalist and public speaker born, raised and based in Toronto, Canada. The participants report no decrease in productivity since moving. The participants report no decrease in productivity since moving. Claire Tomm decided to apply to Tulsa Remote after hearing about it from a friend whod participated. I am not going to lie; I was worried about safety because research says Tulsa is unsafe. Any advice for the interview?? Grab your laptop and take a break with dozens of choices around town. Press J to jump to the feed. Its a grant of $10,000 over the span of a year plus some other perks. I do think it had potential to happen.. Psst: Our $10,000 grant can now be received as a lump sum upon the purchase of a home! It is intended for individuals who are already employed outside of Oklahoma and are able to keep their position when relocating to Tulsa. , Prithwiraj Choudhury, a professor at Harvard Business School who. $10,000 (either via monthly stipends or lump sum if you purchase a home in Tulsa), Opportunity to meet like-minded individuals through the Tulsa Remote community. ), Lower cost of living compared to other major cities in the US, You can move within 12 months after you are accepted, You have full-time remote employment, or you are self-employed outside of Oklahoma. In Tulsa, an 8.517 percent sales tax, one of the highest in the nation, funds the city's operating budget, he explained. So we left the oversized items with both of our parents and donated a lot of our cloth. Needless to say, I didnt get accepted. According to a report published by the Economic Innovation Group (EIG), for every dollar spent on the relocation incentive, $13.77 was generated in local labor income. And theyre encouraged to get to know the people in their neighborhood and become involved within their communities. This includes: currently working with a realtor, in escrow, about to close on your home, have closed on your home, have already purchased a property in Oklahoma, or have signed a lease prior to completing your background check and being formally accepted into the program. Tulsa Remote is intended for individuals who reside outside of Oklahoma at the time of application. Should I mention that or instead say that I am thinking about moving to Tulsa but not 100% yet. The city is also aiming to become one of the country's largest technology and business hubs. Dec 20-Email received with details for scheduling in person visit. I had major cabin fever since we were cramped in our tiny apartment that we spent way too much for. Not a week goes by without hearing from one city thats thinking of this, everyone from Alaska to Hawaii to Georgia to New York State, he says. Luke Scuitto, who moved to Tulsa from Washington, DC in 2020 and works remotely for a nonprofit, also connected to the local community through volunteer work. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Just be yourself, we are pretty nice around here despite what you might have heard. Wear some pants and always make direct eye contact!! Then the applicants would get thanks for trying or congrats emails. I do think it had. In my hometown in Wilkinsburg, [part of the Pittsburgh metro area], there were a lot of promises made that the recruitment of tech talent would impact other places besides the city [of Pittsburgh], he said in an interview. They want to know how you would integrate into Tulsa, what your skills are and to learn more about your personality. Tulsa Remote will also give you money to visit before moving, so you can see the apartments in person when you visit. A program paid workers $10,000 to relocate to Tulsa. The median family income was about 80 percent of the national average, according to the study. Nationally-recognized restaurants meet local Tulsa flair. As Perry writes in his 2020 book Know Your Price, the success of local economic development programs requires bridge-building across communities within a city and the involvement of local residents in the planning process. I dont think people are going to make a permanent life decision, or even a medium term one, based on a relatively small financial incentive, says Lettieri. I got an email asking for a background check and income verification about two weeks after. The first step is to apply for Tulsa Remotehere. But there are outstanding questions about the program, too. Video interviews are conducted with each finalist selected. We've been featured in "My wife and I were looking for a place to raise our son and Tulsa has been a great fit for our family. The question is whether Tulsa can continue to attract remote workers when it has to compete with, say, Wichita, Kansas or Omaha, Nebraska. Am I eligible to apply? So after some cocktails by Bartender Sen, I started browsing the internet, and I came upon the Tulsa Remote Program. Tulsa Remote is a unique recruitment initiative aimed at attracting talented individuals to Tulsa. Though Remoters have higher paying jobs than the average Tulsa resident, they roughly mirror the citys racial makeup. Thats especially true when the program involves attracting outsiders. The Tulsa metro area is home to one million people, but its population growth has been slower than many other midsize cities in recent years. Bee Law has called many corners of the United States home. But for now, that question counts as a good problem to have. The program brings remote workers and digital nomads to the community by providing $10,000 grants and numerous community-building opportunities. The application process for the 2020 program is now under way. While the monetary incentive helps put Tulsa on the map for remote workers, they believe the program has been successful in keeping them in town by providing a level of support they wouldnt enjoy elsewhere. Browse curated job listings at Tulsa based companies. In my hometown in Wilkinsburg, [part of the Pittsburgh metro area], there were a lot of promises made that the recruitment of tech talent would impact other places besides the city [of Pittsburgh], he said in an interview. Its economy specializes in oil and gas, aerospace, and manufacturing. Also reason for wanting to move to Tulsa. If selected for the program, do I have to live in Tulsa? The program, explains Stewart, furthers the George Kaiser Family Foundations mandate of reversing the cycle of generational poverty in the local community. I was selected as a semifinalist for the Tulsa Remote program and my interview is next week. To analyze Tulsa Remote, Choudhury surveyed workers who moved as part of the program and compared them to two similar cohorts: those who applied to the program but werent accepted, and those who applied and were accepted but werent able to complete the move for idiosyncratic reasons (like a family member getting sick). Need some desk space to get things done? The remote workers who moved to Tulsa have a higher standard of living than they had before, theyre engaged in their new community, and most plan to stay. Throw in a low cost of living, and you'll have no trouble finding reasons to start your next chapter in Tulsa. Here are some details of our move and our experience with the program and the city. I should specify it is a remote interview since I'm still stuck in Iowa currently. Once youve been accepted into the program and completed the required verification steps, youll receive information about the option to join us in Tulsa for a self-guided or hosted visit. This all happened between Mid October to Early November 2020. While there are many housing options available downtown, participants are free to live anywhere within the Tulsa city limits, including purchasing or renting single-family homes. Tulsa has seen unparalleled investments to public space for a city of its size. To be considered for the Tulsa Remote program, we ask that applicants meet all four eligibility requirements: You can move to Tulsa within the next 12 months. What's happening: It all started in 2018 with Tulsa Remote, . As well as things are going so far, Tulsa Remote raises a big question that crops up in any plan to attract new companies or industries: Why not just give the money to Tulsas existing citizens? It was not like that at all and lasted all of about 10 minutes. Gathering Place, Tulsa's 66-acre riverfront park, offers out-of-this-world play structures (plus bar and lounge space for those of us too big for the banana slide). But there are challenges for other cities looking to copy the model. You may opt-out by. The catch is that you have to work somewhere else. It means that if you are open to making new friends or joining a new community of like-minded individuals then this is for you. The Tulsa Remote program opened to applicants in November 2018. Tulsa Remote has already grown significantly since the start of 2021 and intends to build upon these economic impacts and expand further in the . The . I am super curious about the program and process for those chosen to interview. People are really kind and genuinely interested in each other in Tulsa too. Levit expects the first cohort will touch down in Tulsa in early 2019. Glassdoor has 1 Tulsa Remote reviews submitted anonymously by Tulsa Remote employees. Can I apply if Im already in the process of buying a house/signing a lease in Tulsa? You are not eligible for the program if youre in process of buying a home or renting an apartment. What types of incentives are program participants receiving? The Tulsa Remote program started in 2018, and its core activity is the attraction of talented individuals to Tulsa (Oklahoma) via providing a financial incentive of $10,000 for remote. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Theyre also more likely to report engagement in their local community. Perry spoke with CBS News in a telephone interview Wednesday. What should I prepare for? That just didnt happen. From the historic Cain's Ballroom and Brady Theater, to the award-winning BOK Center and up-and-coming Duet Jazz Club, Tulsa's music scene continues to be a thriving component of its unique culture. With festivals, races and celebrations happening throughout the year, you'll struggle to find a weekend with nothing to do. From tiki lounges to speakeasies and hole-in-the-wall neighborhood bars, there's no shortage of places to grab a drink or celebrate with friends or make new friends. She visited with her husband and two young kids, met other program participants via Slack, and decided to go for it. The standard answer is that knowledge-sector jobs that can be done remotely are high-paying and tend to have spillovers to the local community at least when housing costs dont rise enough to cancel out those benefits. From free coworking space to inspiring educational experiences, our program is designed to make you feel at home from your first day here. Since its founding in 2018, Tulsa Remote has brought nearly 1,300 remote workers to town, and a new study suggests that the investment is paying off. When Tulsa Remote first launched in the fall of 2018, Stewart says organizers were anticipating 15 to 20 applicants. The researchers explain that much of the value of the program comes from ongoing contributions to the local economy, after the one-year requirement has expired. Much of what our program does is remove the barriers that cause difficulties in individuals settling into a new city quickly, said Bolzle. Tulsa is not the only city that offers remote workers cash in exchange for taking up residence, but researchers warn not every city stands to enjoy the same economic benefits in return. Any individual who is able to work remotely may apply. How did that go? Absolutely. He adds Tulsa Remotes success is partially owed to the appeal of the city itself, which he describes as a hidden gem, as well as other redevelopment efforts that have been undertaken in recent years. Winter is chilly with chances of snow (and winter storm). Any individual who meets the eligibility criteria is welcome to apply, even if they are members of the same family or have a relationship with one another. I use apartments.com. After decades of brain drain in rural America, Tulsa Remote is working to attract a diverse group of remote workers to live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It doesn't mean you have to be an extrovert since I am an introvert myself, and there are many introverts in the community. Glassdoor by the Economic Innovation Group, a think tank, estimated Tulsa Remotes effect on the citys economy using standard models of economic development. With internationally recognized coffee roasters and breweries, there's always a place to refuel. All episodes. Can Tulsa remain a draw for remote workers if other cities copy its model? 2 BR Avg. Like others have mentioned, talk about community involvement, what youre passionate about and what you can contribute to the community. It's a growing segment of the workforce. Yes. All Rights Reserved. Rent - $658 Tulsa vs. $1,475 Denver, 2 BR Avg. Funded by George Kaiser Family Foundation, Tulsa Remote has basic requirements. Dont know much more about the process as of yet, but I know next step is at least one video interview. Tulsa Remote launched in November 2018 in an effort to recruit a diverse group of talented professionals across multiple industries to relocate and be a part of the existing growth happening in Tulsa. The Tulsa Remote program, however, is not necessarily the right program for all cities hoping to attract highly paid remote workers. In addition to the $10,000 grant, participants will receive a 36-month membership at a local co-working space, support in identifying housing, and regular community-building opportunities. Were going to stay here for sure, she says. Rent - $658 Tulsa vs. $2,248 San Diego, 2 BR Avg. And, perhaps most importantly, how many remote workers want to move in the first place? Can I still apply if I just recently moved to Tulsa? Rent - $658 Tulsa vs. $2,415 Portland, 2 BR Avg. Heres how it worked out. Our consideration for moving to Tulsa is 100% because of the Tulsa Remote Program! In partnership with the George Kaiser Family Foundation, which is footing the bill, Oklahoma's second-largest city announced an incentive package targeting remote workers to relocate to Tulsa. A community for Tulsa Oklahoma and surrounding areas. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Tulsa Remote is right for you. And if you're selected, you'll have to relocate to Tulsa within the calendar year. The ideal candidate for Tulsa Remote is a fully-employed individual with the flexibility to work anywhere, who does not currently reside in Oklahoma or work for a company based in Oklahoma, and is looking for a community to call home. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. So we planned for a 7-day journey making multiple stops along the way like Zion National Park, Horseshoe Bend, Shiprock, New Mexico, etc. We have a couple of trips out of Oklahoma in the pipeline, so stay tuned for more on that. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Claire Tomm decided to apply to Tulsa Remote after hearing about it from a friend whod participated. There are lots of smaller cities that can offer inexpensive housing. I applied the day apps open and was notified yesterday I am semi finalist. November 14, 2018 / 2:09 PM Launched in November 2019 by the George Kaiser Family Foundation, the Tulsa Remote program paid out-of-state residents $10,000 to pickup and move to Tulsa. When selected applicants arrive in Tulsa, they get a warm welcome. With incredibly diverse cuisine, you can't find food this delicious, at prices this affordable, anywhere else. The emphasis is on weaving a social fabric among new arrivals and within the wider community. Creatives mold the vibrant culture in Tulsa. Apparently they only accept those who are interested in moving to Tulsa. Thoughts on the program itself would also be useful. Three months after the move, Tomm switched jobs; she now works for a company in Michigan as a UX and design consultant. Selected as part of the inaugural cohort of Endeavor's Heartland ScaleUp. Dec 4-Notified of finalist status, filled out background check form and informed that once that cleared would be invited to come in person to check Tulsa out. ". This is not a one-size-fits-all solution.. There is no deadline at this point, but we might close the application at any time, so people should apply now, said Bolzle. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Tulsa Remote is not able to aid in the acquisition or approval of such credentials (work visas, etc.). During our consideration, we liked that Tulsa is in the middle of the country, and there are so many opportunities for road trips! By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. You have full-time remote employment or are self-employed outside of Oklahoma. Rent - $658 Tulsa vs. $2,069 Seattle, 2 BR Avg. But there are outstanding questions about the program, too.. Did you visit Tulsa? Those who are interested in moving to Tulsa and hold a full-time remote job based outside of Oklahoma can apply for this program. Of the nearly 800. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. All the people in charge of the program are local restaurant group/coffee group owners, Well damn this would have been great information on the day of interview. Anyone can schedule a Guided Tour at their convenience. Over 90% stay beyond the year., Since moving to Tulsa this past June, Law has herself hired four locals, and has no intention of leaving once her term is up in the summer of 2022. We'll give you some money to help with relocation expenses, a monthly stipend to keep things moving and the rest when you've finished the first year. With many programs like TR, 36 Degrees North Incubator, Endeavor ScaleUp, TechStars, Venture for America, and local venture capital firms, etc., to bring in ideas, talents, and funds to make that vision a reality. We moved to Tulsa Oklahoma with Tulsa Remote! The interviewer asked a few standard questions like why I wanted to move to Tulsa, questions about my remote job, and if I had any questions or concerns about the city. However, what really has made Tulsa "fantastic" for me, is how well . Tulsa Remote, a program that provides $10,000 grants to remote workers who relocate to Tulsa, OK, has seen a 36% uptick in applications since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in March. The program organizes events and outings, and encourages Remoters to participate in local civic programs. Wealth in Tulsa is lower than national averages, according to the 2015 American Communities Survey. LET THEM ENTICE YOU WITH THAT GRANT. While we try to accept a wide variety of movers and shakers into our program, we, unfortunately, can't invite everyone. We were still hesitant since we'd never even been to Oklahoma. Which makes most of us super open to meeting new people and new like-minded friends. I got an email from Tulsa Remote about a week later notifying me that I am a semifinalist and am advancing to the next step with a video interview that happened within the same week. According to a 2018 Upwork report, 63 percent of companies surveyed had at least one employee working remotely, and hiring managers predicted that in the next 10 years, 38 percent of their full-time employees will work mostly remotely. The interview process in order to be considered for the grant is fairly standard . From academics to engineers, you're sure to find your "people" in Tulsa. We even offer a $10,000 grant to help kick-start your new journey. The Oklahoma city is the focal point of Tulsa Remote, a program offering a $10,000 grant and additional incentives to selected participants to move and work remotely from Tulsa for a year. Remote workers tend to be well paid; theyre in white collar digital and professional occupations, generally speaking, and those tend to come with pretty high salaries, explains Kenan Fikri, EIGs research director. It doesnt have much in the way of a technology sector. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. If you take the relative anonymity of living in a city like New York or San Francisco, and contrast that with the Tulsa Remote experimentof a place rolling out the red carpet for you and saying in monetary, and more importantly, non monetary ways, how much they value youpeople feel good about that, adds Fikri. Kinda sucks interviewing and being accepted without knowing where the heck you'll live.