window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}gtag('js', new Date());gtag('set', 'developer_id.dZjQwMz', true);gtag('config', 'UA-115877007-1'); So when the 29-year-old entrepreneur was deciding where to launch her video-based social network for anime and geek fandom, QuirkChat, she had a lot of options to consider. The total drive time from LA to Tulsa straight shot is over 21 hours. Tomm and her husband had decided their family needed a change after some personal tragedies. Of the nearly 800. Static.COOKIE_BANNER_CAPABLE = true; I'd be interested to know who you interviewed with, the kinds of questions they and you asked. For applicants that need to transition to remote work from a non-remote position, Tulsa Remote may require confirmation that they are able to work remotely. Tulsa Remote also compares favorably to one of the other staples of local development: Cutting taxes to attract companies. So I turned to Sen and asked if he was down to move to Tulsa, OK, with me if we got in. Please enter valid email address to continue. Its economy specializes in oil and gas, aerospace, and manufacturing. Since 2019, Tulsa Remote has brought over 1,800 people to the city by offering them $10,000. This is when we finally decided to make the move. When is the earliest people are accepted to move to Tulsa? Rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber, and delivery services such as Grubhub and DoorDash, are not considered full-time remote employment. 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. MailChimp Pop-up I do think it had. Yes, the program involves cutting checks to mostly well-educated, well-paid knowledge workers. The researchers estimate that one new full-time job was created in Tulsa for every two Remoters who moved there. 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. A community for Tulsa Oklahoma and surrounding areas. Dont tell them youre going to move either way lol. 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. But for now, that question counts as a good problem to have. And if you're selected, you'll have to relocate to Tulsa within the calendar year. So if you have a business or a business idea supported by technology or is technology-enabled, then apply to this program as well. Rent - $658 Tulsa vs. $2,669 Boston, 2 BR Avg. When Tulsa Remote first launched in the fall of 2018, Stewart says organizers were anticipating 15 to 20 applicants. gtag('js', new Date()); "They need warm bodies.". The list wasnt topped by new remote hubs like Tulsa, but by Washington, DC, San Francisco, and Austin. Nearly 600 of those applications have come in from the Bay Area, which is now the program's biggest market. 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. There are lots of smaller cities that can offer inexpensive housing. I do think it had potential to happen.. An award-winning team of journalists, designers, and videographers who tell brand stories through Fast Company's distinctive lens, The future of innovation and technology in government for the greater good, Fast Company's annual ranking of businesses that are making an outsize impact, Leaders who are shaping the future of business in creative ways, New workplaces, new food sources, new medicine--even an entirely new economic system. IF YOU TELL THEM YOU ALREADY HAVE PLANS TO MOVE HERE, YOU WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY DISQUALIFIED. I saw an older post in this subreddit about some folks' experience with Tulsa Remote but was wondering if anyone else could weigh in on what the interview process was like? Interesting that you say that. Oklahoma is one of the very few states whose cities rely entirely on sales tax for the government operating costs, said Perry. Tomms experience is not unusual. Yes, I am from Los Angeles, where the crime rate is high too! The City of Tulsa and other community organizations lend their support to ensure program participants are fully immersed and engaged in the community. From free coworking space to inspiring educational experiences, our program is designed to make you feel at home from your first day here. 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. Tulsa Remote helped welcome and connect us to the city from the day we arrived. It's not the first time cities and even states have offered cash to entice would-be residents. All episodes. Tulsa Remote has already grown significantly since the start of 2021 and intends to build upon these economic impacts and expand further in the . It doesn't mean you have to be an extrovert since I am an introvert myself, and there are many introverts in the community. The question is whether Tulsa can continue to attract remote workers when it has to compete with, say, Wichita, Kansas or Omaha, Nebraska. Tulsa has a great cost of living, and likely cheaper housing than where you currently live. (this is my favorite! On the coasts, no one could care less about their stranger neighbors. Because the people in the city were super welcoming everywhere we went. 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. It is intended for individuals who are already employed outside of Oklahoma and are able to keep their position when relocating to Tulsa. 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. Rent - $658 Tulsa vs. $3,519 SF, 2 BR Avg. It inspired us to think of other ways to bring people into the equation, and remote work was an interesting venue.. $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. Tulsa Remote is a one-year program designed to attract remote workers from around the country by paying them to move to and work from Tulsa for at least 12 months. Hi, 32-Levels. 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. We lived in LA for over twenty years and have many friends and family members there. Full-time remote employment or self-employed outside of Oklahoma. His work at Tulsas Equality Center led to an additional part-time job and helped him meet more members of the community. The people in the community all share similar personality traits. Tulsa Remote was estimated to add $62 million in new local earnings in 2021 $51.3 million directly attributable to relocated remote workers and $10.7 million from the employment boost . Wear some pants and always make direct eye contact!! I write about destinations, travel news/trends, dining and culture. With the pandemic easing, work-from-home declining, and some companies pushing for a return to the office, Tulsas main competition might not be Wichita and Omaha but New York and Chicago. 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. Tulsa is seeking digital nomads to put their roots down here. If selected for the program, how soon can I move? Since the programs launch, and especially since the start of the pandemic, Stewart says hes fielded calls from every corner of the country, and beyond, with inquiries related to replicating the program elsewhere. Events relating to Tulsa Remote program extends to events to help participants get to know their [+] communities better. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. No. Also reason for wanting to move to Tulsa. Funding is currently provided by the George Kaiser Family Foundation. Our current mission is to road trip and eat around the USA. You are eligible to work in the United States Can Move to Tulsa Within the Next 12 Months Glassdoor Press J to jump to the feed. The 2020 edition of the Tulsa Remote program seeks to welcome over 200 applicants. Ive never been to Tulsa and want to visit before I make the move. / CBS News. Levit expects the first cohort will touch down in Tulsa in early 2019. Sen & I moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, from Los Angeles, California, in May 2021 with theTulsa Remote(TR). It was also wintertime, the height of the pandemic, and a lot of Asian hate news, so we decided to wait. Tulsa's current economic base is anchored on manufacturing and aerospace. One of the other biggest perks is that there is NO traffic; the worst traffic would be just a 5 minutes delay. If anyone has any questions hit me up happy to answer. 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. Hidden Gems in Greater Palm Springs for Your Photographic Adventure! Tulsa Remote is intended for individuals who reside outside of Oklahoma at the time of application. 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. They would recommend coming to Tulsa to visit and see if it's a good fit before accepting. 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. I am super curious about the program and process for those chosen to interview. The program organizes events and outings, and encourages Remoters to participate in local civic programs. 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. There are even a few Tulsa Remote specials. Just be yourself, we are pretty nice around here despite what you might have heard. Tulsa has been really great, and we do plan to buy a house next year.. The so-called superstar cities are still winning, both for in-office jobs and even for work-from-home. Video interviews are conducted with each finalist selected. 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 had about 1.5 months to prep for the move. What was your example? Tulsa Remote does not offer employment of any kind. By signing up, I give Tulsa Remote permission to send me periodic news, marketing and updates. This was a program that was right-sized and designed to fill a lot of those gaps, and then scaled in such a way as to have a significant impact on an economy of the size of the Tulsa metro.. Lindzon's writing focuses on the future of work and talent as it relates to technological innovation, as well as entrepreneurship, technology, politics, sports and music. Tulsa Remote provides resources to help finalists discover and secure suitable housing before they move to Tulsa, including a new housing portal. Tulsa Remote is a unique recruitment initiative aimed at attracting talented individuals to Tulsa. The city is also aiming to become one of the country's largest technology and business hubs. Tomm now volunteers for a tutoring program called Reading Partners. Claire Tomm decided to apply to Tulsa Remote after hearing about it from a friend whod participated. We are still documenting and gathering data for all the ways the program has helped our community, said Bolzle. In a recent study, Prithwiraj Choudhury, a professor at Harvard Business School who studies remote work, found that Tulsa Remoters have higher real incomes (after accounting for living costs) than they did before the move likely driven in large part by cheaper housing. (To its credit, GKFF has other programs focused on poverty alleviation, racial equity, and job creation in Tulsa.). The Tulsa Remote program opened to applicants in November 2018. 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. It was intriguing to see how Black entrepreneurs were building back up Tulsa, as a Black entrepreneur and founder myself, says Law, who was invited to be one of 842 members of Tulsa Remotes 2021 cohort. Space to run, play, climb and slide. They get 1,000 applications a week and interview 200-300 candidates on Zoom. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Tulsa Remote is right for you. Tulsa Remote introduces these newcomers to others by partnering with local organizations to host regular events and meetups to help these newcomers get better acquainted. The city limits do not include surrounding areas such as Bixby, Broken Arrow, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, or Jenks. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Tulsa Remote is a case study in how remote work can shift economic development, and it paints a hopeful picture for smaller cities. 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). The deal includes $2,500 toward relocation costs, a $500 monthly stipend and a $1,500 bonus at the completion of 12 months in the city, according to the program's website. It doesnt have much in the way of a technology sector. Remote Work Program Opportunity lives in Tulsa. Jared Lindzon is a freelance journalist and public speaker born, raised and based in Toronto, Canada. Tulsa remote challenges the notion that remote and virtual must equal placeless. With incredibly diverse cuisine, you can't find food this delicious, at prices this affordable, anywhere else. I applied the day apps open and was notified yesterday I am semi finalist. 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. Dont know much more about the process as of yet, but I know next step is at least one video interview. 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. We shouldnt underestimate how important the pure signaling alone is; thats certainly a big part of it, says Lettieri. In 2019, Tulsa Remote participants ages ranged from 22 to 64. I am not going to lie; I was worried about safety because research says Tulsa is unsafe. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. What types of incentives are program participants receiving? 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. According to the study, the average annual income of program members is nearly $105,000. Rent - $658 Tulsa vs. $2,449 LA, 2 BR Avg. Burlington, Vermont, rolled out a similar program in June and all Alaskans are eligible for payouts via the state's Permanent Reserve Fund. I feel like every day is a surprise I literally find something new every day and my social life is even bigger than it was in New York. This is a BETA experience. Creatives mold the vibrant culture in Tulsa. What was your final outcome? 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. Thats especially true when the program involves attracting outsiders. They believe that Tulsa Remotes selection process, which intentionally seeks out talent that is needed but otherwise lacking in the city, is what ultimately drives its success. Rent - $658 Tulsa vs. $2,248 San Diego, 2 BR Avg. We've been here for almost nine months, and we've loved it so far! . Yes. , 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 way overthought the interview. But LA is not bad in my personal experience, and I've lived there for over 20 years. 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. It's a model that would work well for high-income, potentially transient residents like the ones Tulsa Remote may attract who rent rather than own property. As long as the program continues to have a positive impact on the community, we will continue it.. 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. "Tulsa is most definitely on the come up, and the opportunity to build my company here alongside an incredible community of passionate individuals has been amazing,". Tulsa Remote is intended for individuals who work remotely for an organization that is not based in Oklahoma. Theyre really big on what you are able to bring to the community. Following its launch in 2018, Tulsa Remote will go from having chosen 100 people last year to doubling that amount for its 2020 process. All Rights Reserved. And, perhaps most importantly, how many remote workers want to move in the first place? Ask about their family and engage in the excitement about relocating to Tulsa! Accidentally Wes Anderson: THIS IS AN ADVENTURE, Korean Friendship Bell San Pedro, Los Angeles, California Jigsaw puzzle, Lions Lighthouse in Long Beach, California - Frame Poster, McWay Falls at Big Sur, California - Framed poster. After I applied, I actually forgot about it, half thanks to the cocktails, half because I didn't think we would get in. 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. A lot of that money stays in the local economy.. Tulsa is seeking digital nomads to put their roots down here. In my opinion, one of the biggest perks of Tulsa Remote is the community the team has built. We finally went in mid-March 2021 and spent six days in Tulsa to check out the city and to apartment hunt. 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. Are there evens or weekly/monthly meetings for the cohort? "; function clickIE4(){ if (event.button==2){ alert(message); return false; } } function clickNS4(e){ if (document.layers||document.getElementById&&!document.all){ if (e.which==2||e.which==3){ alert(message); return false; } } } if (document.layers){ document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN); document.onmousedown=clickNS4; } else if (document.all&&!document.getElementById){ document.onmousedown=clickIE4; } document.oncontextmenu=new Function("alert(message);return false") The . The participants report no decrease in productivity since moving. This major public-private partnership to develop the citys waterfront, the fact that theres a burgeoning art scene, I think Tulsa was positioned well, not just because of its size, but because of the assets and amenities that are here that people just didnt know about previously.. Remote workers have high-paying jobs, and that income trickles out into Tulsa as they spend it. Last year, while researching the Tulsa Massacre, Law came across an ad for a program called Tulsa Remote, which enticed remote workers and entrepreneurs to the mid-sized Oklahoman city with a $10,000 relocation stipend. Tulsa Remote will also give you money to visit before moving, so you can see the apartments in person when you visit. I haven't heard anything bad about it yet other than it's tough to get accepted. GKFF says it works hard to ensure that Remoters will be active in and connected to local communities, and it considers these factors when screening applicants. No Right Clicks How long did it take to find out they were interested, after applying? 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. The median family income was about 80 percent of the national average, according to the study. In 2018, the George Kaiser Family Foundation launched Tulsa Remote, a program for people who can do their jobs from anywhere in the country. The list wasnt topped by new remote hubs like Tulsa, but by Washington, DC, San Francisco, and Austin. The highly selective program, which awards individuals $10,000 towards relocation, focuses on creating a supportive ecosystem. 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. This blog highlights my insights and experience with TR and the city for you to consider before you apply. But Tulsa Remote's backers anticipate some of the participants won't be remote workers forever. Nov 26-Semi-finalist interview real chill convo, I sold my community involvement I take part in and spoke about my job etc. From academics to engineers, you're sure to find your "people" in Tulsa. We are planning to live in Tulsa proper. Today, Tulsa's quality of place is resonating with applicants to an innovative program called Tulsa Remote. Thats the logic that leads EIGs models to estimate such a high payoff for Tulsa Remote. The program requires selected participants to move within 12 months of being accepted and completing the required verification steps. The conversation was short and easy. We submitted our application for the apartment, put down a deposit, and moved in Mid-May 2021. Besides receiving much press coverage during its 2018 launch, Bolzle said Tulsa Remote has provided a significant return on investment for Tulsa. People are really kind and genuinely interested in each other in Tulsa too. ), 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. But it is likely less regressive than the all-too-common strategy of cutting taxes to lure corporations. We have a couple of trips out of Oklahoma in the pipeline, so stay tuned for more on that. 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. APPLY NOW We're paying remote workers $10,000 to move to Tulsa. Born in Rochester, and raised and educated in North Carolina, shes also lived in Atlanta, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles. In the first cohort, 90% stayed past the first year. For example, if John Doe applies on September 1st, his partner must apply no later than September 14th to be considered. Last September, A Gathering Place came into fruition as an inclusive riverfront parkwith a childrens adventure playground, a skate park, restaurants and gathering spots. 2 BR Avg. The emphasis is on weaving a social fabric among new arrivals and within the wider community. I found out that I was accepted and just needed to move within the next 12 months the following week. 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. Bee Law [Photo: courtesy of QuirkChat]Beyond the relocation stipend, the program also provides successful applicants with one year of free co-working space, workshops, networking events, and a range of other resources. a=o.getElementsByTagName('head')[0]; Remote workers have high-paying jobs, and that income trickles out into Tulsa as they spend it. 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. Brainstorm, network, or even whip up a passion project together collaboration is always highly encouraged here. Sign up to receive program updates and announcements from the Tulsa Remote team so you're always in the know. 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). Housing in Tulsa costs about one fifth the price of housing in Los Angeles or New York. Tulsa's 30+ entertainment and residential districts offer diverse landscapes and inclusive communities for you to find the perfect place for inspiration. ". The foundation offers applicants $10,000 to move to. It was definitely fun to see all the sights but very troublesome with all of our stuff in the car. This all happened between Mid October to Early November 2020. along the same lines in 2018 and its success will ensure that it isnt the last. 36 Degrees North, a dynamic coworking space in Downtown Tulsa, provides a place to get work done and collaborate with other local entrepreneurs and remote workers. Since 2018, nearly 1,300 talented individuals have joined our ranks, found home in Tulsa, and are helping shape one of Americas greatest cities. 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. 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. It takes roughly 13 minutes max to get anywhere in Tulsa; in any other city, that's the minimum time it takes to drive 0.6 miles. It's a growing segment of the workforce. At least 12 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, The Saturday Six: Dental device controversy, scientist's bug find and more, Indonesia fuel depot fire kills 18; more than a dozen missing, 3 children killed, 2 others wounded at Texas home, Man charged for alleged involvement in 2 transformer explosions, Nikki Haley slams potential GOP contenders, and Trump and George W. Bush, Duo of 81-year-old women plan to see the world in 80 days, Tom Sizemore, actor known for "Saving Private Ryan" and "Heat," dies at 61, Alex Murdaugh trial: What to know about the double murder case. I've visited Tulsa a couple times and I agree, you Tulsans are very welcoming. 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. 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. No. So any community involvement is what they want to hear. I applied the day after apps opened and haven't heard back :( will email them. Since I had a remote job at the time, we might qualify. No. No. Absolutely. Sen & I live in Downtown Tulsa, where we can walk to most places. You have full-time remote employment or are self-employed outside of Oklahoma.