r=o.createElement('script');r.async=1; 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. Amid these challenging times, were still safely welcoming new members to Tulsa. 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. Tulsa Remote is a unique recruitment initiative aimed at attracting talented individuals to Tulsa. Wealth in Tulsa is lower than national averages, according to the 2015 American Communities Survey. Dont know much more about the process as of yet, but I know next step is at least one video interview. 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. I've visited Tulsa a couple times and I agree, you Tulsans are very welcoming. In 2018, the George Kaiser Family Foundation launched Tulsa Remote, a program for people who can do their jobs from anywhere in the country. Yes, the program involves cutting checks to mostly well-educated, well-paid knowledge workers. Tulsa Remote participants were more likely to say they intend to stay where they currently live than the candidates who were accepted but didnt end up moving. 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. Tulsa Remote is intended for individuals who reside outside of Oklahoma at the time of application. What kind of things did they ask? If anyone has any questions hit me up happy to answer. / CBS News. Transcript. Tomm now volunteers for a tutoring program called Reading Partners. 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. 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. Are you now a Tulsan? 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. Tulsa Remote is designed for individuals who have full-time remote employment with a company outside of Oklahoma. Grab your laptop and take a break with dozens of choices around town. There does seem to be a sweet-spot nature, not just to the size of the Tulsa metro, but other characteristics in terms of their domestic migration pattern, [and] in terms of their lagging in a certain segment of their workforce, says EIG s president and CEO, John Lettieri. Even before the pandemic, the program was having great. When selected applicants arrive in Tulsa, they get a warm welcome. He said yes, I applied, and the rest was history. Sen & I've met so many interesting individuals in the Tulsa Remote community and are great friends with many of them. 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. , Prithwiraj Choudhury, a professor at Harvard Business School who. 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. Less like a job interview, more like a first date. Lettieri and Fikri emphasize that the wrong takeaway from the experiment is that any city can enjoy the same economic benefits by offering cash incentives to remote workers. Multiple calls to a Tulsa spokesperson were not immediately returned. Thoughts on the program itself would also be useful. Those selected for the program must live within Tulsa city limits. Burlington, Vermont, rolled out a similar program in June and all Alaskans are eligible for payouts via the state's Permanent Reserve Fund. Theyre really big on what you are able to bring to the community. 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. Psst: Our $10,000 grant can now be received as a lump sum upon the purchase of a home! Tomm and her husband had decided their family needed a change after some personal tragedies. When Tulsa Remote first launched in the fall of 2018, Stewart says organizers were anticipating 15 to 20 applicants. Last September, A Gathering Place came into fruition as an inclusive riverfront parkwith a childrens adventure playground, a skate park, restaurants and gathering spots. During our consideration, we liked that Tulsa is in the middle of the country, and there are so many opportunities for road trips! Also reason for wanting to move to Tulsa. As part of the application process, you'll do a video interview. This is not a one-size-fits-all solution.. Thats the logic that leads EIGs models to estimate such a high payoff for Tulsa Remote. 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). We even offer a $10,000 grant to help kick-start your new journey. On the coasts, no one could care less about their stranger neighbors. Just in case anyone is planning on applying: DO NOT TELL THEM YOU ARE OR HAVE PLANS TO MOVE TO TULSA. Can Tulsa remain a draw for remote workers if other cities copy its model? Recommended for you Cobot en espaol We had to decide very quickly what to keep, donate or toss. 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. We've been here for almost nine months, and we've loved it so far! Just in case anyone is planning on applying: DO NOT TELL THEM YOU ARE OR HAVE PLANS TO MOVE TO TULSA. Video interviews are conducted with each finalist selected. Tulsa Remote is intended for individuals who work remotely for an organization that is not based in Oklahoma. 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. 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. We mailed many items that were not fragile, like cloth, bedding, etc., fit everything else plus our cat and dog into our SUV, and started our trip to Tulsa. After I applied, I actually forgot about it, half thanks to the cocktails, half because I didn't think we would get in. Were going to stay here for sure, she says. The job came with a raise, which was amplified by the lower cost of living. On average, approximately one new job was created in Tulsa for every two remote workers who relocated. 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. I had major cabin fever since we were cramped in our tiny apartment that we spent way too much for. That's despite accepting under 5% of applicants last year, according to managing director Justin. With incredibly diverse cuisine, you can't find food this delicious, at prices this affordable, anywhere else. We've designed community building programming, events and meetups to help you engage with the organizations, local nonprofits and individuals that are working to make Tulsa the best it can be. Should I mention that or instead say that I am thinking about moving to Tulsa but not 100% yet. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Tulsa Remote is right for you. Events relating to Tulsa Remote program extends to events to help participants get to know their [+] communities better. Led by the local George Kaiser Family . Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. The program requires selected participants to move within 12 months of being accepted and completing the required verification steps. The interview process in order to be considered for the grant is fairly standard . Tulsa Remote is intended for individualswho reside outside of Oklahoma at the time of application. 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. Even so, the report is good news for Tulsa Remote, and Choudhury thinks theres a simple reason why the programs participants are more involved. 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. $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. However, what really has made Tulsa "fantastic" for me, is how well . The answer seems to be they have more time to do almost everything, he said in an interview, because they spend less time commuting. They would recommend coming to Tulsa to visit and see if its a good fit before accepting. Hi, I have my semi-finalist interview day after tomorrow. By signing up, I give Tulsa Remote permission to send me periodic news, marketing and updates. I dont currently work remotely, but I can transition to remote work in my current role. You have full-time remote employment or are self-employed outside of Oklahoma. Getting to see more of the country is one of our goals for 2021 and beyond. 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. The George Kaiser Family Foundation created the Tulsa Remote program as a way to lure tech workers from around the country to Tulsa. gtag('js', new Date()); In other words, if you get a job in Tulsa, you don't qualify for the cash. 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. They received nearly that many in one day with inquiries from more than 200 countries and . All told, Tulsa Remote is estimated to have contributed $62 million in new labor income to the local economy in 2021. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. I work remotely for an Oklahoma-based company. What was your example? to the local community at least when housing costs dont rise enough to cancel out those benefits. We were still hesitant since we'd never even been to Oklahoma. More than 2,000 people have moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma because of Tulsa Remote, a program that pays remote workers $10,000 to move. Rent - $658 Tulsa vs. $2,415 Portland, 2 BR Avg. Rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber, and delivery services such as Grubhub and DoorDash, are not considered full-time remote employment. 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. Funded by George Kaiser Family Foundation, Tulsa Remote has basic requirements. But what makes Tulsa's program unique is its focus on remote workers. 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. Since 2018, nearly 1,300 talented individuals have joined our ranks, found "home" in Tulsa, and are helping shape one of America's greatest cities. People are really kind and genuinely interested in each other in Tulsa too. Good luck and when it works out for you.Congratulations and welcome to Tulsa. Since 2018, the Tulsa Remote program has offered remote workers moving to Tulsa $10,000 in cash, a desk at a local co-working space, and help finding housing. The so-called superstar cities are still winning, both for in-office jobs and even for work-from-home. Is Tulsa Remote offering jobs to the people who apply? Well, It happened during the second lockdown in Los Angeles in 2020. With festivals, races and celebrations happening throughout the year, you'll struggle to find a weekend with nothing to do. The program brings remote workers and digital nomads to the community by providing $10,000 grants and numerous community-building opportunities. Static.COOKIE_BANNER_CAPABLE = true; First published on November 14, 2018 / 2:09 PM. While we try to accept a wide variety of movers and shakers into our program, we, unfortunately, can't invite everyone. The Tulsa Remote program opened to applicants in November 2018. I hope to be joining you soon :), Emphasize your desire to shop locally. Dont tell them youre going to move either way lol. The list wasnt topped by new remote hubs like Tulsa, but by Washington, DC, San Francisco, and Austin. So any community involvement is what they want to hear. Rent - $658 Tulsa vs. $3,519 SF, 2 BR Avg. Sign up to receive program updates and announcements from the Tulsa Remote team so you're always in the know. 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. Explore Philbrook and its formal gardens, get lost in one of the world's largest collections of Native American and Western art at Gilcrease, or stroll through multiple galleries during Tulsa's free monthly Art Crawl in the Arts District. Which means that in 2021 There is an estimated $13.77 boost in new local labor income for every dollar spent toward relocating a remote worker. 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. The foundation offers applicants $10,000 to move to. What it does have is a lower cost of living compared to other cities. 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. What kind of remote work do you do? Some of Tulsa's most prominent updates are visible in the city's aesthetics and infrastructure: In the past 10 years, a mix of public and private dollars has helped build the sprawling $465. 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. Initially, 100 slots were available, and the program administrators figured they might get 1,000 total applications. Those who are interested in moving to Tulsa and hold a full-time remote job based outside of Oklahoma can apply for this program. Though Remoters have higher paying jobs than the average Tulsa resident, they roughly mirror the citys racial makeup. Its a highly cost-effective intervention relative to other economic development tools, said Daniel Newman, an analyst at EIG who worked on the study. The emphasis is on weaving a social fabric among new arrivals and within the wider community. Tulsa Remote provides resources to help finalists discover and secure suitable housing before they move to Tulsa, including a new housing portal. 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. Benefits: $10,000 (either via monthly stipends or lump sum if you purchase a home in Tulsa) A free co-working space for three years Exclusive events in Tulsa 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. While the Oklahoma state population has increased 14 percent since 2000, Tulsa's population growth has been sluggish, according to Census data. The . 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. You are 18+ years old. Better binge watch your favorite shows before you get here. Theyre also more likely to report engagement in their local community. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. 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. We finally went in mid-March 2021 and spent six days in Tulsa to check out the city and to apartment hunt. Interesting that you say that. May 04, 2021. I do think it had. Tulsa, Oklahoma, wants you to move there and is offering $10,000 to sweeten the deal. I applied the day apps open and was notified yesterday I am semi finalist. I found out that I was accepted and just needed to move within the next 12 months the following week. I do think it had potential to happen.. Tulsa remote challenges the notion that remote and virtual must equal placeless. Stewart says he encourages each city to consider their unique economic and labor force needs, what they can offer remote workers in exchange for filling those gaps, and what programs, projects, or initiatives would encourage them to stay beyond the initial term. I should find out next week after they meet (apparently its usually weekly, but someone was out this week) on a yes or no from them. According to the study, the average annual income of program members is nearly $105,000. Either because we all are remote workers or moved away from our home towns, etc. Our members are the best part of our program. In the first cohort, 90% stayed past the first year. They do ask about your salary, so dont let that catch you off guard. Yes. I just got accepted and am looking for advice on where to move. Hi, 32-Levels. Its economy specializes in oil and gas, aerospace, and manufacturing. Its a grant of $10,000 over the span of a year plus some other perks. Sen & I moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, from Los Angeles, California, in May 2021 with theTulsa Remote(TR). r.src=t+h._hjSettings.hjid+j+h._hjSettings.hjsv; Along with the introduction of Tulsa Remote, 2018 has ushered in other community-related initiatives in Tulsa. h._hjSettings={hjid:1812585,hjsv:6}; 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. Tulsa was categorized by McKinsey Global Institute's recent Future of Work report as a "stable city" in the "mixed middle," described as having modest postrecession GDP and population growth, a prosperous past but uncertain future, and neither thriving . Summer is hot and humid. 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. Oklahoma is one of the very few states whose cities rely entirely on sales tax for the government operating costs, said Perry. It's a growing segment of the workforce. ". Brainstorm, network, or even whip up a passion project together collaboration is always highly encouraged here. "This is about getting people to move to Tulsa," said Matt Fabian, a partner at Massachusetts-based Municipal Market Analytic, in a telephone interview with CBS News on Wednesday. a=o.getElementsByTagName('head')[0]; I was moving either way and was actually already under contract on a house. Since I had a remote job at the time, we might qualify. Perry spoke with CBS News in a telephone interview Wednesday. For example, if John Doe applies on September 1st, his partner must apply no later than September 14th to be considered. We didn't want to take any of the large furniture to Tulsa since we thought it might just be a one-year thing. Throw in a low cost of living, and you'll have no trouble finding reasons to start your next chapter in Tulsa. Tulsa has been really great, and we do plan to buy a house next year.. What are some interview tips? 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.