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've already driven back to LA for work and seen our families a few times during our first nine months. Nationally-recognized restaurants meet local Tulsa flair. Getting to see more of the country is one of our goals for 2021 and beyond. Sen & I had planned to move around the country via Airbnb (month-long stays), the plan was paused due to the pandemic, but planning and researching it is half the fun. 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. I was moving either way and was actually already under contract on a house. In exchange, successful applicants are required to call the city home for at least 12 months. The following steps are to check out the city either in person or virtually (I recommend you to check out the city in person for a full experience) and make your final decision if you want to make the move. "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,". 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's 30+ entertainment and residential districts offer diverse landscapes and inclusive communities for you to find the perfect place for inspiration. Then the applicants would get thanks for trying or congrats emails. There is no deadline at this point, but we might close the application at any time, so people should apply now, said Bolzle. 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. 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! To make your move easier we've curated the best local apartments, centered around our thriving remote community at the heart of Tulsa. Individuals must be at least 18 years of age to apply. 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. Born in Rochester, and raised and educated in North Carolina, shes also lived in Atlanta, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles. Led by the local George Kaiser Family . That's despite accepting under 5% of applicants last year, according to managing director Justin. Nervous about making the move? Rent - $658 Tulsa vs. $2,248 San Diego, 2 BR Avg. I hope to be joining you soon :), Emphasize your desire to shop locally. We didn't want to take any of the large furniture to Tulsa since we thought it might just be a one-year thing. In 2018, the George Kaiser Family Foundation launched Tulsa Remote, a program for people who can do their jobs from anywhere in the country. 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. We lived in LA for over twenty years and have many friends and family members there. Three months after the move, Tomm switched jobs; she now works for a company in Michigan as a UX and design consultant. All episodes. What are some interview tips? We plan to stay put in Tulsa, for now, to focus on working and scaling our business while exploring more of this city. A community for Tulsa Oklahoma and surrounding areas. The catch is that you have to work somewhere else. Oklahoma is one of the very few states whose cities rely entirely on sales tax for the government operating costs, said Perry. 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. So if you ask me who should apply for Tulsa Remote, I will tell you it's for those who are open to moving away from their home and making new friends. To qualify, you must be a full-time remote worker or self-employed outside of the state. Selected as part of the inaugural cohort of Endeavor's Heartland ScaleUp. This all happened between Mid October to Early November 2020. LET THEM ENTICE YOU WITH THAT GRANT. Aside from the $10,000 disbursed as a house down payment or over time Tulsa Remote members also get assistance with house hunting, access to co-working spaces and weekly social and . Tulsa Remote is not able to aid in the acquisition or approval of such credentials (work visas, etc.). We've traveled to Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Missouri, and Texas and stopped in 16 cities (not counting cities we've visited before moving to Tulsa). I'm a travel blogger, and photographer, recently moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma from Los Angeles, California with my husband Sen, our cat Shadow, and dog Lumi. Parking is plentiful (and widely free!). While we try to accept a wide variety of movers and shakers into our program, we, unfortunately, can't invite everyone. 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 . The program organizes events and outings, and encourages Remoters to participate in local civic programs. Tulsa Remote is a unique recruitment initiative aimed at attracting talented individuals to Tulsa. The goal is to reach at least 250. Thoughts on the program itself would also be useful. By signing up, I give Tulsa Remote permission to send me periodic news, marketing and updates. We are planning to live in Tulsa proper. I started to get envious, she said. If selected for the program, how soon can I move? It doesnt have much in the way of a technology sector, and it has a smaller share of residents with a college degree than the U.S. as a whole. h._hjSettings={hjid:1812585,hjsv:6}; I write about destinations, travel news/trends, dining and culture. Apparently they only accept those who are interested in moving to Tulsa. Need some desk space to get things done? What's the best place in Tulsa to move to, that's nearby markets and has high safety/walkability? Dec 20-Email received with details for scheduling in person visit. The Tulsa Remote program, however, is not necessarily the right program for all cities hoping to attract highly paid remote workers. 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. If selected for the program, do I have to live downtown? Theyre really big on what you are able to bring to the community. You have full-time remote employment or are self-employed outside of Oklahoma. 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. Winter is chilly with chances of snow (and winter storm). "If you can come to town, and bring your job here, it can be a home run.". Rent - $658 Tulsa vs. $1,475 Denver, 2 BR Avg. Tulsa Remote provides resources to help finalists discover and secure suitable housing before they move to Tulsa, including a new housing portal. r.src=t+h._hjSettings.hjid+j+h._hjSettings.hjsv; 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. 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. Recommended for you Cobot en espaol "; 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") , 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. Press J to jump to the feed. 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. The City of Tulsa and other community organizations lend their support to ensure program participants are fully immersed and engaged in the community. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Privacy Policy. The list wasnt topped by new remote hubs like Tulsa, but by Washington, DC, San Francisco, and Austin. How long did it take to find out they were interested, after applying? But there are outstanding questions about the program, too. 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. The George Kaiser Family Foundation created the Tulsa Remote program as a way to lure tech workers from around the country to Tulsa. 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. Well, this is when I tell you, you can't believe everything you read or watch on the internet. I work remotely for an Oklahoma-based company. But there are outstanding questions about the program, too.. People are really kind and genuinely interested in each other in Tulsa too. What Our Members Are Saying The study also found that for every two household members brought to Tulsa through the program, one new local job was created. This is an important part of the local economic development strategy, and the fact that it was designed and backed by a key local institution, in partnership with other local stakeholders, is a big part of the battle.. I feel very a part of Tulsa now, he said. So any community involvement is what they want to hear. Tulsa has unique neighborhoods, a nationally-recognized food scene, world-class music and theatre venues, and one of the best park systems in the country. 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. Which makes most of us super open to meeting new people and new like-minded friends. According to a report published by the. a.appendChild(r); Can I apply? Rent - $658 Tulsa vs. $1,184 Austin, Median Home Price - $157K Tulsa vs. $917K SF, Median Home Price - $157K Tulsa vs. $390K New York, Median Home Price - $157K Tulsa vs. $546K LA, Median Home Price - $157K Tulsa vs. $394K DC, Median Home Price - $157K Tulsa vs. $484K Seattle, Median Home Price - $157K Tulsa vs. $443K Boston, Median Home Price - $157K Tulsa vs. $442K Denver, Median Home Price - $157K Tulsa vs. $385K Portland, Median Home Price - $157K Tulsa vs. $610K San Diego, Median Home Price - $157K Tulsa vs. $242K Chicago, Median Home Price - $157K Tulsa vs. $296K Austin. November 14, 2018 / 2:09 PM I'd be interested to know who you interviewed with, the kinds of questions they and you asked. Can I still apply if I just recently moved to Tulsa? No. As we considered why Tulsa has been successful, I think its a lot of the place-making attributes that the foundation and the city have been focussed on over the last decade or so, he says. 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. , 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. Are there any age restrictions to apply for the Tulsa Remote program? 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. 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. The Oklahoma city is the focal point of Tulsa Remote, a program offering a $10,000 grant and additional incentives to selected . Wear some pants and always make direct eye contact!! LET THEM ENTICE YOU WITH THAT GRANT. Also reason for wanting to move to Tulsa. Browse curated job listings at Tulsa based companies. 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. We'll pay for you to live here, too. First published on November 14, 2018 / 2:09 PM. I found out that I was accepted and just needed to move within the next 12 months the following week. And they estimate every dollar spent on the program creates $13 in economic activity. When Tulsa Remote first launched in the fall of 2018, Stewart says organizers were anticipating 15 to 20 applicants. 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. With festivals, races and celebrations happening throughout the year, you'll struggle to find a weekend with nothing to do. We saw more and more of those members stay beyond their two years of service, he says. Tomms experience is not unusual. Tulsa Remote does not sell your data. 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 just got accepted and am looking for advice on where to move. Whats counts as community involvement? Tulsa Remote is a case study in how remote work can shift economic development, and it paints a hopeful picture for smaller cities. The 2020 edition of the Tulsa Remote program seeks to welcome over 200 applicants. Interesting that you say that. 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. 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. Tulsa Remote helped welcome and connect us to the city from the day we arrived. So after some cocktails by Bartender Sen, I started browsing the internet, and I came upon the Tulsa Remote Program. I had major cabin fever since we were cramped in our tiny apartment that we spent way too much for. 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. Tulsa Remote is a unique recruitment initiative aimed at attracting talented individuals to Tulsa. While the Oklahoma state population has increased 14 percent since 2000, Tulsa's population growth has been sluggish, according to Census data. Less like a job interview, more like a first date. We finally went in mid-March 2021 and spent six days in Tulsa to check out the city and to apartment hunt. It is no coincidence that the program has sought to attract roughly the same number of new residents. 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. In 2019, Tulsa Remote participants ages ranged from 22 to 64. I did not get accepted because I already had plans to move to Tulsa. Launched in November 2018, the program aims at attracting individuals who already. Over the last four years, more than 2,000 people have moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma because of Tulsa Remote, a program sponsored by the George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF) that pays remote workers $10,000 to move. Nov 14-Notified of semi-finalist status, scheduled interview for Nov 26th via calendly. Remote workers have high-paying jobs, and that income trickles out into Tulsa as they spend it. The program was expected to bring in around 1,000 applicants and hopefully bring 50 people to Tulsa. 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. But there are challenges for other cities looking to copy the model. 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. . We created Tulsa Remote to enhance Tulsa's talented and successful workforce community by bringing diverse, bright and driven individuals to the city for community building, collaboration and networking. This is a BETA experience. 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. "They need warm bodies.". Thats especially true when the program involves attracting outsiders. We shouldnt underestimate how important the pure signaling alone is; thats certainly a big part of it, says Lettieri. With community workshops, art showings, local fabrication spaces and unique shops, the opportunities to express yourself are endless. Far less congestion than cities like Austin, Atlanta and Dallas. APPLY NOW We're paying remote workers $10,000 to move to Tulsa. I haven't heard anything bad about it yet other than it's tough to get accepted. In September 2022, EIG released another study of remote work, this one reporting which cities had the highest share of work done from home. and our Claire Tomm decided to apply to Tulsa Remote after hearing about it from a friend whod participated. 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. But for now, that question counts as a good problem to have. On the coasts, no one could care less about their stranger neighbors. Thats what helped me get in, Thank you for the advice! The program requires selected participants to move within 12 months of being accepted and completing the required verification steps. I applied the day after apps opened and haven't heard back :( will email them. Perry spoke with CBS News in a telephone interview Wednesday. What should I prepare for? The family sold their house in Madison, Wisconsin, and six months after being accepted into the program, they arrived in Tulsa. Don't just take our word for it. The so-called superstar cities are still winning, both for in-office jobs and even for work-from-home. Its economy specializes in oil and gas, aerospace, and manufacturing. Initially, 100 slots were available, and the program administrators figured they might get 1,000 total applications. I should specify it is a remote interview since I'm still stuck in Iowa currently. What it does have is a lower cost of living compared to other cities. The . Its economy specializes in oil and gas, aerospace, and manufacturing. So we left the oversized items with both of our parents and donated a lot of our cloth. Either because we all are remote workers or moved away from our home towns, etc. We're confident you'll fall in love but want to make sure we're looking for the same things. You are 18+ years old. 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.. As part of the application process, you'll do a video interview. Amid these challenging times, were still safely welcoming new members to Tulsa. Theyre also more likely to report engagement in their local community. 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. 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. For example, if John Doe applies on September 1st, his partner must apply no later than September 14th to be considered. I applied the day apps open and was notified yesterday I am semi finalist. window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; According to the study, the average annual income of program members is nearly $105,000. Funding is currently provided by the George Kaiser Family Foundation.