MUNCIE − The U.S. Census estimated a smidgeon population increase for Delaware County in 2021 of 202 residents. It was notable for being the first increase in a decade.
The City of Muncie has spent to past year working to turn that small increase into a more substantial rise. Part of the effort has been providing $6,000 in direct incentives, not to companies but to individual employees themselves, in an effort to lure at-home workers to relocate to Muncie.
The push has garnered 30 at-home workers who have committed to live here for two years. Along with their families the program has brought about 55 new residents to Muncie. The city administration says another 25 to 30 have committed to move to Muncie. Eighteen other Hoosier towns, including Lafayette and Richmond, are also using the Indianapolis firm MakeMyMove to recruit a workforce that arrives well educated and already earning, on average, $116,000 annually.
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The city has been offering each family $5,000 for moving for relocating. Ball State University, partnering with the city, provides amenities such as a recreation and fitness passes at university facilities, discounted ticket fees for BSU athletic events and other perks to further incentivize life in Muncie.
New arrivals also receive co-working space courtesy of The Innovation Connector. The whole package is valued by the city at $6,000.