Choose Topeka is a new incentive program that will draw new residents to Topeka and Shawnee County, Kansas. The program begins in 2020 with a public launch and full promotion. The incentives are performance based. As a result, new residents will become eligible after residing in the community for one year.
The program arose from a partnership between GO Topeka and local Topeka businesses. Over the past year, organizers have been working to develop the program and marketing materials to reach a wide audience. GO Topeka focuses on creating economic opportunities and growing the local business climate. The Joint Economic Development Organization has an agreement for services with GO Topeka. Both organizations are working together on the Choose Topeka incentive program.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for Choose Topeka?
The Choose Topeka incentive program is to help draw employees to work at local businesses. Therefore, the eligibility requirements center on meeting the needs of local employers and full-time positions:
- Participants must be eligible to work in the US
- Program requires participants to move to Topeka for a full-time position
- Employers must participate in the program for participants to receive matching funds
- Participants must purchase or rent a home in Shawnee County within a year of their hire and move to the area
What are the Benefits for Participants in Choose Topeka?
The benefits for participants in Choose Topeka are generous, and apply to both the participant as well as to the employer.
Participant Benefits
Up to $15,000 in funds in Year 1
- Renting: $10,000
- Home Purchase: $15,000
Source of funds: GO Topeka/Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) and Employer, match at 50%
Employer Benefits
- Employer fully funds $10,000 up to $15,000 with employee transfer
- After Year 1, GO Topeka/JEDO reimburse up to $5,000 ($10K) or $7,500 ($15K) to employer for employee retention
The Choose Topeka incentives are based on performance. Employees must move to the community and reside for at least one full year before becoming eligible. Only primary residences are eligible for the incentives. The incentives may be used for all expenses related to moving.
What is the Goal of Choose Topeka?
The goal of Choose Topeka is to draw up to 60 new residents and their families to the city. Employers will gain new workers with requisite skills. Also, several industries will receive economic benefits as the new residents move in and purchase locally.
GO Topeka estimates the total local economic impact of the Choose Topeka incentives to be:
- Over $2.14 million/Year 1
- Up to $11.38 million/By Year 5
What Should Employers do About Choose Topeka?
Companies in Topeka and the surrounding Shawnee County area that have growth initiatives may be able to leverage the Choose Topeka incentives in their talent acquisition and relocation programs. Companies should examine their plans for corporate expansion. They should also consider participating in the Choose Topeka incentive program to gain the matching funds provided by GO Topeka/JEDO.
Many other US locations offer similar moving incentives. As a result, companies should leverage GO Topeka’s 2020 marketing and promotional efforts for the Choose Topeka incentive program into their employee recruitment efforts.
Conclusion
GMS’ team of domestic relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to leverage moving incentives such as those in the new Choose Topeka program to attract and retain talent. Our team can help your company by using industry best practices to design your relocation program. This will increase your company’s ability to hire and retain new employees.
GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com, created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation® technology platform.
Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall, and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s interest in learning how it can leverage the Choose Topeka moving incentives to attract and retain talent, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.
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