Greater Cedar Rapids remote worker campaign draws first new resident

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Collaborative Growth Initiative's remote worker campaign has netted its first new resident.

Hunter Baldus, 30, is the first mover through the Greater Cedar Rapids MakeMyMove program, which aims to draw remote workers to the area by offering upward of $5,000 in relocation incentives. A Cedar Rapids native, he is moving from Denver with his wife and young son.

“Whether it was (places like) Chicago or Des Moines, we were already contemplating moving closer to home,” Baldus said. “This program really put Cedar Rapids over the top.”

The MakeMyMove program is part of the broader Collaborative Growth Initiative, a public-private partnership to bolster resident recruitment and retention. Founding partners include the cities of Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha and Marion and the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance.

The remote worker recruitment campaign aims to secure some “quick wins” by moving 15 workers to the region by the end of the initiative's first year. Interested candidates apply on MakeMyMove and — if selected — are connected with relocation resources and incentives.

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Incentives are available to out-of-state remote workers making at least $55,000 a year who commit to relocating within six months. The relocation package includes a $5,000 stipend, free Economic Alliance membership, and vouchers to area recreational opportunities. In total, it’s valued at around $8,500.

“We are excited to welcome Hunter and his family to the Cedar Rapids Region,” Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell said in a news release. “This first move is a clear sign that our community is attracting new talent and families who see the value of living, working, and growing here.”

For his part, Baldus works remotely for the travel management company Engine. His wife, Madison, is an occupational therapist set to begin work at an area hospital. Both grew up in the Cedar Rapids area.

In an interview with The Gazette, Baldus said they decided to move back to the Midwest to be closer to family and to take advantage of the lower cost of living. Baldus heard about the MakeMyMove program from a colleague and decided to apply.

“We wanted to move closer to our parents and be able to purchase a home,” Baldus said. “Coming from Denver, the cost of living difference is just huge.”

The couple has already put in an offer on a home in northeast Cedar Rapids, and Baldus expressed excitement to start reintegrating into the local community.

The Collaborative Growth Initiative is funded through a mix of city funds and those from the Economic Alliance with the long-term goal being to decrease municipal contributions over time through private fundraising.

The city of Cedar Rapids previously approved its $327,500 portion of the year one funding. Hiawatha City Council members approved their $21,6000 portion on July 2, and the Marion City Council this month approved the city’s $87,000 portion.

In addition to the remote worker campaign, the Collaborative Growth Initiative also includes the launch of a talent acquisition website and agency marketing campaigns to showcase area employers, open jobs, housing opportunities and other community resources to secure more movers long term.

Comments: grace.nieland@thegazette.com