Neodesha, Kansas, a quaint town with a current population around 2,100, is nestled approximately 100 miles from major urban centers like Wichita and Topeka in Kansas and Tulsa in Oklahoma. Known for its historical significance, Neodesha once boasted the 65-foot tower that held the drilling framework for the first commercial oil well west of the Mississippi River. However, the economic prosperity that came with the oil boom has long since dwindled. The closure of the Standard Oil-owned refinery in 1971 decimated the local economy, with local leaders noting that the population halved nearly overnight. Mayor Devin Johnson emphasizes the existential challenge many small towns face: without growth, they risk inevitable decline.
This backdrop of fading fortunes, compounded by an aging housing stock, sets the stage for Neodesha’s recent resurgence initiatives aimed at reviving the community’s appeal.
In a bid to reverse years of population decline and stanch the ebbing vitality of the town, Neodesha has forged an alliance with MakeMyMove, an online platform designed specifically to match eager job seekers with communities aiming to attract them. This partnership has yielded an incentive-laden strategy to lure new residents by introducing benefits like a freeze on state income tax until 2026, property tax rebates, and assistance for working parents seeking childcare options.
Additionally, the town is extending existing educational perks, such as student loan repayment assistance, which can reach up to $15,000, along with free tuition through the Neodesha Promise scholarship program for high school graduates. Since launching this initiative in 2024, more than 30 prospects are reportedly currently transitioning their lives to Neodesha, according to Evan Hock, MakeMyMove’s co-founder. Testimonials from benefactors of the scholarship program underscore its importance, showcasing how investments in education can lay the groundwork for community revitalization.
Ben Cutler, a local entrepreneur, is one of several passionate advocates working to reshape Neodesha’s landscape into a more attractive environment for young families. Citing a commitment to community development, Cutler expresses optimism about the progress being made. In conjunction with the economic rewards offered to newcomers, there are ongoing plans to expand housing—constructing hundreds of new homes, apartments, and duplexes.
Simultaneously, efforts are underway to breathe new life into the town’s commercial areas by developing retail spaces and refurbishing several historic buildings along Main Street. Mayor Johnson emphasizes the need for a dual approach: while it is vital to preserve the town’s unique character, it is equally essential to make Neodesha an inviting prospect for families seeking a fresh start.
Neodesha’s novel approach to attracting residents is not an isolated endeavor. Across the United States, various towns and cities are implementing similar strategies, ranging from cash incentives to vouchers for residents willing to relocate. For instance, Topeka offers financial assistance of up to $15,000 for homebuyers as part of its initiative, while West Virginia’s tourism department has introduced a similar incentive program, providing cash to new residents alongside benefits that promote outdoor activities.
The Shoals Economic Development Authority in Alabama, among others, has recognized that offering monetary incentives can be a cost-effective economic development tactic, with the potential for a favorable return on investment within the first year. However, MakeMyMove’s Hock cautions that incentives alone are insufficient in attracting newcomers; the intangibility of community connection, quality of place, and overall livability are fundamental motivators for relocation.
As the narrative of migration shifts from urban chaos to more serene and affordable enclaves, individual success stories, such as that of the Sundbergs, exemplify the potential benefits of moving to a place like Neodesha. The couple, previously constrained by high housing costs in Southern California, discovered the town through a job opportunity that promised more than just financial relief; they found a welcoming community that fulfilled their aspirations for family life.
Sundberg’s journey, which led her to embrace a new role as the executive director of Neodesha’s early learning center, illustrates the multifaceted advantages of relocating beyond mere financial incentives. It underscores that quality of life and community values are as important as practical financial benefits when drawing new residents to rural towns.
Neodesha, Kansas, stands as a testament to resilience and the power of community engagement in the face of economic adversity. Its ongoing revitalization efforts, spearheaded by strategic partnerships and innovative incentive programs, may well set a standard for other small towns grappling with similar challenges. As Neodesha continues to forge a new identity rooted in both economic opportunity and an enriching community environment, it offers hope to other struggling locales across the nation.