Tulsa Remote study shows big returns for local jobs and economy

New research shows Tulsa’s strategy to attract remote workers is paying off, creating jobs and delivering long-term economic benefits for locals.

The findings come from a new study conducted by economist Tim Bartik of the Upjohn Institute. The report shows that Tulsa Remote, launched in 2018 as an incentive program, has had a measurable and positive effect on the local economy.

Each 100 Remote Workers Brings 60 Local Jobs

Justin Harlan, Managing Director of Tulsa Remote, says the data proves the initial experiment is working.

“Tulsa Remote started as an experiment, which we believed would help diversify the economy and give back to Tulsans. And we really see that being true through this research,” Harlan said. “For every 100 people that we bring to the city, there's 60 jobs that are created at a local level. For every dollar that we're spending on the incentive, there's $4 returned to Tulsans.”

Retention Rates Show Most Transplants Stay in Tulsa

A major part of the program’s success, Harlan says, is that most participants are choosing to stay in Tulsa beyond their one-year commitment.

“We see about 90% of people that come through the program are staying beyond the year. And anyone that's come since 2019, about 75% of those folks are still around today,” he said. “Which I think just speaks to the stickiness of Tulsa and people really finding a high quality of life here.”

As new residents settle in, they often support or create new local businesses, generating fresh tax revenue without the need for traditional taxpayer-funded incentives.

“All of those things at no cost to the average taxpayer, which is very different than other business incentives,” Harlan said.

Ripple Effect: Local Businesses Benefit from New Arrivals

The new residents don’t just bring laptops, they bring spending power.

“When you bring a high number of people to a city, they're going to spend money at coffee shops and bars and buy tickets and stay at hotels,” Harlan said. “And that obviously then creates jobs because you've got to keep up with that demand.”

A National Model That Started in Tulsa

Harlan says Tulsa’s model is now being replicated nationwide.

“There's almost 70 programs like this now. You know, there's even a website makemymove.com that just is a conglomerate of all the different programs like ours that are out there, and everybody kind of has their own spin,” he said. “Personally, I believe Tulsa rises to the top in the midst of all the choice, but it's nice to see replication.”

Applications Still Open for New Remote Workers

“Of course, always. TulsaRemote.com."