Remote Work Revolution Transforms Tulsa's Economy

Tulsa has hit the jackpot with its strategy to invite remote workers, sparking a wave of economic prosperity that many cities aspire to emulate. As revealed in a groundbreaking study by economist Tim Bartik of the Upjohn Institute, the initiative dubbed ‘Tulsa Remote’ not only breathes life into the job market but also fortifies the city’s financial health. It’s a narrative of success where ideas turn into tangible impacts, reshaping Tulsa’s landscape one step at a time.

The Boomerang Effect of Remote Workers

Justin Harlan, the Managing Director of Tulsa Remote, explains how the program’s influence reverberates throughout the city. “For every 100 remote workers we attract, we create 60 local jobs,” Harlan enthuses. It’s a case where dollars spent on incentivizing new arrivals return fourfold to Tulsans. In this unfolding story of economic alchemy, remote workers have become catalysts for change.

Staying Power: Beyond the Initial Leap

Lebs become locals as nearly 90% of participants in the Tulsa Remote program choose to remain in the city beyond their inaugural year. Harlan points out that 75% of those who made Tulsa home since 2019 continue to live there, drawn by a quality of life that resonates deeply with newcomers. “The stickiness of Tulsa is evident,” he muses, highlighting a long-term commitment to community vitality.

Local Businesses Thrive on New Energies

The influx of remote workers is a gift that keeps on giving to local enterprises. Harlan notes, “These new residents bring more than laptops—they have the spending power.” Their patronage of cafes, bars, and hotels fans out into the wider economy, a ripple effect that creates jobs wherever demand follows. It is a vivid testament to how new economies are rooted not just in ideas but in actionable realities.

A Blueprint for National Progress

Tulsa’s visionary model now serves