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Private relocation firm pitches state‑backed program to bring households to Riley County
Summary
Make My Move presented a state grant-backed relocation program that would recruit new households to the county; the company said a typical local match is 20% and proposed moving 20 households under one application.
A private company called Make My Move told the Riley County commissioners on May 26 that it can help recruit new households to the region under a recently enacted state relocation grant program if local leaders provide a modest match.
Ben Leyda, representing Make My Move of Indianapolis, described the company’s marketplace that pairs relocation incentives with local welcome packages and community onboarding. He said a state program recently approved by the legislature provides $3 million over the 2026–27 biennium; individual local programs may apply for up to $250,000 per program. Leyda said his firm typically asks local partners to cover 20% of program costs and proposed a pilot to move 20 households to Riley County (roughly 40 people based on average household size of 2.3).
Why it matters: Commissioners and staff noted the possible benefits to schools and local employers. Make My Move’s materials project that roughly 57% of relocated adults find local employment and about a third bring school‑age children, which affects enrollment funding. The firm said half of an award would be available up front with the remainder performance‑based after households move in.
During the presentation Leyda said the program operates on a reimbursement model tied to measurable moves and that the application portal is expected to open in mid‑June. He said the state program is competitive and urged counties to apply early; the maximum award is $250,000 per program and the statewide pot is $3 million for fiscal 2026 and 2027 combined.
Commissioner questions covered housing readiness, partnerships with the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce and neighboring counties, and whether the chamber would help with outreach. Commissioners discussed possible collaboration with rural economic development groups and whether local attractions or ticket incentives could be used in a welcome package. The commission asked staff to schedule a fuller presentation in June so the board can consider whether to commit local matching funds and proceed with an application.
Ending: Commissioners asked the firm to return for a detailed presentation in early June and for staff to circulate copies of the firm’s packet; no board vote occurred during the May 26 presentation.
