Riley County approves Make My Move contract, submits Home in the Heartland grant after program hits 20 movers

Riley County commissioners approved a contract with Make My Move and authorized submission of a Home in the Heartland grant after Planning Director Amanda Webb told the board the county’s relocation incentive program reached its 20th mover.

"We have our 20th mover," Amanda Webb said, reporting that many additional applicants remain in the pipeline. Webb told commissioners the overall program cost is $195,870, with a required county 20% match of $39,174; Riley County’s planned cash contribution is $26,304 and in‑kind administrative time is valued at $12,870. The Make My Move contract presented to the commission covers Riley County’s portion at $108,000, with payments of $78,000 due Oct. 1 and $30,000 due March 1.

Webb said the county will continue to accept applications and maintain a wait list even if the state award process leaves some applicants unselected. Commissioners moved and seconded to approve the contract and to submit the grant application to the state; the motions passed with the chair signing the documents.

The county and Make My Move also described the local incentive package that pairs a $5,000 cash award (split at move‑in and one year) with noncash community incentives such as tickets and employer referrals. Webb said she is continuing to seek additional local incentives and partners to increase the program’s appeal.

Next steps: Webb will forward the signed contract to the program partners and submit the grant application to the state treasurer’s office by the application deadline; awards will be announced by the state after review.