A stunning town in Western Maryland is offering $20,000 to 10 homeowners who agree to move there, with the only condition being that they are willing to invest in their property and become part of the community.
Once known as the state’s “Queen City,” Cumberland features brick-paved streets and a skyline dotted with church steeples.
Located along the North Branch of the Potomac River, the Appalachian wonderland was once an industrial center and had a population of 40,000 in 1940.
But after the glass and tyre factories closed and the railway became obsolete, the number of inhabitants plummeted to just 19,000 people. Another worrying trend is that one-fifth of its residents live in poverty.
Once known as the state’s “Queen City,” Cumberland features cobblestone streets and a skyline dotted with church steeples.
To save the city from oblivion, Mayor Raymond Morris and other officials launched the Choose Cumberland Relocation Program.
Thanks to this initiative, 10 people who agree to move to this picturesque paradise will receive $20,000 for their trouble.
“It’s really about attracting people who will benefit their community,” said Cumberland City Council member Laurie Marchini. Washington Post.
“It’s not a social services program. It’s to attract people who have jobs,” he added.
As part of the program, the city will give the new owners $10,000 in cash.
An additional $10,000 in matching funds will be provided for renovations and down payments. This money will come from a $100,000 grant from the Maryland Community Legacy program, which supports efforts to revitalize blighted towns.
The application window opened last week and will close after Tuesday.
To qualify, individuals must agree to invest in their homes and participate in the broader community.
Additionally, all 10 people must commit to staying in Cumberland for five years. In the application, people are asked about their work, interests, hobbies and, most importantly, why they have chosen the city.
Located along the North Branch of the Potomac River, the Appalachian wonderland was once an industrial center and had a population of 40,000 residents in 1940.
While some critics have argued that the money should be spent on current Cumberland residents, Mayor Morris has said the city already provides funded benefits to residents.
Similar financial incentives are offered across the country to people willing to move to a particular city or urban location.
In Oklahoma, a program in Tulsa hopes to attract out-of-state residents by offering $10,000 to renters and homeowners who work remotely full-time. A similar initiative in Rochester, New York, tempts would-be residents with grants of up to $9,000.
With the launch of their relocation program, Cumberland officials hope to stem the pernicious problem of population loss.
The goal is to do so by taking advantage of the exodus of remote workers from cities, a trend made possible by the pandemic and which Mayor Morris referred to as a “silver lining.”
“A lot of people were getting out of their routines and going out to enjoy the outdoor recreation and lifestyle that’s available here,” he said. Washington Post.
“We were looking for ways to be able to continue with that,” the mayor added.
To save the city from oblivion, Mayor Raymond Morris and other officials have launched the ‘Choose Cumberland Relocation Program’
They have also undertaken other initiatives to revitalize their community. They have encouraged growth along brick-paved Baltimore Street, where new businesses such as taco restaurants and ice cream shops have sprung up.
A new river park is being planned along the Potomac that will feature a whitewater course, boating access and a walking trail. The project will be funded with millions of dollars in local, state and federal funds.
Julia McCoy, president and CEO of the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce, told the Washington Post that the city is on the verge of a renaissance.
“I’ve worked at the center for 20 years and this is the most exciting thing I’ve ever done,” he said.