West Virginia Retains 96% of Remote Workers Through Ascend Incentive Program
Updated
Updated · NPR · Jul 24
West Virginia Retains 96% of Remote Workers Through Ascend Incentive Program
3 articles · Updated · NPR · Jul 24
Summary
West Virginia says its Ascend program is still drawing remote workers years after pandemic-era relocation offers spread across the U.S., with retention emerging as a key measure of success.
Ascend targets workers who can bring outside income into places needing an economic boost, using cash and other perks to persuade them to move.
Dozens of similar state and local programs remain active, showing that incentives launched during the remote-work boom have not disappeared with the pandemic.
The broader test is no longer just recruitment but whether these programs can keep newcomers long enough to support local economies and population growth.