CHARLESTON, W. Va. – Charleston city officials are relaunching a relocation incentive program.

The Charleston Roots Initiative program is sponsored by the Charleston Area Alliance and the City of Charleston. Its goal is to target people living in the area with or without West Virginia ties seeking full-time employment in the Charleston area.

Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin said, “The Charleston Roots program provides an incredible opportunity for individuals to come to Charleston, live affordably, and find activities to suit every lifestyle. As we experience job growth in all parts of our city, we are excited to work with companies looking to hire people in high-demand positions. »

The program offers $5,000, networking opportunities, local experiences, and memberships tailored to applicants’ lifestyles.

“They have to get residency in Charleston and they have to show us that they’re employed to receive the incentives,” Charleston Area Alliance President and CEO Nicole Christian said.

Christian said people were already interested in living in Charleston “In the first round of the portal we had over 150 applications and it shows that people want to live here.”

Those selected will have 90 days after engagement to relocate within 50 miles of Charleston and must provide proof of residency and employment to receive incentive payments.

Last year, the program selected 12 applications out of more than 150.

A $500 cash incentive will also be available for West Virginia residents who can recruit a family member or friend to move to the Charleston area.

The portal will be open until June 30 at 5 p.m.

You can apply at www.CharlestonRoots.com.

Story of Chayce Matheny