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A $10k stipend is available for anyone moving to Cumberland, MD

ci.cumberland.md.us

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Re: A $10k stipend is available for anyone moving to Cumberland, MD

#4
I just got back from a visit with family in Cumberland. It's the epitome of rust belt. What used to be a thriving manufacturing area has become an abandoned service-sector economy with low-wage jobs. Property values are dirt cheap, even for nice houses. There isn't much nearby, you have to travel hours from Pittsburgh to even get there by plane. Tales of theft of items like power tools from relatively remote farms are common. It doesn't look quite as bad as videos I've seen of poorer parts of Appalachia, but it's pretty close. I don't know how they will be able to afford this as the tax base has all but left and Cumberland is trying to pinch every penny they can to afford their over-compensated government staff. It's a pretty sad state of affairs, this seems more like a last-ditch marketing effort.

Re: A $10k stipend is available for anyone moving to Cumberland, MD

#5
post #3

One of the program requirements is that you buy a house there and live in it for five years.

This is pretty important. I suspect the people who are motivated by $2k a year to move there are not the people who are going to be bringing a large influx of capital to a place that very much needs it.

Although actually, it looks like there are two separate programs, which you can be eligible for both of: The relocation credit, and the restoration or down payment credit, which is more of a match, so the actual amount is more like $20k total.

Re: A $10k stipend is available for anyone moving to Cumberland, MD

#6
post #4

I just got back from a visit with family in Cumberland. It's the epitome of rust belt. What used to be a thriving manufacturing area has become an abandoned service-sector economy with low-wage jobs. Property values are dirt cheap, even for nice houses. There isn't much nearby, you have to travel hours from Pittsburgh to even get there by plane. Tales of theft of items like power tools from relatively remote farms ar…

When the railroad was the internet, it was really the Silicon Valley of its day. Really makes you think.

Re: A $10k stipend is available for anyone moving to Cumberland, MD

#8
post #3

One of the program requirements is that you buy a house there and live in it for five years.

That actually explains a lot. They are trying to expand their tax base. The improvements stipend will allow them to assess the property at a higher value!

Re: A $10k stipend is available for anyone moving to Cumberland, MD

#9
From the linked page:

> The package, offering up to $20,000 is comprised of $10,000 in relocation cash, PLUS up to $10,000, dollar for dollar match, for approved renovations on an existing home, OR for a down payment on a newly constructed home within City limits.

Not “A $10k stipend is available for anyone moving to Cumberland, MD” as the submission title says currently , which sounded like a basic income.

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