Mercer County, Pa. - One pilot program in Mercer County is offering a $5000 incentive to remote workers and families to move to the area and buy a home.

Penn-Northwest launched 'MakeMyMove' to stabilize the population of Western Pennsylvania communities that have shrunk approximately 1% per year over the past four decades. Bringing new families into the area through the program would increase the area's tax base, enrollment in local schools, and workforce, Penn-Northwest associate executive director Jake Rickert said.

"This MakeMyMove really spawned through the need that our county has recognized that we have to do something about this population loss," Rickert noted. "We at the very least have to stabilize it, but we really need to gain back some of the population we've lost."

Hermitage, Greenville and Sharon have all adopted MakeMyMove programs. Eligibility requirements for applicants, such as earned income or current living distance from the applicant's selected town, may vary by program.

Each location offers a variety of extra perks, including gift cards to local restaurants or businesses, and passes for community gyms and recreation activities.

"The reality is that folks aren't going to move for five thousand dollars, but it is a way to help them offset some of the location expenses," Mark Longietti, Hermitage director of business and community development said. "And the other thing that you want to do is-- these are folks that typically don't have connections here, so you want to connect them to the community."

The first family selected as part of the MakeMyMove program is expected to relocate to Hermitage on June 3rd.

Rickert says Penn-Northwest is prepared to approve a total of five applicants to move to the area within the program's pilot year. After which, Penn-Northwest will collaborate with investors and partners to discuss program improvements and opportunities for expanded housing development.

"I think this is going to be a tool that really accomplishes two things: I think it will stabilize the population, but I [also] think it provides tangible data for developers looking to build up here, of what is going to work best."

An online application for MakeMyMove may be filled out at this link.