Choose Topeka Relocation Incentive Program
$15,000
Program at a Glance
- Location: Topeka and Shawnee County, Kansas
- Status: Accepting employer applications and individual inquiries
- Assistance: Employer-sponsored relocation funds plus separate incentives for returning residents and transitioning military members
- Who it’s for: Eligible new hires, certain Washburn graduates, former Shawnee County residents returning to the area, and transitioning military service members
- Qualifying activities: Relocating to Shawnee County, establishing a primary residence, and securing qualifying local employment
- Benefit value: Up to $10,000 for renting or $15,000 for purchasing or rehabilitating a home through the Employer Match program; $5,000 through the Boomerang or Transitioning Military track
- How to access: The Employer Match incentive must be initiated by a participating Shawnee County employer. Boomerang and transitioning military candidates may submit an inquiry directly to Choose Topeka.
- Timing: Approval must be obtained before permanent relocation. Employer Match reimbursement occurs after the employee has lived and worked in Shawnee County for one year.
- Last verified: October 2026
Check Eligibility With Choose Topeka ↗
About the Program
Choose Topeka offers several employment-based incentives to encourage people to move to Topeka and Shawnee County. The available benefit and application process depend on whether the candidate is sponsored by a participating employer, returning to the community, or transitioning from military service.
This is not an unrestricted payment for anyone moving to Topeka. Applicants must follow the appropriate program path and receive approval before permanently relocating.
What Applicants Should Know
The primary Employer Match incentive is offered through participating Shawnee County employers. An applicant must secure qualifying employment, and the employer must elect to include the incentive in the employee’s compensation package.
Not every Shawnee County employer participates, and an incentive is not automatically available with every job offer. Candidates should ask a prospective employer whether it participates in Choose Topeka before making relocation plans.
The Boomerang and Transitioning Military incentives have separate requirements. They currently require qualifying employment with a Shawnee County employer, a salary of at least $50,000, and the purchase of a home in Shawnee County.
Employer Match Incentive
Eligible employees may receive:
- Up to $10,000 gross when renting a primary residence in Shawnee County
- Up to $15,000 gross when purchasing or rehabilitating a primary residence in Shawnee County
The program may serve new hires relocating from outside Shawnee County and eligible graduates from Washburn University or Washburn Tech, beginning with the Class of 2023.
Employer Match Eligibility
To qualify, the applicant must:
- Move to Topeka or Shawnee County for full-time employment
- Rent or purchase a primary residence in Shawnee County within the year of the move
- Be authorized to work in the United States
- Receive the incentive through a participating Shawnee County employer
- Obtain program approval before relocating
How the Employer Match Works
The participating employer selects the employee and submits the proposed incentive to GO Topeka for approval. The employer initially pays the approved amount to the employee.
After the employee has lived and worked in Shawnee County for one year, GO Topeka/JEDO may reimburse the employer for up to 50% of the qualified incentive. Continued employment, residency, and payment to the employee must be documented.
The employee does not receive a second payment from GO Topeka in addition to the employer’s incentive.
Boomerang Relocation Incentive
The Boomerang incentive provides $5,000 to qualifying former Shawnee County residents who return to live and work in the community. The recipient may use the funds as they choose.
Boomerang Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Have previously lived in Shawnee County
- Secure employment with a Shawnee County employer
- Provide proof of a salary of at least $50,000
- Purchase a home in Shawnee County
- Apply before permanently relocating
- Be authorized to live and work legally in the United States
- Limit participation to one incentive per household
Submitting the online form is an inquiry for additional information and does not guarantee approval or funding.
Transitioning Military Service Member Incentive
Transitioning military service members may qualify for $5,000 to support a move to Shawnee County. The recipient may use the funds as they choose.
Transitioning Military Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be transitioning from military service
- Secure employment with a Shawnee County employer
- Provide proof of a salary of at least $50,000
- Purchase a home in Shawnee County
- Apply before permanently relocating
- Be authorized to live and work legally in the United States
- Limit participation to one incentive per household
Submitting the online form requests more information about the program. It is not an approval or award notice.
How to Get Started
Employer Match Applicants
Ask your prospective or new Shawnee County employer whether it participates in Choose Topeka. The employer must submit the program application and receive approval for the proposed incentive.
Boomerang and Transitioning Military Applicants
Submit the official inquiry form before permanently relocating. Choose Topeka will review your information and explain the documentation and next steps required.
Check Your Eligibility With Choose Topeka
Official sources: Choose Topeka application and eligibility information and Employer Match guidelines.
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