EKY Remote is a workforce attraction and relocation program designed to bring working families, new income, and long-term economic growth to Eastern Kentucky. In just two years, the program has helped more than 60 families relocate to the region, bringing real population growth, stronger local economies, and lasting benefits for communities throughout the region.
This impact has been made possible through funding from the Kentucky General Assembly, support from Kentucky Power, and collaboration with communities and partners across Eastern Kentucky. Together, these investments have helped position Eastern Kentucky as a competitive and welcoming destination for remote professionals and their families.
In 2026, we launched Catalyze EKY, which helps remote professionals and local entrepreneurs connect, collaborate, and contribute to long term economic growth across the region.
To support successful relocation, EKY Remote provides practical tools such as a regional housing guide that helps families navigate home purchasing and community selection across Eastern Kentucky.
Participating families have purchased homes, enrolled children in local school systems, and contributed directly to local tax revenue. In many cases, new homeowners have increased property tax collections by purchasing homes that were previously eligible for the homestead exemption.
New residents also support local businesses, contribute professional skills, and engage in their communities in ways that strengthen quality of life and long-term stability throughout the region.
EKY Remote reflects what is possible through coordinated investment and regional collaboration.
The program is led by a dedicated EKY Remote team that provides hands-on support to relocating families and works closely with local partners to ensure long term success.
Leadership and funding from the Kentucky General Assembly, partnership with Kentucky Power, and support from communities across Eastern Kentucky have made it possible to design a program that delivers real returns while remaining grounded in local needs.
This collaborative approach ensures that public investment translates into lasting benefits for families, schools, businesses, and communities throughout Eastern Kentucky.
Behind every data point is a family that chose Eastern Kentucky as home.
EKY Remote participants include professionals and families who are putting down roots, purchasing homes, enrolling children in schools, and investing in their communities for the long term.
These stories bring the program’s impact to life and illustrate how economic data translates into real community change.
Partnering with Shaping Our Appalachian Region on the remote work initiative has been a great investment for Somerset and Pulaski County and we are excited to see even more positive results to come. It is a labor of love for us to ‘sell’ others on our region.
Once we connected with Latasha, everything fell into place. She answered all our questions and provided information about local amenities like doctors, places to shop, and parks. If you are looking to get out of the rat race and congestion, then this is where you want to be
This was the best thing to do, moving to Pikeville, Kentucky. This is exactly what my family and I were looking for. If you are looking to get away from that city life and live in peace, come here. Don’t let fear stop you.
My spouse and I have both traveled and lived in many different places within the United States. However, we have never met a more welcoming community as we found in Eastern Kentucky. We have joined a beekeepers meeting, received fresh eggs from neighbors, and made new friends. For anyone looking to move to a place that would be great to raise a family, this would be it
Eastern Kentucky’s approach to remote workforce attraction is earning national attention.
EKY Remote has been recognized by Make My Move as one of the Nation’s Most Welcoming Communities, highlighting the region’s ability to compete nationally for talent while maintaining a strong sense of place.
This recognition reinforces Kentucky’s leadership in innovative, place-based economic development strategies.
From measurable economic impact to real stories of people finding home, opportunity, and community, this blog post shows what’s possible when talent and place come together with intention. Whether you’re a remote worker considering a move, a community leader exploring new growth strategies, or simply curious about what’s driving momentum in the region, read the full story to see why EKY Remote is one of the nation’s most effective relocation programs—and why its next chapter in 2026 matters more than ever.
