Infrastructure for Distance Work
WHAT: The co-living company Common has encouraged American cities to apply to become hubs for teleworking and build combined co-working and co-living hubs to attract teleworkers. Five cities have so far been selected for the project. They offer various financial incentives (usually $ 10,000 or help with house purchases) and other support such as a free bike to long-term guests. The campaign was launched before the pandemic and will only be developed after it has subsided. To date, cities have received tens of thousands of applications from people looking for lower house prices and a better quality of life.
SO WHAT: The great interest, despite the interruption of the pandemic, shows the willingness of workers to move from large cities to continue full-time teleworking. As an effect of the pandemic, an opportunity has been created for hotels, real estate companies and co-working hubs to develop and expand their operations by attracting long-distance, short- or long-term guests to their cities. There is a great need for cheaper housing than what large cities offer, so the market potential for this type of investment should be considered very good when developing more rural hubs for teleworkers.