A different view of motivation

Star Tribune Sun, 09 Dec 2007 05:28:17 GMT
Money may entice New Hope's workers to move there

State law bars residency as a condition of employment, but extra cash might persuade New Hope's city workers to live there. ... Laura Kushner, director of human resources and benefits for the League of Minnesota Cities, talked to New Hope officials about their proposal. While the league doesn't keep track of cities that offer residency incentives, she said she doesn't think there are any other cities in the state doing anything similar. Kushner encouraged New Hope officials to consider several factors as they worked on drafting a plan. The initial proposal included awarding hiring preference points to prospective employees who live in the city, but that was taken out after concerns were raised about the program affecting equal employment opportunities. The revised plan also includes employees who rent as well as own homes. New Hope is setting aside $10,000 for the program in its 2008 budget, but Kushner said there are state regulations about how city money can be spent. "They need to make sure they identify what is the public purpose associated with this," she said.

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