The 2nd Round of Make My Move Brings a Fresh Face to the Jacksonville Region

When Emily Clough and her family left Muskego, Wisconsin, for Jacksonville, Illinois, they were looking for much more than a change of address. Remote work had opened the door, but proximity to family and the chance for a slower pace of life made Jacksonville the clear choice.

Her husband's cousin introduced her to the Make My Move program, which offered a financial incentive to support relocation. "It was a big help," Emily said. “We probably would have moved anyway, but it made the process easier and helped us settle in faster.”

A Community That Feels Like Home

Emily describes Jacksonville as "a larger small town," a place with strong community ties and easy connections. "We see familiar faces at the grocery store, and that makes you feel at home," she said. The surrounding farmland, open views and lack of urban congestion were a welcome change from her previous locations in Illinois and Wisconsin.

The Make My Move program helped offset the cost of relocating and was the perfect way to introduce Emily's family to local restaurants, events and activities, which quickly made them feel part of the community. "When you're new, you don't always know where to start. This program gave us direction," she said.

Building a Career in Jacksonville

Working remotely as a deputy project analyst manager for Brown and Caldwell, Emily manages wastewater remediation projects for the New York Department of Environmental Protection. The location change didn't disrupt her career, but it improved her family's daily life.

"We plan to be here for the long term, at least until our kids are grown," she said. The family has embraced local events, such as Friday Night Downtown Concert Series, and looks forward to seasonal celebrations like Oktoberfest and the farmers' market.

A Strong Fit for Relocating Professionals

The Make My Move program is designed for professionals in engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, legal, accounting and education. It offers relocation support. But, more importantly, it helps individuals integrate quickly into Jacksonville's professional and community networks.

Emily says the town's size makes family activities more enjoyable. "Events aren't overwhelming here. You don't have to fight big-city crowds to have a good time."

Her children, ages three and under, have adjusted well. "Our daycare has been great, and we're excited for our daughter to start pre-K," she said. Neighborhood connections have come naturally, with informal gatherings and new friendships forming quickly.

How to Apply for Make My Move

Qualified professionals can apply directly through the Jacksonville Regional Development Corporation. The process includes eligibility verification, relocation assistance, and community onboarding.

"The incentive was a strong factor in our move," Emily said. "It's a program that works for people who want both professional stability and a great place to raise a family."

For details and application information, visit Jacksonville's Make My Move page or contact the Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation office.