Envision Greater Fond du Lac releases information on grant program aimed at bringing working young people to area

Every successful community eventually faces the same question: Who will live here, work here, and keep our economy growing in the decades ahead?

For Fond du Lac County, that question is becoming increasingly important.

Today, approximately one in five county residents is age 65 or older. Over the next two decades, demographic projections show that without intentional action, our county could begin experiencing population decline. That trend affects far more than population statistics, it impacts employers’ ability to hire, schools’ enrollment, housing demand, small businesses, healthcare systems, and the local tax base.

“Our businesses want to grow in Fond du Lac County,” said Sadie Howell, President and CEO of Envision Greater Fond du Lac. “But growth requires people. If we want employers to continue investing here and creating jobs, we have to ensure our community has a strong, sustainable workforce for the future.”

To help address that challenge, Envision Greater Fond du Lac is launching the Make My Move Talent Attraction Program, funded through a competitive grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).

The Wisconsin State Legislature established a $5 million statewide Talent Recruitment Grant program to help communities recruit working-age households to Wisconsin. Envision successfully secured a $346,000 grant to partner with Make My Move, a national talent attraction platform, with the goal of attracting 32 out-of-state households over the next two years.

A Workforce Strategy—Not a Giveaway Program

The program is designed to attract professionals and families who will live, work, and become part of the Fond du Lac County community.

Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements before receiving any incentives. Participants must:

· Currently live outside the State of Wisconsin

· Relocate to Fond du Lac County

· Have at least one household member earning a minimum annual income of $55,000

· Complete an application process

· Pass a criminal background check

· Meet ongoing residency and employment verification requirements

Only applicants who successfully complete these requirements are eligible to receive relocation incentives.

“This isn’t about giving money away,” Howell said. “It’s about making a strategic investment in the future workforce of Fond du Lac County. Every new household contributes to our local economy by purchasing homes, renting apartments, shopping at local businesses, paying property and sales taxes, enrolling children in schools, volunteering, and becoming part of the community.”

One Part of a Larger Workforce Strategy

The Make My Move initiative is one component of Envision Greater Fond du Lac’s broader workforce strategy, which also includes employer support, career development, housing initiatives, young professional engagement, childcare advocacy, entrepreneurship, and efforts to retain local talent.

The program does not replace investments in current residents—it complements them.

“As our employers compete nationally for talent, communities across the country are investing in workforce attraction,” Howell said. “Doing nothing is not a strategy. This program allows Wisconsin to compete while helping ensure Fond du Lac County remains a place where businesses can grow, families can thrive, and future generations have opportunities.”

Envision expects the program to generate lasting economic benefits through increased workforce participation, consumer spending, housing demand, and long-term community engagement.

“We’re focused on the next 20 years—not just the next two,” Howell said. “Our responsibility is to help ensure Fond du Lac County remains economically strong for our residents, our employers, and the next generation.” To learn more about Envision Greater Fond du Lac, please visit envisiongreaterfdl.com/