Make My Move initiative creates concerns in Fond du Lac community

Do you hear that? There is a buzz going around Fond du Lac, and it’s mostly the noise of misinformation surrounding a new initiative which pays some cash and community incentives to a person/family that moves to Fond du Lac County.

The program, created through a partnership between Envision Greater Fond du Lac and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, includes a $5,500 cash relocation stipend along with $4,000 in local perks and experiences.

Fond du Lac County isn’t alone in this program. There are currently 11 cities/counties in the state that are taking part in the cash giveaway in exchange for moving in. It seems however at this time, Fond du Lac’s incentive is the largest with the addition of the community perks that are added in. Other areas have the $4,000 to $5,500 and say “More coming soon”. It’s unknown why exactly the media has zeroed in on a national level for only the Fond du Lac involvement. It’s likely a local media outlet picked up on the story, and other media picked it up from there and it spread to where it is now.

Other communities doing similar incentive programs are West Bend, West Allis, Black River Falls, Eau Claire, the Greater Milwaukee area and Portage, Dodge, Calumet, Oconto and Jefferson Counties.

In addition to the cash incentive, participants in Fond du Lac County will receive benefits such as golf memberships, YMCA access, VIP passes to local festivals and Dock Spiders games, arts and entertainment experiences, restaurant and winery gift packages, farm tours, family recreation opportunities, and professional networking resources.

To qualify, applicants must currently live outside Wisconsin, be at least 18 years old, earn a household income of at least $55,000 annually, and either work full-time remotely or be self-employed while retaining their current clients. Those accepted into the program must relocate their primary residence to Fond du Lac County within six months.

Misinformation being posted on social media would have one believe this program is open to any and all that want to take advantage of the program, which just isn’t true.

County Executive Sam Kaufman addressed an issue in a Facebook post Friday, June 26, 2026 after he received concerns of why The City or County of Fond du Lac would be using tax payer money to lure people in to live in the county. In the post he states, “Neither Fond du Lac County or the City of Fond du Lac are paying people this money. The money is coming from a state grant program awarded by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation directly to Envision Greater Fond du Lac. Envision solely operates the program and it is not part of the County or City budgets.”

Envision Greater Fond du Lac will be hosting a roundtable style informational gathering on Thursday, July 9, from 12:00–1:00 p.m.

They say community members can learn how the Make My Move program is helping bring new residents and skilled professionals to our community, hear updates on current relocation initiatives, and discover ways your organization can get involved. Employers, workforce partners, realtors, community ambassadors, young professionals, elected officials, and other community stakeholders are encouraged to attend.

The gathering will be held at 23 S. Main St., in Fond du Lac. Those wishing to attend should register here.