Full Breakdown
Fond du Lac Launches $9,500 Relocation Incentive to Bolster Workforce
6/28/2026, 1:26:46 AM
Talent Attraction Initiative Details
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, a city of about 44,000, has launched a talent attraction program that offers up to $9,500 to eligible newcomers. The package includes a $5,500 cash stipend plus roughly $4,000 in local perks such as YMCA membership, golf, arts tickets, baseball outings, library passes and dining credits. Applicants must be 18+, live outside Wisconsin, earn at least $55,000 annually, and commit to a one-year residence. The local-worker track requires full-time employment in the county; a remote-worker track is also available.
Background & Context
City leaders cite an aging population and stalled growth as drivers of the initiative. Labor shortages, amplified by upcoming retirements, have prompted a focus on attracting younger workers and families.
Key Partners and Stakeholders
The program is run by the city in partnership with MakeMyMove, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Envision Greater Fond du Lac and Fond du Lac County. MakeMyMove co-founder Evan Hock describes the effort as “retail economic development.” Local coordinators help participants with paperwork and settlement.
Official Statements & Responses
City officials say the program targets “stable, meaningful in-person work” and promises a community that “truly cares about its residents and workforce.” The initiative is framed as a response to demographic shifts, emphasizing Fond du Lac’s “affordable living, lakeside amenities, nationally recognized school improvements and strong local employers.” Sponsors note the incentives aim to fill vacant jobs while encouraging long-term settlement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We'll help you find your happy place, and get paid to move there,” — Program website
- “This program is designed for people who want stable, meaningful in-person work — and the chance to build a life in a community that truly cares about its residents and workforce,” — City press release
- “Fond du Lac is leaning into what makes it stand out, nationally recognized school improvements, strong local employers, affordable living, lakeside amenities and a wide range of family-focused organizations and experiences,” — City press release
- “We recruit individual workers, and for that $5,500 or a little bit more in incentives, that gets you a household that makes more than $100,000, and they tend to stick around long term.” — Evan Hock, co-founder, MakeMyMove
Why It Matters
The incentive aims to reverse population decline, fill labor gaps and boost the local economy. It mirrors a growing trend of municipalities using financial packages to attract talent in a post-pandemic labor market.
What’s Next
Envision Greater Fond du Lac will host a roundtable on July 9 for interested businesses. Recruitment proceeds through the MakeMyMove platform, with coordinators assisting applicants through verification and settlement.
