Greater Oshkosh EDC details new housing and workforce initiatives amid low unemployment

In the heart of Oshkosh, city officials gathered under the bright lights of the council chamber, where discussions about the future of the community took center stage. The Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation (GoEDC) presented a comprehensive overview of its strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering the local economy and addressing pressing workforce challenges.

The meeting highlighted GoEDC's commitment to being a proactive partner in economic development, emphasizing core values such as responsiveness, accountability, innovation, and collaboration. These principles guide their efforts to attract and retain talent, a critical issue as the workforce continues to shrink in size. The organization reported that while the talent shortage has eased somewhat since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, retaining skilled workers remains a significant challenge.

Housing emerged as a pivotal topic during the discussions. GoEDC representatives stressed that without adequate housing options, attracting and keeping talent in Oshkosh would be increasingly difficult. A recent housing study conducted by the city was deemed essential for understanding the community's needs and aligning housing availability with the workforce's requirements.

The council members echoed these sentiments, with one member noting the alarming 2.7% unemployment rate, which indicates that Oshkosh is nearing full employment. This statistic underscores the urgency of expanding housing options to accommodate incoming workers. The conversation also touched on the competitive nature of local markets, exacerbated by inflation and rising interest rates, which pose additional hurdles for businesses seeking to thrive.

In terms of progress, GoEDC shared impressive statistics from the past year, including over 400 business interactions and the creation of 146 new childcare spots through a state grant aimed at addressing barriers to employment. The organization also reported significant capital investments resulting from its loan programs, which have generated over $11 million in community investment since their inception.

Looking ahead, GoEDC is in the process of refining its next five-year strategic plan, which aims to be agile and responsive to the evolving needs of the community. This plan will focus on fostering growth for existing businesses and ensuring that Oshkosh remains an attractive destination for new residents and enterprises.

As the meeting concluded, the council members expressed their appreciation for GoEDC's efforts, particularly in addressing the housing crisis and supporting local businesses. The discussions left a clear message: the future of Oshkosh hinges on collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to creating a vibrant community where people want to live and work.