Envision Greater Fond du Lac tells Oakfield board a $340,000 grant will fund relocation incentives

Joe Venhuizen of Envision Greater Fond du Lac briefed the Oakfield Town Board on June 8 about regional efforts to address housing shortages and attract new residents.

Venhuizen said parts of Fond du Lac County continue to face a shortage of available housing and that high housing costs are making affordability a substantial challenge for many residents. He described a county partnership and relocation initiative funded in part by a $340,000 grant intended to incentivize newcomers.

The goal of the initiative, Venhuizen said, is to attract roughly 32 working families. Envision will act as a resource for relocating households by helping connect them with employment opportunities, schools, churches and other community resources. Venhuizen also emphasized the role employers play in recruitment and retention.

Venhuizen flagged additional, broader challenges he said the county faces, including workforce shortages, an increase in retirements that complicates succession planning, and economic uncertainty tied to global conflicts. He said Envision is also monitoring discussions about the Fond du Lac County jail and that the organization seeks solutions that balance public safety with fiscal responsibility.

The presentation provided local elected officials with contact and program information but did not ask the Town Board for funding or a formal vote. The board did not take any formal action related to the Envision presentation during the meeting.