A Wisconsin town with an iconic lighthouse on the southern tip of Lake Winnebago wants you to move there — and is offering up to $9,500 to do so.
Fond du Lac, with a population of about 44,000, has launched a “new talent attraction program” in hopes of attracting new residents as either remote or local workers, in exchange for $9,500 in relocation and local experiences, a press release said.
The initiative is part of MakeMyMove, a program that helps connect U.S. residents to new places through incentives, signing bonuses and networking opportunities. According to organizers, Fond du Lac — currently in the midst of a workforce shortage — is the first Wisconsin community to be part of the program, with others listed in Bloomington, Indiana; Salina, Kansas and Texarkana, Texas.
“We’ll help you find your happy place, and get paid to move there,” the site said.
The new Fond du Lac program includes a $5,500 cash relocation stipend, organizers said, along with a number of perks, including YMCA memberships, local baseball experiences, golf packages, arts access, local dining, family activities and more.
According to organizers, the effort is aimed at attracting younger workers and families “as the community works to address workforce needs and an aging population.”
“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,” the release said.
The program’s description says locals of the area call it “Fondy.”
“Neighborhoods sit close enough to the shoreline to make fishing, windsurfing, sailing and skating part of daily life,” it says. “Every February, the city throws Sturgeon Spectacular: three days of spearing prehistoric fish through the ice, a state snow-sculpting championship, and a city-wide Bloody Mary contest. If you weren’t already “hooked,” add Mercury Marine’s global headquarters and a nationally recognized school turnaround – and Fondy gets interesting fast.”
The program is sponsored by The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation in partnership with Envision Greater Fond du Lac. Those interested in the program can apply, with local coordinators assisting with moving and life transitions.
“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,” the program said.
More details can be found here.
