Would you move to Wisconsin? This city wants to give you $9,500 to do so

Looking for a fresh start in a lakeside community? A city in Wisconsin is hoping to attract new residents by offering thousands of dollars in cash and local perks to those looking to move.

Fond du Lac, a city of about 44,000 on the south shore of Lake Winnebago, has launched a campaign. talent attraction initiative This offers up to $9,500 in incentives to eligible newcomers. This effort is part of the job MakeMyMove The program partners with communities across the country to attract workers through relocation packages and lifestyle benefits.

Local leaders say the program is designed to help address labor shortages while attracting young workers and families to the area.

What does the $9,500 moving package include?

Eligible participants can receive local experiences and memberships worth approximately $4,000, as well as a cash relocation stipend of $5,500.

The package includes Fond du Lac Family YMCA memberships, golf benefits, VIP access to arts and cultural events, baseball experiences with the FDL Dock Spiders, library passes and dining experiences. Additional benefits highlight local agriculture, family activities and community events.

Fond du Lac is the first Wisconsin community to join the MakeMyMove platform, joining other cities across the country offering incentives to attract new residents.

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Who can apply?

According to MakeMyMove, applicants must be at least 18 years old, currently live outside Wisconsin and have an annual household income of at least $55,000.

Participants must move their primary residence to Fond du Lac County and commit to living there for at least one year. Applicants through the local worker program must maintain full-time employment in Fond du Lac County. While remote workers are eligible for a remote work pathway, local employment opportunities are available through a separate relocation pathway.

Local coordinators help approved participants navigate the relocation process and connect with community resources upon arrival.

Why does Fond du Lac offer incentives?

Community leaders say the incentives are part of a broader effort to address the workforce shortage and prepare for demographic shifts in the coming years.

Envision Greater Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac County and Fond du Lac County Capital Resources also operated a separate worker placement incentive program aimed at helping local employers hire talent from outside the area. Officials say workforce challenges are exacerbated by an aging population and impending retirement, creating the need to attract new workers and families to the district.

The community touts affordability, lakefront recreation, family-oriented amenities and a growing employment base as reasons for the move. Residents often refer to the city as follows: “fondue,Enjoy year-round access to Lake Winnebago, including fishing, sailing, windsurfing, ice skating and annual skiing Magnificent winter festival of sturgeon.

How to apply

Applications can be made at MakeMyMove platformWhere interested applicants can review eligibility requirements and submit relocation requests. Community representatives then work with selected applicants to verify qualifications and assist with the transition to Fond du Lac.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or X @athomopsonUSAT..

This article first appeared on USA TODAY: This Wisconsin city will pay you $9,500 to live there