Economic Development Updates
Economic Update — September 2024
The Oshkosh Redevelopment Authority approved a potential project by Millennium Construction on the corner of W Eighth Avenue and N Main Street during the August 5th, 2024 RDA meeting. The project is to be a mixed-use complex that will include 90+ apartments and townhomes along with additional commercial space facing N Main Street. The project plan is to include tax credits from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority which are set to be awarded in the Spring of 2025.
Economic Update — August 2024
The Oshkosh Common Council heard the first reading of a proposed zone change for 400 City Center during the July 23rd council meeting.
The future Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has begun construction at 555 S Washburn Street.
Economic Update — July 2024
The Oshkosh Redevelopment Authority approved a potential project by Millennium Construction on the corner of W Eighth Avenue and N Main Street during the August 5th, 2024 RDA meeting. The project is to be a mixed-use complex that will include 90+ apartments and town homes along with additional commercial space facing N Main Street. The project plan is to include tax credits from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority which are set to be awarded in the Spring of 2025.
July 2024 Unemployment Rates Remain Consistent
The unemployment rates for Oshkosh and Winnebago County remain consistent as reported by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD).
City of Oshkosh Employment Data
The data indicated that the unemployment rate for July 2024 was 3.4%, the same from June 2024 but 3 points higher than July 2023. There were 34,239 Oshkosh City residents working this year in July vs. 34,285 last year, for a total loss of 46 workers year over year. The total labor force numbers in July were 35,456 in 2024 versus 35,376 in July of 2023.
Winnebago County Employment Data
The Winnebago County unemployment rate for July 2024 was 3.1%, the same rate from June 2024 but .1% higher than July of 2023. There were 91,524 Winnebago County residents working this year vs. 91,646 last year, for a net loss of 122 workers. Winnebago County’s labor force numbers in July were 94,490 in 2024 versus 94,495 in July of 2023. WISCONSIN EMPLOYMENT DATA The Wisconsin July 2024 unemployment rate was 3.3%, the same as June 2024 but .1% higher than the July 2023 number of 3.2%. In July, there were 3,085,531 statewide residents working this year vs. 3,076,531 last year, for a gain of 9,000 workers. Wisconsin’s unemployment rate is still below the national average of 3.9%.
Economic Update – June 2024
WEDC Announces $100 MM toward Startups
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation announced the launch of the Wisconsin Investment Fund, a public-private venture capital initiative that will initially invest $100 million in startup businesses throughout the state. The first round of funding will be administered through six venture capital management firms in partnership with the state of Wisconsin. The goal of the fund is to help more entrepreneurs scale their businesses, create jobs in emerging fields, and ensure that Wisconsin can continue its trend of innovators and trailblazers.
Flights Wine & Cocktail Club
S. Main Street in Oshkosh is getting a new business as Flights Wine and Cocktail Club is moving into the former Brooklyn Grill space. The remodel and renovation is ongoing with plans to open within the next few months. The Oshkosh Chamber is proud to have played a part in this project through the OAEDC Revolving Loan Fund (RLF).
Economic Update – May 2024
N. Main Street’s “The Corridor” Receives WHEDA Tax Credit Approval
The proposed project by Commonwealth Development Company, “The Corridor”, received its WHEDA tax credits earlier in May. The project is to have 2, 8-unit townhome buildings and a 39-unit mid-rise mixed-use building on the 600 blocks of Jefferson Street and N. Main Street. The project is now set to begin construction before the end of 2024.
Downtown Visualization Plan Released
The Downtown Visualization Plan was released to the public during the May 28th Common Council meeting. The Visualization Plan is a redevelopment ‘guide’ that helps point to specific areas in the community that have an opportunity for future redevelopment or updates. The guide is meant to help showcase in a visual manner what an area could look like if redevelopment is to occur. The City of Oshkosh, the Oshkosh Chamber, the Community Foundation, Greater Oshkosh Economic Development, Discover Oshkosh, and the Downtown Oshkosh BID all played a large part in funding this plan.
Economic Update – April 2024
Acquisition of Washington School Approved
The Oshkosh Common Council approved the acquisition of Washington School from the Oshkosh Area School District for $75,000 during the April 9th Council meeting. The City of Oshkosh is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to convert the former school into 18 workforce houses. Habitat for Humanity is raising the funds to purchase the land and the City of Oshkosh is utilizing grant funds to take care of the demolition.
Chipotle Mexican Grill Opened for Business
Chipotle Mexican Grill opened for business on April 26th at 440 S Koeller Street, Oshkosh.
New GO Transit Development Plan Adopted by Common Council
The 2023 / 2024 GO Transit Development Plan was adopted by the Oshkosh Common Council during the April 9th Council meeting. The Development Plan is a part of a 5-year preview of what the City of Oshkosh’s transportation service will look like in the years to come. Included in the plan are modifications in routes, opportunities to look at, and recommendations from the planning group, The plan will be implemented in August of 2024.
Economic Update – March 2024
Developers Agreement Extended for “Mill on Main” Multifamily Project
The Oshkosh Common Council extended the developers agreement for the “Mill on Main” multifamily apartment complex to the Fall of 2024 during their March 26th meeting. The proposed development by T. Wall Enterprises is to include 295 market rate apartments, close to 20,000sqf of commercial space, underground parking, a club house, and more. T. Wall Enterprises is working through the financial process for the development.
TIF Approved for the ThedaCare/Froedtert Micro-Hospital
The Oshkosh Common Council approved a $4MM TIF for the ThedaCare/Froedtert Micro-Hospital project during their March 26th meeting. The remediation of the contaminated soil of the former Jeld-Wen site is the driving factor for the city assistance. The construction for the project has begun and is to include 128 beds, a drive-through pharmacy, and an ER to help better serve the residents living on the East side of HWY 41.
Economic Update – February 2024
Oshkosh Common Council Approved Vehicle Registration Fee
The Oshkosh Common Council approved the creation of a Vehicle Registration Fee for the City of Oshkosh by a vote of 6-1 during the February 27th Council meeting. In Lieu of road special assessment charges, the VRF will implement a $35 charge for each car registered within the City of Oshkosh except for vehicles over 8,000 pounds.
Business Development Tax Credit Modernization Bill Sent to Senate
The State of Wisconsin’s Business Development Tax Credit Modernization Bill (AB627) was recently passed by the Assembly and sent to the Senate for further consideration and discussion. The BTC Modernization Bill would change the state’s current program from a job creation focused incentive to a capital expenditure and job retention focused program, eliminating the hassle of creating jobs in a difficult labor market to qualify for the program. The Senate adjourns for the session on March 12.
Business Childcare Tax Credit Bill Dead for Session
The Business Childcare Tax Credit Bill (AB 660) was recently passed by the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and received a public hearing in Senate, however, the Assembly did not take the bill up for consideration on their final floor session for the year resulting in the bill effectively being dead for this session. The bill would have created a tax credit for businesses that provide childcare programs or benefits for their employees.
Economic Update – January 2024
ThedaCare/Froedtert Micro-Hospital Asks for TIF Funding
The approved 86,000sqf, 18 bed ThedaCare/Froedtert Micro-Hospital which is planned to be developed on the corner of W 6th Avenue and Oregon Street will be asking for roughly $4.5MM in TIF assistance. The reason for the TIF assistance is due to the increased awareness of contaminated soil conditions on the former Jeld-Wen site. The Oshkosh Common Council heard the initial proposal from the ThedaCare/Froedtert staff during the January 23rd Council meeting and will be followed by a formal application.
Commonwealth Development Corporation Submits Application for WHEDA Funding
The Jefferson Street Redevelopment Project by Commonwealth Development Corporation has submitted their application for funding through WHEDA for their low-income mixed-use development which is to be located on the 600 blocks of Jefferson and N. Main Street. The development is to include 2, 8-unit townhome buildings and a 39-unit midrise mixed-use building which will include a childcare facility in its commercial space. The development is planned to begin construction in Spring of 2025 pending the approval of the WHEDA funding which will be announced in May of 2024.