Some say Fond du Lac County is strategically located; we like to say, “geographically gifted.” This is true because of a convenient 60-mile drive to cities like Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay and to the shores of Lake Michigan in Sheboygan via the robust highway access to I-41, U.S. 151 and State Highways 23 and 26. Companies planning for strategic growth see the benefits of locating along key transportation corridors.

But as the existing eight county business/industrial parks are quickly filling up, it begs the question, “Where will Fond du Lac County’s next park go?” And, “When a potential location is identified for the next park, will there be access to workforce?” Recent multi-family and affordable housing initiatives are aimed at making this possible in Fond du Lac County.

Campbellsport

Village Administrator Charlie Kudy is passionate about Campbellsport and he has taken an innovative and aggressive approach to all types of housing growth.

• 44 multi-family units in Twin Village Estates

• 16 duplexes for a total of 32 units, also in Twin Village Estates

• 62 single family homes added since 2020: only 15 lots available

Ripon

City Administrator Adam Sonntag has made housing a priority, and it shows. With four new housing projects active, this will have an indelible impact.

• 64-unit market rate apartment complex breaking ground this summer

• 25 new single-family and duplex housing units in 2025 (four lots purchased utilizing the city’s downpayment assistance program)

• 14 condos on the east side of Ripon (Phase I – Lakeview Villas), near SSM Health’s Community Hospital. Phase II starts in 2026 and 2027

• 4 duplexes (eight condos) on the city’s west side

The City of Waupun and Village of North Fond du Lac are also growing their housing inventory and contributing to net new units coming online in 2025 and 2026. The cost of infrastructure continues to be a challenge throughout the county.

Together, these strands of industrial acreage and workforce housing are laying a foundation for sustainable, inclusive growth in Fond du Lac County. These economic strategies only succeed when the workforce can live nearby. The meaningful work of all four municipalities listed above is making business growth, expansion and access to workforce possible in Fond du Lac County. The future looks bright for Fond du Lac County!

Contact

Lisa McArthur, Vice President of Economic Development, Envision Greater Fond du Lac

[email protected]  •  920-322-2289  •  envisiongreaterfdl.com