Economic Development Updates
February 2025
City Council Approves Residential Lots
City of Oshkosh Common Council approved a plat for 18 single-family residential development lots on the 2.8-acre site of the former Washington Elementary School. The city purchased the defunct property from the school district in September. The lots – which range from 5,500 square feet to nearly 9,800 square feet in size – will be developed by the city with utility laterals. Nine of the parcels will be sold to Habitat for Humanity, while the remaining nine parcels will have homes constructed by a city-contracted builder during 2025 and 2026. Residents must meet certain income qualifications to purchase the owner-occupied homes.
OASD Referendum
Oshkosh Area School District set an April 1 public referendum for $198 million building plan across the district that would primary construct a new middle school at the site of the existing Jacob Shapiro Elementary School. The plan also includes additions and renovations at Carl Traeger, Franklin and Oakwood elementary schools; a conversion of Perry Tipler Middle School into a pre-kindergarten center and recreation department offices; an addition and renovations for an auditorium at North High School; and various smaller districtwide site improvements.
Stormwater Utility Rates Increase
Rates for the City of Oshkosh stormwater utility increased by 2.5 percent in January, from $19.81 for every equivalent run-off unit (ERU) to $20.32 per ERU. Every property owner in Oshkosh – including those exempt from paying property taxes – are assessed a monthly fee by the city’s stormwater utility. For non-residential properties such as commercial and industrial real estate, the number of ERUs on a property is determined by dividing the impervious area of the parcel – most often the building footprint, parking lot and sidewalks – by 2,817 square feet. The increased revenues are expected to fund the current detention basin project for the Sawyer Creek Watershed.
January 2025
Wisconsin Collective Bargaining Ruling
A Dane County judge restored collective bargaining rights for public employees in Wisconsin by overturning portions of 2011 Act 10, a law that reformed public sector collective bargaining laws. Since its enactment, Act 10 has saved taxpayers billions of dollars and provided state and local governments with greater budget flexibility. The ruling is expected to become a focal point of the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election in April. Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce released a statement seeking an appeal of the ruling and a reinstatement of Act 10.
Oshkosh Residential Development
City of Oshkosh Common Council approved the acquisition of an additional 5.5 acres of vacant property in the 3400 Block of North Jackson Street for the development of a new residential subdivision for workforce housing. The city previously purchased an adjacent 5-acre parcel which would connect with the east end of Christian Drive and Farmington Avenue to create 21 single-family lots. While the city’s community development department has initiated this development, the city is uncertain how far it will drive the final subdivision in the event a private developer might take over.
New Oshkosh City Manager
City of West Allis Administrator Rebecca Grill was selected as the next Oshkosh City Manager, replacing Mark Rohloff, who retired Jan. 3 following 16 years as chief executive for City of Oshkosh operations. Grill has been city administrator and city clerk in West Allis for the past 10 years. She previously worked for 17 years with the City of Milwaukee in the clerk’s office. She has an MBA from Concordia University with an emphasis in finance. Grill expects to relocate to Oshkosh and begin her new position on Feb. 24.
New Restaurant at Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront
Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront Hotel at 1 N. Main St. opened its new restaurant, Anchor & Port, in the newly renovated first floor. The restaurant features an American-style menu with a bar and waterfront views from its dining tables.
Grand Oshkosh Expansion Plans
Oshkosh City Council approved a memorandum of understanding with The Grand Oshkosh Inc. for a potential expansion of the historic theater adding more reception and event space to the historic downtown theater. Known as “One Opera House Square,” the proposed $10 million capital project includes a new 2-story addition and main entrance; renovations to the existing lobby, lounge and restrooms; real estate acquisition and development of a parking lot; among various other infrastructure, façade and decorative improvements. The city, which owns the facility, will provide half of the project cost – or nearly $5 million – while The Grand Oshkosh Foundation will conduct a fundraising effort seeking $5 million in pledges. The project could begin by 2026.