SHAWANO, WI – Shawano County continues to face a housing shortage, but new residential developments and renewed population growth are giving local economic leaders reason for optimism.
Peter Thillman, Executive Director of Shawano County Economic Progress Incorporated (SCEPI), says the county is still approximately 2,500 housing units short as demand for homes continues to outpace supply.
Despite that shortage, Thillman says progress is being made.
“We’re having projects opening in Bonduel and Wittenberg later this year,” Thillman said. “We still need to build more multi-family and single-family housing, so we’re addressing the housing shortage.”
Thillman says one of the biggest signs of progress is that Shawano County is experiencing population growth for the first time in nearly 40 years, creating an even greater need for additional housing options for families, workers, and retirees.
Beyond housing, SCEPI is also investing in broader economic development efforts across the county. Thillman says the organization is working with community leaders in Bonduel and Wittenberg on downtown redevelopment initiatives designed to attract new businesses, encourage investment, and improve quality of life.
SCEPI is also partnering on a regional Hiring Heroes initiative aimed at connecting military veterans with employment opportunities in Shawano County and throughout northeast Wisconsin.
Thillman says while challenges remain, the combination of new housing developments, downtown revitalization projects, and workforce initiatives positions Shawano County for continued growth in the years ahead.
Comments