Jason Pausma says economic development efforts in Calumet County often follow the relationships communities build with developers.
It can sometimes take longer to see results than it would in larger communities, but places like Brillion, New Holstein, Harrison and others have found ways to make development financially viable as they seek to address housing and maintain a growing manufacturing base.
Signals of that strength include recent expansions by Worthington Enterprises and Grande Cheese.
Pausma, the county’s economic development director, says Chilton competed with a community in Kansas to land the 58,000‑square‑foot Worthington expansion, and it was a combination of local cooperation, tax incentives from the state and the workforce that resulted in growth here.
Grande Cheese completed a 60,000‑square‑foot expansion of its plant in Chilton this year as well.
“We have a strong manufacturing workforce to draw from. The companies realize that and are willing to invest here,” Pausma says.
It has required communities to address housing, and Pausma says there are signs of success in the past year.
A 48‑unit apartment project in Chilton is being constructed by Pelton Builders LLC of Reedsburg. It should be completed in 2027. There are another five properties along the Manitowoc River being redeveloped for homes. Pelton Builders could soon be developing additional housing in Stockbridge.
New Holstein is pursuing a project that includes multiple duplexes, and the Tecumseh Landings Project is 40 units.
The Tecumseh Landings Project, as well as two others in Calumet County, is benefiting from housing tax credits provided by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. The tax credits are competitive for communities across the entire state, and the three Calumet County projects will benefit from about $2.8 million in tax credits.
“When housing is such a priority, the fact that we got three [projects] is pretty amazing,” Pausma says.
The other two include the 24‑unit Parkview Apartments Redevelopment in Brillion and a $15 million, 53‑unit Borealis senior housing development in Menasha. Pausma says senior housing has been a focus as he meets with developers.
The housing projects also are getting a boost from a $1.5 million Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Outagamie County and Fox Cities Greenways, Inc. are coalition members with Calumet County. The grant awarded earlier this year is the second the coalition has landed.
“That allows us to continue the great work that we have started,” says Pausma.
Brillion was selected for a separate $1 million Brownfields Multipurpose Grant to conduct additional assessment and cleanup work targeting primarily the 144‑acre Brillion Works brownfield site.
Brillion City Administrator Scott Feldt says assessment and remediation continue with the help of Brillion Works, but there has been progress with both a childcare facility and health care clinic already built along Highway 10 at the edge of the area. Feldt says the tax incremental district that encompasses the Brillion Works site is cash flow positive. The Brillion Works site also has multi‑family housing under development.
In the village of Harrison, housing development has largely focused on single-family homes. Village Manager Chad Pelishek says so far the village has issued more than 95 new home permits in 2026 and he anticipates it will surpass the 135 issued last year.
Commercial development also has been rapid in Harrison.
Crossroads Business Park was completed last year and Pelishek says that two out of 13 lots are left. He anticipates the lots will all be sold with businesses operating in them by next year. The village has 20 acres nearby that it will likely develop for commercial purposes.
In addition, the village has been developing a commercial subdivision that will serve as a central business district and is working with NAI Pfefferle to help fill niches for smaller retail businesses and restaurants.
Pausma says that oftentimes drawing residents and developers to the county just takes raising visibility. With the highest median income in the New North region and amenities such as High Cliff State Park and Ariens Nordic Center, Pausma says there are plenty of draws to Calumet County.
“We look at our tourism as a way to attract talent as well,” he says. “We get some people here and they see how great it is.”
But they also have taken steps to market the county through the Select Calumet website that targets employees.
“The jobs and opportunities in Calumet County are strong,” Pausma says.
