Oshkosh builds on its momentum
Across Oshkosh, cranes are rising, murals are transforming public spaces, innovative programs are launching, downtown investment continues to accelerate and visitors are discovering new reasons to experience the city. From major industrial expansions to vibrant waterfront amenities, 2025‑2026 has marked another chapter of transformative investment in Oshkosh’s future.
Strategic public‑private partnerships, business investment and community‑driven placemaking are helping shape Oshkosh into one of Wisconsin’s most dynamic communities. Whether through creating family‑supporting manufacturing jobs, expanding housing developments, reimagining public spaces, strengthening downtown or welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world, each investment contributes to a stronger economy and an exceptional quality of life.
Industrial investment strengthens Oshkosh
A nod to Oshkosh’s industrial heritage, manufacturing continues to be a major driver of the community’s economic momentum. This year marked significant investment through projects such as Kingsbury’s groundbreaking of a 120,000‑square‑foot advanced manufacturing facility and the planning of Linde’s first Wisconsin air separation facility, further reinforcing Oshkosh’s reputation as a premier destination for advanced manufacturing and industrial growth. Beyond creating new jobs and strengthening regional supply chains, these investments reflect continued confidence in Oshkosh’s skilled workforce, geographic location, multimodal transportation network, available industrial land and business‑friendly environment.
As companies continue choosing Oshkosh for expansion, these investments create new employment opportunities while expanding the city’s regional competitiveness as a thriving and growing place to be.
Placemaking with purpose
Economic development is more than buildings; it’s about creating vibrant spaces that strengthen community identity, celebrate creativity, and embrace Oshkosh’s rich history and culture.
Leading this transformation is a landmark public art project on the Cummins riverfront campus. Stretching 1,000 feet along the Fox River, the mural is Wisconsin’s largest, transforming an industrial wall into a vibrant public landmark visible to walkers, boaters and bikers. Created by nationally recognized muralist Mauricio Ramirez, the piece celebrates Oshkosh’s industrial heritage while looking toward its future. Drawing inspiration from the city’s timber industry, aviation legacy, Oshkosh B’gosh, the work of Lewis Hine and the innovation that continues inside the Cummins facility today, the mural tells the story of a community built on manufacturing, creativity and resilience.
The momentum extends throughout the community, with a recent mural at Kolf Sports Center on the UW‑Oshkosh campus, and a variety of highly visible and dynamic sites selected along the Fox River Riverwalk. Future installations at the Fox Valley Technical College Riverside Campus, Convention Center Skywalk, Greene’s Pour House at the Granary, Mercury Marine Retaining Wall and Pioneer Island will continue transforming the riverfront into an engaging cultural destination.
Meeting housing demand
A growing economy requires a growing housing supply. As Oshkosh continues to attract new employers and investment, expanding housing opportunities remains one of Oshkosh’s highest priorities. Over the past several years, developers have responded with transformative projects that are helping reshape neighborhoods and strengthen the city’s housing stock. The Wit has brought a new residential option to the west side of town with a variety of modern amenities, while MK lofts and Mill on Main are transforming the historic Sawdust District into a vibrant mixed‑use neighborhood featuring hundreds of new apartments and commercial spaces. The Corridor, a mixed‑use development featuring Oshkosh’s first two‑shift child care center, celebrated its ribbon cutting this summer, adding another innovative housing option in the heart of downtown.
These investments are already making a measurable impact. Over the past five years, Oshkosh has added more than 600 new housing units, with hundreds more currently under construction or in development to meet the needs of a growing workforce and community.
Looking ahead, momentum continues with projects such as White Label Lofts and Moon Properties, further expanding the variety of housing choices available to current and future residents. Together, these developments reflect Oshkosh’s commitment to addressing housing demand, supporting workforce growth and creating vibrant neighborhoods that position the community for long‑term economic success.
Investing in health & community
As Oshkosh continues to grow, so does the need for services that support residents, families and employers. The opening of the $84 million ThedaCare Medical Center marks one of the community’s most significant private investments, expanding access to high‑quality health care while creating skilled employment opportunities in Oshkosh’s central city. The opening of Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists’ (OSMS) new Oshkosh clinic marks another important investment in the community’s growing health care sector. The 28,000‑square‑foot facility expands access to specialized orthopedic, sports medicine, rheumatology, pain management and walk‑in injury care, bringing advanced medical services closer to residents while supporting Oshkosh’s continued growth as a regional health care destination. Together with continued residential growth, investments like ThedaCare and OSMS help ensure Oshkosh remains a community where people not only work, but choose to live, raise families and build their futures.
Growing innovation, growing opportunity
Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation; it thrives where entrepreneurs, educators, businesses and community partners work together. Oshkosh continues to strengthen that collaborative network by investing in programs that foster the entrepreneurial spirit and turn ideas into viable businesses while connecting students with hands‑on experiences.
One of the community’s newest initiatives, Innovation Foundry, is helping build that pipeline. Launched through a WEDC Small Business Technical Assistance Grant awarded to the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation and the University of Wisconsin‑Oshkosh, the program is made possible through a collaborative partnership that also includes the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, the City of Oshkosh and other regional partners. Innovation Foundry pairs established and emerging entrepreneurs with UW‑Oshkosh student consultants for an immersive, hands‑on business accelerator experience. Over several weeks, participants work side by side to validate business concepts, refine strategies, leverage artificial intelligence as a business tool and prepare for sustainable growth. By connecting experienced business leaders with the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators, Innovation Foundry is helping cultivate the talent, ideas and partnerships that will shape Oshkosh’s economy for years to come.
From advanced manufacturing and housing to health care, entrepreneurship, placemaking and tourism, Oshkosh continues to invest in every aspect of community growth. Each project builds on the next, creating jobs, attracting talent, supporting local businesses and enhancing quality of life. Together, these investments position Oshkosh not only for continued economic success today, but for a vibrant and resilient future for generations to come.
CONTACTS
Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation
920‑230‑3321
greateroshkosh.com
City of Oshkosh
920‑236‑5055
oshkoshwi.gov
Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce
920‑303‑2266
oshkoshchamber.com
