Problem Statement: Labor Shortage and Thousands of Job Openings are Threatening our
Businesses and the Area’s Future
Sheboygan County is dealing with a critical shortage of labor now as well as the foreseeable future. Area employers are facing choices of whether to consider expanding in the area versus expanding elsewhere where skilled labor is more readily available. The shortage is a function of a number of items, but the primary two items are demographic shifts (i.e. there are more people retiring or leaving the workforce than there are entering) and migration (i.e. there are more people leaving the area than moving to it). This is not only a Sheboygan County problem, but a State of Wisconsin problem except in a few select areas. In addition to filling vacancies in their current workforce needs, employers are having a hard time expanding in the area. There are currently 3,000+ jobs available in Sheboygan County.
Charge: Develop Countywide Solutions to Attract and Retain Workers
Use of ARPA funds must be thoughtfully considered and a wise investment, and helping speed the recovery of businesses and connecting people with good jobs is an eligible use. The Workforce Development Taskforce will meet at least monthly to develop recommendations and implementation strategies, and provide a written report to the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) Board of Directors, City of Sheboygan Common Council, Heads of Local Government, and Sheboygan County Board no later than January 2022. Sheboygan County will be a leader in the State in attracting and retaining employees.