high-speed internet to more residents. About 58% of Oneida County currently has adequate broadband, and another 23% is connected through grants.“We’re working on a $28 million project to ensure that 82% of the county has access to broadband by 2028 and are working on getting new BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) funding for another several million to hookup around 99% of our residents and businesses with the project set to be completed in late 2029 or 2030,” Pharo says. The project, which involves laying fiber-optic cables throughout the county, will be transformative for residents and businesses.“Broadband isn’t just about convenience anymore,” Pharo explains.“It’s essential for our businesses, education, healthcare—it touches every part of life.” HOUSING: THE NEXT FRONTIER While the broadband initiative is well underway, Oneida County faces another pressing challenge: housing.As the county’s manufacturing sector grows, finding affordable housing for new workers has become increasingly difficult. “One of the biggest obstacles to growth is the lack of housing,” Leah VanZile, President of Oneida County Economic Development Corporation (OCEDC) Board of Directors explains.“Our manufacturers are expanding, but they’re struggling to find workers because there simply aren’t enough affordable homes available for employees.” The housing shortage is felt throughout the county, particularly in Rhinelander, where many of the county’s largest employers are located.The OCEDC is actively working on solutions to this issue, including partnerships with local developers and exploring creative solutions such as converting motels into temporary housing for workers. “We’re seeing businesses take matters into their own hands,” Otis shares. “One company bought a motel and converted it into housing for employees. It’s an innovative approach to dealing with the shortage, 295 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 ONEIDA COUNTY, WI
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