Milwaukee Fresh is a talent attraction program run by Employ Milwaukee that helps households move to Milwaukee from outside Wisconsin. It is funded through a Talent Recruitment Grant (TRG) from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
To be eligible, you must:
*A household is defined as one or more people who live together in the same dwelling.
You must have a verifiable household income of at least $55,000 annually to qualify for the grant. This income can be verified by historical income (W2’s, paystubs) or an accepted offer letter for employment once relocated to Wisconsin. Remote workers may be eligible if they meet all program criteria.
You can apply to Milwaukee Fresh at any point in your relocation process, as long as you don’t already live in Wisconsin. This could be before you plan your move, while you are thinking about moving, or once you’ve already made the decision to come to the Fresh Coast.
Yes! You may apply as one household – remember that your household combined income must exceed $55,000.
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or Legal Resident, however you must have proper work authorization to reside and work in the U.S.
No. The grant is designed for households moving to Wisconsin from another state or country.
No. Eligible applicants must be moving to the City of Milwaukee.
Complete the application form here. You'll be asked for basic information about yourself, your current address outside Wisconsin, your household income, and your plans to move.
We aim to review applications within 30 days of receiving a complete application. We'll email you with a decision and next steps.
Milwaukee Fresh is funded to welcome 25 to 50 households through December 2028, so funding is limited. We recommend applying as early as you can.
No.
Relocation expenses are paid after we verify your move. Eligible relocation expenses are reimbursed after you submit receipts for actual moving expenses.
Qualifying expenses include moving truck rental, professional movers, shipping and travel costs for the household, security deposit, and home purchase closing costs. Other costs may be reimbursable at the discretion of the program authorizer.
We require documentation such as a signed lease, closing documents, State ID, utility bill or other proof of address in the City of Milwaukee.
Households are expected to live in Milwaukee for at least 18 months.
The Housing Concierge is a free service that helps you understand Milwaukee's housing options, its neighborhoods, and the process for renting or buying. We share information and connect you with resources. You make your own housing decisions, and we do not steer households toward or away from any neighborhood.
No. It is optional, and you can find housing on your own.
No. Relocation reimbursement is provided for both home buyers and renters who relocate to the City of Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Fresh does not place people in jobs and does not guarantee housing, but we will provide resources and support through our unique Welcome Network, and our Housing Concierge will be available to help with your housing search.
If you have questions about the program, including whether you would be eligible, you can email TRG@employmilwaukee.org and we’ll follow up to get you the answers and information you need.
Milwaukee Fresh is a talent attraction program run by Employ Milwaukee that helps households move to Milwaukee from outside Wisconsin. It is funded through a Talent Recruitment Grant (TRG) from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), a program created by 2025 Wisconsin Act 15. Fresh Milwaukee runs through December 2028 and aims to welcome 25 to 50 households.
Eligible households can receive reimbursement of eligible relocation expenses up to $9,000 depending on household size, and access to our Housing Concierge sand Welcome Network services, which connect newcomers to housing, neighborhoods and community.
If you recruit talent from outside Wisconsin, Milwaukee Fresh can make Milwaukee an easier yes. Candidates who are weighing a move may be helped by relocation support, a housing guide and a local welcome. Employers who share the program with candidates and new hires help us reach more people.
You can share Milwaukee Fresh information with out-of-state candidates and new hires and encourage them to explore the program eligibility and offerings. You can also include the Milwaukee Fresh link in offer letters, recruiting emails and your Careers page.
No. The household itself must submit the application to Employ Milwaukee. Your role is to make candidates aware of the program and encourage them to apply.
No. Milwaukee Fresh is not a hiring subsidy or a wage reimbursement. Funds support program administration and relocation incentives for eligible households.
There are no restrictions on Milwaukee Fresh participants receiving relocation incentives through their employers. Participants may not, however, accept any relocation incentive from other municipalities or entities participating in WEDC’s Talent Recruitment Grant throughout the state.
A household is eligible if:
*A household means a group of one or more people living together in the same dwelling.
No. Households must live outside Wisconsin when they apply and do not have to relocate first. Employ Milwaukee will verify the move after the household relocates.
No. Only households living outside Wisconsin at the time of application are eligible.
No. Milwaukee Fresh supports households with incentives and welcome services, but it cannot guarantee a move or how long a household stays. We do ask participants to commit to staying in Milwaukee for at least 18 months.
The Housing Concierge is a service that helps relocating households understand housing options, neighborhoods and the rental or buying process in Milwaukee, providing information and connections so households can make their own informed housing decisions. The service is operated in line with fair housing requirements and does not steer households toward or away from any neighborhood.
The Welcome Network is our network of local resources, partners and welcome activities that help newcomers settle in and feel connected.
Send them to the Milwaukee Fresh web page, where they can learn more and complete an application.
If you have questions about the program, you can email TRG@employmilwaukee.org and we’ll follow up to get you the answers and information you need.
Employ Milwaukee
1322 North 8th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53205
Phone: (414) 270-1700Fax: (414) 225-2375
Employ Milwaukee is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider. If you need this information in an alternate format, or in a different language at no cost to you, please contact us at (414) 270-1700. Deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired callers can contact us through Wisconsin Relay Service at 711.
