June 2026 Newsletter

As we wrap up June and move into the heart of summer, we are exciting to share a variety of new programs, partnerships, and initiatives designed to strengthen our business ecosystem and enhance our community's quality of life.

Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to making Door County a great place to live and work.

DCEDC Partners with Place Dynamics for Housing Study

Understanding Door County's unique housing landscape and identifying strategies for immediate and long-term solutions.

DCEDC has contracted with Place Dynamics of New Berlin, Wisconsin to complete a comprehensive Housing Study designed to better understand Door County’s current housing landscape and identify strategies to address both immediate and long-term housing needs.

The study will provide a data-driven analysis of housing supply, demand, affordability, workforce needs, and development opportunities across the county.

Housing continues to be one of the most significant challenges impacting Door County’s economic growth and community sustainability. With a year-round population of more than 30,000 residents, an additional 11,000 seasonal residents, and employers seeking to grow their workforce, understanding the connection between housing and economic development is critical.

The study will examine the needs of year-round workers, affordable housing, seasonal workforce housing, senior housing, and market-rate housing while considering the unique characteristics of Sturgeon Bay, Northern Door, and Southern Door.

Through research, stakeholder engagement, and market analysis, Place Dynamics will identify barriers to housing development and provide actionable recommendations for potential partnerships, programs, investments, and strategies.

The findings will help guide future decisions by municipalities, employers, developers, and community partners as Door County works toward creating more housing opportunities that support a strong workforce and thriving communities.

The completed Housing Study will serve as a roadmap to help address one of the county’s most pressing challenges—ensuring Door County has the housing options needed to support residents, attract talent, and sustain economic vitality for years to come.

Stay tuned for opportunities to engage in this important work for our community!

Door Forward at a Glance

New Revolving Loan Fund supports manufacturing, production, and construction trade businesses that create quality jobs, strengthen our economy, and build a stronger future for Door County.

DCEDC is excited to introduce the Door Forward Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program, a new initiative designed to strengthen and grow the manufacturing, production, and construction trade enterprises that form the backbone of Door County’s economy.

By focusing on these critical industries, Door Forward will help support:

• High-paying jobs
• Enncourage business growth
• Promote long-term sustainability in sectors that are essential to our community’s quality of life.

Supporting businesses that manufacture, produce, and add value right here at home strengthens local supply chains, keeps more dollars circulating in Door County, and builds a more resilient economy.

Door County’s changing demographics also highlight the importance of supporting business continuity and succession planning.

According to the American Community Survey (2019–2023), 48.7% of Door County’s population is over the age of 55. As many long-time business owners and skilled trades professionals approach retirement, ensuring successful ownership transitions and preserving these critical businesses is an important part of building a sustainable economic future—particularly within the construction trades.

Through Door Forward, DCEDC is investing in the stability, self-reliance, and competitiveness of Door County businesses by supporting growth, encouraging entrepreneurship, strengthening succession planning, and helping ensure the industries that build and produce within our community continue to thrive for generations to come.

For more information about the new Door Forward Revolving Loan Fund, along with our other Revolving Loan Fund opportunities, check out our website: Revolving Loan Funds - Door County Business

Summer in Door County

Summer in Door County isn't only enjoyed by visitors. It is a great time for individuals and families living and working in Door County to enjoy the beauty of the area and all that it has to offer.

Check out Destination Door County's guide to local farmers markets and free summer concerts. Have a fantastic summer!

Salute to the Coast Guard Golf Outing

DCEDC is part of the committee supporting Maritime Week activities each year, which support our treasured Coast Guard! Please consider supporting or participating in this activity!

Summer Series: Why Door County?

This summer we're asking DCEDC Investors: "Why Door County?"

We wanted to know why they decided locate their business in Door County and what makes Door County unique.

Stay tuned to our social media channels to see a new response each week.

If you'd like to share your own response, send us an email or social media message and we will include you in an upcoming post!

Investor Spotlight: RBC Wealth Management

We are thrilled to welcome RBC Wealth Management as a new DCEDC Investor.

RBC Wealth Management, located in Sturgeon Bay, provides personalized financial and wealth management services, including creating and administering wealth plans and providing investment management services.

RBC Wealth Management is active in the community, volunteering and supporting a variety of nonprofit organizations.

Interested in becoming a DCEDC Investor? Visit https://livedoorcounty.org/investors/ for more information.

4th of July Hours