Community and Economic Development
The City of Omro’s Community and Economic Development efforts are focused on making Omro a vibrant, welcoming, and attractive place to live, work, invest, and visit. Located along the scenic Fox River, Omro offers a unique blend of small-town character, natural beauty, historic charm, and opportunities for thoughtful growth.
This department supports community vitality by coordinating events, promoting Omro through marketing and outreach efforts, assisting with long-range planning, and encouraging a positive business climate. These efforts help strengthen local businesses, attract visitors, support housing and redevelopment opportunities, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
Community and Economic Development also works collaboratively with local organizations, business owners, regional partners, and residents to identify opportunities that support Omro’s future. Whether through downtown revitalization, business support, tourism promotion, trails and recreation planning, or community engagement, the goal is to build on Omro’s strengths while planning responsibly for continued success.
Supporting a Strong Local Economy
Omro is proud of its local businesses, downtown district, community events, and riverfront setting. Economic development efforts focus on helping existing businesses thrive, encouraging new investment, and promoting Omro as a desirable location for entrepreneurs, families, and visitors.
The City recognizes that a healthy local economy is closely connected to quality housing, walkable neighborhoods, parks, trails, schools, public services, and community pride. By supporting both business development and community development, Omro continues to work toward a strong and sustainable future.
Gaining and Maintaining Young Adults in Wisconsin Communities
Omro was one of eleven municipalities in Wisconsin selected for study based on its success in retaining and attracting residents between the ages of 20 and 39. Through interviews with community members, the study gathered information and insight into the factors that make communities appealing to young adults.
This recognition reflects Omro’s strengths as a community that offers small-town quality of life, local connections, outdoor recreation, affordability, and opportunities for involvement. The findings provide helpful guidance as the City continues planning for future residents, families, workers, and business owners.
Winnebago County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
Winnebago County has developed a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan to guide future biking and walking improvements throughout the county, including rural communities such as Omro. The plan is intended to improve connections between communities, expand transportation choices, support recreational opportunities, and promote the health and safety of residents.
The plan connects with the existing Fox Valley Urbanized Area Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and other local planning efforts. For Omro, these regional connections are important to supporting safe travel, tourism, outdoor recreation, and improved access to community destinations.
Residents and visitors can view the plan through the County’s GIS map.
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Note: Once the map has loaded, hovering over or clicking on the various colored trails will display additional information about proposed and existing bicycle and pedestrian routes.
Looking Ahead
Omro’s future depends on strong partnerships, community pride, and thoughtful planning. The City will continue working to preserve the qualities that make Omro special while encouraging opportunities for growth, investment, recreation, and connection.
Community and Economic Development remains committed to supporting a thriving community where residents feel at home, businesses are welcomed, and visitors are encouraged to return.