This means that Windsor is dependent on Detroit for scale - a reviving city, but one with major risks, and with border issues

Downstream’ investments (housing, public transport, new cultural amenities) based on the assumption that they will attract a higher population are less likely to succeed than policies that support developing economic strengths and broader competitiveness. In other words, build it, and often they do not come. There are very few examples of new sports stadiums or art galleries that, by themselves, have turned their part of the city around, and all too many examples of major civic infrastructure projects becoming white elephants

expectations around pay and work, that set them up for future success

ouple of interviewees suggested that Windsor had a reputation as a municipality that was heavy in red tape and unfriendly to business. The complexity of local permitting and licensing, as well as the bureaucracy involved in navigating development and new plan-ning for projects, was cited as a barrier to growth and job creation. Some interviewees had had several experiences of city engagement which were negative, and referenced delays in permit approvals and complex grant schemes as two areas to improve upon

While the economy was growing and employment was rising, increased revenue enabled the city to tackle debt and ‘fix the roof while the sun was shining’ and now, with uncertainty ahead and the challenge of securing Windsor’s competitive position for future decades, it is both possible and necessary to make long-term investments, including using reserves and preparing an ambitious 10-year capital plan. Again, Windsor is fortunate – other mid-sized Canadian cities are not in such a fortunate position and the municipality should leverage this opportunity

As a result of prudent fiscal management, including decisions taken by the Council to modernize service delivery, Windsor’s high debt burden of the early 2010s has been turned around. Finances in spring 2020 were in a significantly improved state compared to 2014, while at the same time reserves have also grown.

Some budget areas have seen only modest increases, including TransitWindsor ($14M to $15M 2015-20) and the Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation ($10M to $12M) over the same period.

data referenced in Part I of this report come from

support from a team based in Toronto.

raining people in Windsor: meeting current skills shortages, including technical roles in manufacturing and in health, and rapidly adapting courses and programmes to meet new company needs in tech and other sectors;

Building a better more diverse housing stock that appeals toyoung families, with a housing target for downtown that helpsdrive revitalisation

BibliographyLinkstoalldocumentslistedbelowcanbefoundhere:​WindsorDocuments-TableofContentsFormatting follows APA style:​​References/Bibliography APAAgendas & MinutesThe City of Windsor, (July 2020)​, Zoom Webinar - EOI: Former Grace Hospital SiteWindsor Essex COVID-19 Economic Task Force, (July 2020), ​COVID-19 Economic Task ForceMeeting #16 AgendaWindsorEssexCOVID-19EconomicTaskForce,(July2020),​COVID-19EconomicTaskForceMeeting #17AgendaWiindsorEssexCOVID-19EconomicTaskForce,(June2020),​COVID-19EconomicTaskForceMeeting #14 AgendaWindsorEssexCOVID-19EconomicTaskForce,(June2020),​COVID-19EconomicTaskForceMeeting #15 AgendaDatasetsBusinesses​, Excel spreadsheet of unknown date and originConsumer Expenditures​, Excel spreadsheet of unknown date and originDemographic Report​, Excel spreadsheet of unknown date and origin

Other levels of government will also be instrumental in Windsor’s success. In devising this strategy, we sought to strike a balance between areas where Windsor can make an impact alone – such as building greater links with Detroit – and areas where national and provincial support will be necessary for success – such as the adaptation to the electric and autonomous automotive industry.

Windsor is rich in community spirit and civic pride. It has succeeded in attracting large numbers of new Canadians in the recent decades. Major employers are embracing the emerging electric and autonomous vehicle industries. City governance is disciplined with public finances and pragmatic with investments. New developments, and new attractions, are starting to revive parts of its downtown and adding to the tourism industry. Windsor is in a strong position to emerge from the global pandemic.