Insider Edition 69 | June 27, 2024 | | |
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Hello Windsor!
The summer season is upon us with the 4th of July holiday around the corner. This time of year reminds me how lucky we are to live and work in a community as beautiful as Windsor.
Next week, the Independence Day Celebration (a.k.a. Kaboom) falls on Wednesday, July 3rd. Traffic and congestion are sure to follow the event, please be extra patient and cautious on the roads around Keiser Park. For more information on the event or to buy tickets visit Kaboom.
While many of us enjoy the fireworks they can be hard on our pets. If you happen to find a stray animal contact North Bay Animal Services (NBAS) at 707-762-6227, so they can help them find their way home.
Have a great holiday, happy 4th of July!
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In this edition of the Insider:
Economic Development Division - Spotlight
Making History
Town Council Elections
Celebrate With Us
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Let's Talk Sustainability
Emergency Preparedness
Rainwater Harvesting
Windsor Consumer Confidence Report
Law Enforcement Torch Run
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION - SPOTLIGHT | |
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Driving Economic Growth: Windsor's Economic Development Division
Windsor’s thriving community benefits from the focused efforts of its Economic Development Division, a single-person division within the Town Manager's Office. Tim Ricard, the Economic Development Manager, is responsible for nurturing a healthy local economy, supporting existing businesses, attracting new ventures, assisting entrepreneurs, and enhancing residents' quality of life.
A key strategy is "Economic Gardening," which supports existing companies in creating jobs, as 80-85% of new jobs are generated by small businesses. This approach emphasizes improving communication between local government and businesses, understanding their challenges, and creating resources to address these issues. A recent initiative is the "Time with Tim" event hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, where Ricard provides updates on economic development, planning, business news, and resources. Held every second Wednesday of the month, this event allows community members to engage in conversation directly with the Economic Development Manager. Such events are part of the division’s broader community engagement strategy.
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The Economic Development Division also serves as a vital resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Through workshops, resources, and one-on-one assistance, the division empowers individuals to navigate regulatory processes, access funding opportunities, and realize their entrepreneurial ambitions.
This fosters a supportive ecosystem for business growth and innovation, contributing to Windsor's long-term economic sustainability.
Branding and marketing are critical components of Windsor's economic development strategy. The division, in collaboration with a steering committee and key stakeholders, developed comprehensive branding for communications, creating a website, print collateral, banners, and billboards along Highway 101 to promote Windsor. Digital ad campaigns further encourage local shopping and tourism. Leveraging these assets, the division helped create the Windsor Beverage District, developing a cohesive brand identity and marketing strategy. These efforts have increased visibility and foot traffic for district businesses, notably during events like the release of Pliny the Younger by Russian River Brewery, which handed out over 1,000 maps, boosting business for district members. Collaborations to change food truck regulations and develop "Block Party" events have further energized the district.
Looking ahead, the Economic Development Division is developing an Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP) to outline specific goals, strategies, and measures for local economic growth. This process involves community outreach, including interviews, an online survey, and workshops. "As we continue to grow and adapt, our goal is to create an environment where businesses can thrive and the community can prosper," says Ricard. "By working together, we can ensure that Windsor remains a vibrant and inclusive place for everyone."
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The Sonoma Water Board of Directors on June 4 voted unanimously to approve an operational agreement between the Windsor Water District and Sonoma Water for wastewater collection and treatment of Sonoma Water’s Airport-Larkfield-Wikiup Sanitation Zone. Director James Gore acknowledged the unprecedented collaboration at the meeting.
“Recycled water is an increasingly important part of our water resource management needs,” Sonoma Water Director James Gore said. “I am grateful to both parties for their earnest collaboration and moving together into greater resiliency.”
Windsor Water District’s Board followed suit and approved the agreement at its meeting the following night.
“Windsor is grateful for the collaboration with Sonoma Water to develop this agreement that is a win-win for both agencies and the local ratepayers,” Windsor Water District Board Chair Rosa Reynoza said. “We have come together to find a solution that benefits the organizations, community, and the environment, supporting Windsor’s NetZero Goals.”
Approval of the operational agreement comes after a year of negotiations between the two agencies. Under the agreement, Windsor will assume treatment of wastewater from the Airport-Larkfield-Wikiup Sanitation Zone service area, which includes the Airport Business Center and the Mark West area, east of Highway 101. In exchange, Windsor will gain access to approximately 300 million gallons of Sonoma Water’s recycled water storage ponds, and Sonoma Water will benefit from avoided capital investments on the magnitude of $50 million to rehabilitate infrastructure at its wastewater treatment plant.
Visit the Sonoma Water website for more information about the Airport-Larkfield-Wikiup Sanitation Zone. More information about how the Town of Windsor’s efforts to achieve net-zero status at its Water Reclamation Facility is available on the Town’s website.
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November Election: District 2 Highlight
Do you reside in District 2? This November, you will be able to elect an At-large Mayor and a District 2 Councilmember. Would you prefer to be part of the Council? The Nomination period begins July 15, and interested residents can request candidate information and forms to run for Council from the Town Clerk’s Office.
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If you aren’t sure if you reside in District 2, the general area is northeast of Highway 101: north of Old Redwood Highway and north side of Jensen Lane, east side of Camelot Drive and Cordelia Lane, following east until you reach the Town Boundaries. If you aren’t sure which district you live in or for a more accurate rendering, enter your address into our District Look-up tool to find out!
For this election not only is the District 2 Councilmember seat open, but so is the At-large Mayor and District 3 Councilmember. Check out our District 3 highlight in the next edition of the Windsor Insider.
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July is Parks Make Life Better Month!
July is Parks Make Life Better Month, a time to recognize the vital role that Parks and Recreation plays in fostering a healthy and thriving community.
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Whether it’s connecting with nature, improving your physical health, or enjoying a community gathering, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating the many offerings and services our Parks and Recreation Department provides throughout the month of July. | |
LET'S TALK SUSTAINABILITY | | |
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Town of Windsor Sustainability Booth
at the Farmers Market
The Town of Windsor Water and Environmental Programs
will be hosting a sustainability booth
at the Windsor Farmers Market
Sunday, July 7
9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Come talk to Town staff about
sustainable landscaping, stormwater,
NetZero Wastewater, and the Town’s climate goals.
There will be free giveaways and a free raffle to win
an extra special yard sculpture from a
local artist, James Selby.
See you there!
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June is National Safety Month
Being Windsor Ready!
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On Wednesday, June 26, the Town of Windsor participated in a regional emergency operation training to increase emergency preparedness. The Town and the Town’s emergency services partners – Windsor Police and Sonoma County Fire District continue to work together to help prepare for, respond to, and recover from a wide range of emergencies and disasters.
The Town wants to thank the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, Windsor Police, Sonoma County Fire District, and Sonoma County Auxiliary Communication Service for the collaboration and partnerships.
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Harvesting Rainwater Systems to Offset Potable Water Use
Earlier this month, the Town of Windsor worked with Daily Acts and Circuit Rider to install a Blue Barrel rainwater harvesting system at a resident’s home. Rainwater can be a great resource to help offset potable water use for irrigation needs. Rainwater is especially helpful for watering low-water use plants such as native species, potted plants, or small garden beds. It can also serve as an important emergency supply.
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A crew from Daily Acts, a local environmental non-profit, led the installation and trained crew members from Circuit Rider, another local non-profit specializing in ecological restoration, in how to install the system. The final result was a 5-barrel catchment system with 275 gallons of storage capacity for this resident to use in her yard! | |
WINDSOR CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT | |
The Town of Windsor takes great pride in providing high-quality drinking water to the residents and businesses in our community. The Town consistently tests drinking water quality to comply with all State and Federal regulations. For more information and details regarding the report click on the link 2023 Consumer Confidence Report. | |
LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN | |
Flame of Hope – Special Olympics | |
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On Monday, June 24, the Windsor Police Department participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics of Northern California. This annual event raises funds (over $300k so far!) for the Special Olympics programs with hundreds of agencies across Northern California carrying the Flame of Hope through their counties.
“It is always an honor to carry the Torch for this inspiring organization and to know how much it helps the amazing athletes in our community”, says Charity Koch, Community Service Officer, Windsor PD.
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Come Join Us!
The Town of Windsor is active with events year-round.
The following Town links will provide you with dates and event details to "mark your calendar".
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The Town of Windsor is looking for talented people.
For information on open positions, click here for the full list. If you have questions about working for the Town, please reach out to our Human Resources team at hr@townofwindsor.com.
Join our team! Go here to apply.
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Town of Windsor
9291 Old Redwood Highway
Windsor, CA 95492
(707) 838-1000
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