2023 was a year of restoration and transition in the city of Winters. Coming off the pandemic impacts and beginning to see more normal community activities was both refreshing and inspiring. Here are some of the 2023 highlights.
First and foremost, we want to acknowledge the outstanding dedication of our first responders. Our fire department has faced unprecedented challenges, responding to a record number of calls for service in 2023. Our firefighters have shown unwavering commitment, courage and resilience despite these demands. Their sacrifices ensure the safety and well-being of our community, and we owe them our deepest gratitude.
In 2023, our police department continued to look at new and innovative law enforcement methods. Our CARE team handled a record number of interactions with our unhoused residents. We thank them and our partners at Yolo County for their continued work to find successful pathways for those experiencing homelessness. In addition, the police department maintained public safety as many public events and celebrations returned to downtown Winters.
2023 saw the return of the closure on Main Street in downtown from Friday to Sunday afternoon. This classic piazza setting was home to live music, family fun and a newly invigorated farmer’s market on Sundays. The community and region enjoy the charm and communal setting that the closure creates for the downtown, and it will continue in 2024 with closures already underway, including live music on Main Street on Friday evenings.
2023 also saw the return to large crowds at the annual Holiday Tractor Parade. The city hosted an estimated 10,000 revelers who enjoyed a tremendous lighted tractor parade, tree lighting, holiday music and a hot cocoa crawl with the downtown merchants. It takes the entire community to make such a large event occur without incident, and we are thankful to the city team and many community volunteers who continue to make the parade a highlight and holiday memory for the region.
On the infrastructure front, the preliminary design of a new pedestrian/bicycle bridge over Interstate 505 is nearing completion. This transformative project will enhance connectivity within our city and the surrounding region and symbolize our commitment to creating a more accessible and walkable community. As we move forward, community input and support will be invaluable in shaping the final design to best meet our residents’ needs.
A new section of Three Oaks Park opened in 2023. This green oasis provides a space for families to come together, children to play and community events to flourish. Parks are the heart of any vibrant city, and this expansion is a testament to our commitment to creating spaces that strengthen our community’s bonds. There is one final phase for the Three Oaks Park program, and we will be working on that phase in late 2024.
One of the most heartening aspects of the past year has been witnessing the influx of new residents who have seamlessly integrated into the fabric of Winters. These individuals have embraced our city’s unique character and jumped in with both feet to serve the community. Whether volunteering at local events, joining neighborhood associations or participating in city initiatives, their enthusiasm and dedication are truly commendable. It’s a testament to the welcoming spirit that defines Winters.
2023 was not without its challenges for the city of Winters. We faced staffing issues, with key positions like city planner and building officials remaining unfilled for several months. Additionally, significant inflation increases in personnel costs, equipment, supplies and construction have posed challenges to our strategic objectives. However, we remain committed to addressing these challenges and ensuring a fiscally sustainable future for our city.
In the coming year, the city will be working on enhancing economic development, modernizing city operations and developing strategies to make the city fiscally sustainable in the long term. The impacts of COVID and significant inflation increases in city costs have placed a considerable strain on the city’s budget and its ability to continue to provide the level of services our residents expect.
We will be working on solutions that are not short-term in thought but focusing on long-term strategies to build a sustainable Winters into the future.
By Mayor Bill Biasi
