THE OFFICIAL TOWN OF WINDSOR NEWSLETTER
WINDSOR MATTERS JANUARY 2026
2026 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
How Windsor Manages its Major Infrastructure Projects Each year, the Town of Windsor’s budget is organized into two primary areas: Operations & Maintenance (O&M) and the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Operations & Maintenance funding supports the town’s everyday services and programs, while the Capital Improvement Plan invests in upgrades to infrastructure projects such as roads, water and wastewater systems, parks and municipal facilities. The Capital Improvement Plan is developed as part of an annual budget process. Town staff evaluate potential projects over a fiveyear timeline to ensure Windsor is prepared for future growth, maintenance needs and service demands. This approach allows the town to strategically plan investments and align available funding with community priorities. Before a project is added to the final Capital Improvement Plan, it undergoes a thorough review.
Why CIP Matters The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a vital part of Windsor’s growth and success. Without this plan, the town wouldn’t be able to improve its roads, parks, water systems and other important infrastructure. Each project in the CIP is carefully chosen based on its importance to the community, its cost and its potential impact on residents. Though some of these projects may cause temporary inconvenience, they help make Windsor a better place to live and prepare the town for the future. By investing in high impact areas, Windsor can keep growing while maintaining the quality of life its residents enjoy. The CIP is a crucial tool that ensures the town is ready for tomorrow’s challenges.
Considerations include economic conditions, safety and operational needs, anticipated growth, and how frequently a facility or asset is used by the public. To be eligible for CIP funding, a project must meet the following requirements: • Represent a one-time investment that improves or expands a physical town asset (street, park, facility, etc.) • Have a projected lifespan of at least five years • Meet or exceed a cost threshold of $5,000 Capital Improvement Plan recommendations are finalized by town staff and the town manager in September and then forwarded to the Mayor and Town Board for consideration. During public budget discussions, the Town Board may reprioritize projects, delay projects or remove items before adopting the final budget in November. The 2026 Budget, approved in November, dedicates $97.2 million to 73 capital improvement projects. 34 of the 73 projects in this year's CIP will be featured on Windsor's Project Connect Platform. Detailed project information, including maps, construction updates and project timelines, will soon be available at windsorprojectconnect.com. For full details on the 2026 Town of Windsor Budget or to learn more about how the budget is developed, visit windsorgov.com/Budget.