ABOUT US
The RIVER Collaborative is a binational initiative led by representatives from the Cities of Detroit and Windsor and the Consulate General of Canada in Detroit that focuses on advancing innovation and economic resilience across the region. Through coordinated cross-border efforts and strategic partnerships, the Collaborative positions the Windsor–Detroit corridor as a global hub for investment and emerging industries. Its work centers on attracting new business, supporting international growth for local firms, developing a unified regional identity, and building a connected, future-ready innovation ecosystem that drives sustained regional prosperity. Over 40 organizations actively participate in the Collaborative.
COMMITTEES
RIVER ECONOMY
RIVER Economy is a future-focused committee within the RIVER Collaborative that works to position the Detroit-Windsor region as a globally competitive economic hub. It focuses on long-term economic strategy, aligning regional strengths with global market demands and transformative industries. It strengthens regional identity by articulating a clear, unified economic vision aligned with global trends. The committee supports talent development and attraction by connecting education, industry, and innovation to develop a robust ecosystem. It drives investment attraction by highlighting binational assets, industry clusters, and long-term growth potential. In the realm of infrastructure and mobility, RIVER Economy focuses on aligning cross-border systems and assets to support strategic industries and regional competitiveness.
RIVER CONNECTIONS
RIVER Connections is a cross-border committee within the RIVER Collaborative that focuses on strengthening the Detroit-Windsor region’s shared identity and social fabric. It brings together civic leaders, grassroots organizations, and local institutions to foster shared identity, inclusive engagement, and binational understanding. It addresses gaps in regional identity by fostering civic partnerships, cultural exchange, and inclusive storytelling that reflect the lived experiences of people on both sides of the border. By engaging local leaders, institutions, and residents, the committee supports talent retention and attraction strategies. It amplifies the region’s appeal for investment by showcasing a robust cross-border community. Through this work, RIVER Connections aims to ensure that regional growth reflects and supports the people who live and work on both sides of the border.
THE COLLABORATIVE
RIVER connections ensures the region is inclusive, vibrant, and rooted in strong cross-border relationships. RIVER economy, in turn, focuses on the region’s strategic economic future—advancing competitiveness, industry alignment, and global visibility. Together, they craft a cohesive regional narrative that elevates the Detroit-Windsor corridor as a place where people want to live, work, invest, and build the future.