Cross-Border Leaders Gather at Historic Downtown Detroit Forum

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	“Downtown Detroit is open for business and on the move as one of the best places to live, work, and pioneer cutting-edge ideas,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s MOU lays the foundation for a new multimodal transportation hub that will grow our regional economy, make downtown Detroit more vibrant, and connect residents and visitors to our communities." (DDP Photo)
	Cross-Border Leaders Gather at Historic Downtown Detroit Forum Charles Mosley - Business/Money Tell Us Detroit News DETROIT - Over 400 attendees gathered in Detroit on Wednesday to hear about a $40 million transportation hub and an extension of Amtrak service to Canada as the two cities deepen their economic partnership. The announcements came during the Downtown Detroit Partnership's Fall Forum: Special Edition, held at Michigan Central. The event showcased plans for cross-border collaboration and regional development investments. Downtown Detroit continues to experience significant growth. The region welcomed over 30 million visitors last year, nearing pre-pandemic levels, according to Eric B. Larson, CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. He noted that 54 development projects are currently active, with 17 under construction, including the Hudson's Detroit hotel and residences, the University of Michigan Center for Innovation, and the JW Marriott Detroit Water Square. Larson also shared his thoughts beyond the numbers, "this is deeply personal". Every one of us has a family member in Windsor or Detroit, a colleague we work with across the river, or a friend we've made through this unique relationship. That's why today is about celebration and recognition—acknowledging that this isn't a transactional partnership, but a long-term bond. Together, we're stronger. Together, we're better. Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the $40 million memorandum of understanding between the Michigan Department of Transportation, the City of Detroit, and Michigan Central to plan a multimodal transportation hub within the Michigan Central Innovation District saying, "Downtown Detroit is open for business and on the move as one of the best places to live, work, and pioneer cutting-edge ideas,". In a separate announcement, Amtrak revealed it will extend its Wolverine Service to Windsor, Ontario, with one to two daily trains from Detroit. The new route will connect to VIA Rail Canada trains serving London and Toronto. Colin Bird, Consul General for Canada in Detroit, commented that Windsor and Detroit have the potential to be leaders by demonstrating their innovative capabilities and showing that this region understands how to excel in global competition. Colin continued by stating that the communities on both sides of this river are getting together to keep the secret magic sauce that has made this region a powerhouse for manufacturing for over 120 years. The key to this success is avoiding the creation of additional obstacles to trade with Canada. The Detroit-Windsor border serves as North America's busiest trade crossing, with more than $140 billion in goods annually. David Cowan, Chief Public Space Officer at Downtown Detroit Partnership, shared his thoughts with Tell Us Detroit about the longstanding collaboration between the two communities. The conversation touched on the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the Tunnel, Windsor's downtown development, and Detroit's downtown revitalization—all part of how the region functions as a unified whole. The event also featured news that Downtown Detroit will host the 5th International Placemaking Week in June 2026, a global gathering led by Projects for Public Spaces. Officials from both sides of the border emphasized the importance of the emerging transportation infrastructure. Charl van Niekerk, CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, highlighted the anticipated Gordie Howe International Bridge as a catalyst for regional prosperity. The Fall Forum was held in partnership with Michigan Central and the RIVER Collaborative, a binational initiative that has supported cross-sector partnerships between Detroit and Windsor since 2019. For more information about the Downtown Detroit Partnership and its initiatives, visit www.DowntownDetroit.org.