You'll Pay for This: How we can afford a great city for everyone, forever
By Michel Durand-Wood
Available Now ! -
Selected for the MCIC’s 2026 Reading List for Global Citizens
Cities provide valuable quality of life amenities like parks, pools and libraries. They’re also responsible for providing critical life-sustaining services, things like sanitation, public safety and clean drinking water. Vitally, they need to be able to do it not only today, but for generations to come. So how do we know if our city can afford to do this forever? And if not, what needs to change?
Most people have no idea what the answer is, or how to find it. But have no fear: help is on the way! Luckily, you can read this book while you wait for it to arrive.
Just kidding – you’re the help. (Or you will be after reading this book.)
You’ll Pay For This is part of The City Project, a series edited by Emma and Michel Durand-Wood.
Release Date (Canada): May 20, 2025
Release Date (US & UK): June 24, 2025
Check out this book’s latest media mentions here!
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An essential “municipal finance 101”
If you're fighting for more bike lanes, better buses, and beautiful parks in your city, it all starts with understanding the nuts and bolts of...Read More
Nicole Roach, Chair, Women in Urbanism Canada
An essential “municipal finance 101”
If you’re fighting for more bike lanes, better buses, and beautiful parks in your city, it all starts with understanding the nuts and bolts of municipal finance. If you want to make a difference at city hall but are dissuaded by the inaccessible budget documents, this book breaks it all down so that anyone can take meaningful action in their communities. Budgets talk, and fortunately for us, Michel is here to translate them for us, helping make municipal finance accessible to anyone and keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. An essential “municipal finance 101” for anyone who wants to make their city a better place to live.
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Nicole Roach, Chair, Women in Urbanism Canada
A must-read for anyone who cares about the future of our cities
"In this delightful read, Michel masterfully tackles the world of municipal finances with humor, adventure, and a well-researched case study. With a storytelling approach that...Read More
Stephanie Ortynsky, Public Policy Researcher, Instructor & Yorkton City Councillor
A must-read for anyone who cares about the future of our cities
“In this delightful read, Michel masterfully tackles the world of municipal finances with humor, adventure, and a well-researched case study. With a storytelling approach that makes complex financial concepts both accessible and engaging, this book is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of our cities and towns.
From practitioners and researchers to students, council members, and city administrators—not to mention the taxpayers who ultimately shape their communities—this book offers valuable insights for all. Michel’s deep knowledge and passion for our shared local assets and infrastructure shine through, making this both an informative and entertaining journey. Most importantly, it leaves readers with clear, optimistic steps to build thriving, financially sustainable communities for decades to come.”
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Stephanie Ortynsky, Public Policy Researcher, Instructor & Yorkton City Councillor
Lucid, illuminating, empowering
"After more than 20 years in the municipal sector both as Councillor and now as Chief Administrative Officer, I have come to the conclusion that...Read More
Duane Nicol, CAO, City of Selkirk
Lucid, illuminating, empowering
“After more than 20 years in the municipal sector both as Councillor and now as Chief Administrative Officer, I have come to the conclusion that something is fundamentally wrong with how we run our municipalities. In prose that is lucid, illuminating, empowering, and chuckle-inducing, Michel Durand-Wood has put his finger on the problem.
Cutting through the complexity and jargon of municipal finance, Michel builds our understanding of why our cities and communities struggle and shows us how we can begin to turn this trend around.
Every citizen who loves their community and wants to see it thrive should read this book. Every elected official who has campaigned on ‘keeping taxes affordable’ or ‘improving services’ should memorize it.”
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Duane Nicol, CAO, City of Selkirk
A powerful and much-needed wake-up call
"If you've ever wondered why your city keeps cutting services while your taxes keep rising, this book is for you. With sharp analysis and a...Read More
Charles Marohn, Founder and President of Strong Towns
A powerful and much-needed wake-up call
“If you’ve ever wondered why your city keeps cutting services while your taxes keep rising, this book is for you. With sharp analysis and a touch of humor, Mitch unpacks the financial realities behind failing infrastructure and declining city budgets. A powerful and much-needed wake-up call.”
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Charles Marohn, Founder and President of Strong Towns
A mandatory read for any voting citizen
"With levity and comedic prose providing tasting notes similar to Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Michel provides what should be a mandatory read...Read More
Michael Janz, Edmonton City Councillor & three-term Public School Trustee
A mandatory read for any voting citizen
“With levity and comedic prose providing tasting notes similar to Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Michel provides what should be a mandatory read for any voting citizen. While the prose may be funny, the content is anything but.
Auto-dependent suburban sprawl is driving municipalities like yours and mine towards financial ruin. It is just as unaffordable for residents as it is for city budgets. The good news is, we have a solution, and together we will build stronger communities, prosper economically and afford a great city for everyone forever.”
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