ELECTION UPDATES
NOVEMBER 2026 GENERAL ELECTION

Election season is underway!

Absentee Voting

As of Thursday, September 24, 2026, Absentee Ballots are available at your City Clerk's Office for the November 3, 2026 General Election. For those who are enrolled in the Permanent Ballot List, or who have completed an Absentee Ballot Application, the initial mailing of ballots will take place on Friday, September 25, 2026. Absentee ballots will continue to be mailed as applications are received.

A voter may run their absentee ballot through a tabulator during Early In-Person Voting or at their precinct on election day (and of course, you may still return the ballot to the City Clerk's Office by 8:00 p.m. on election day to have it tabulated by the Absent Voter Counting Board).

Electronic Notification System

Proposal 2022-2 amended the Michigan Constitution to include a voter’s right to receive updates on the status of their absent voter (AV) ballot applications and ballots, including by electronic notification. 

Voters can subscribe to receive electronic notifications at Michigan.gov/Vote directly, when registering to vote, or when submitting an online AV application.

Once subscribed, voters will be notified of all the following: 

• When their AV ballot or application has been received by their local clerk,  
• When their AV ballot has been sent by their local clerk, 
• If their AV ballot or application has been rejected for any deficiency, 
• Instructions for how to cure any deficiency to have their AV ballot or application accepted.  

Early In-Person Voting

Early In-Person Voting will begin on Saturday, October 24, 2026, and will run through Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Early Voting Site for voters in the City of Traverse City is at the Governmental Center, Lower Level, 400 Boardman Avenue.

Third Party Voting Advocates

During election season, third party organizations that advocate for voter participation may send you text messages, emails, and absentee ballot applications (even if you are already registered, have completed a form, etc.)

Have a question on the status of your voter registration, absentee ballot, or more?

Call your local Clerk. We are happy to help! Or visit, michigan.gov/vote to check the status of your registration, absentee ballot, and more.

CITY PROPOSAL 1

TIF 101: HOW TAX INCREMENT FINANCING WORKS

On November 3, 2026, City of Traverse City voters will be asked to consider Proposal 1: Infrastructure First TIF Plan. In advance of the election, the City is providing a series of educational articles to help residents understand Tax Increment Financing, how it has been used in the City, and what is included in the proposal.

As a public body, the City has a responsibility to remain neutral in an election and to ensure that information provided is factual. Michigan law allows public bodies to produce and share factual information about matters relevant to their functions, while maintaining strict neutrality in elections. The City's role is not to persuade or dissuade voters, but to provide clear, accurate information so residents can understand the proposal and make their own informed decision.

With that responsibility in mind, a series will be provided to break down the components of City Proposal 1, beginning with the fundamentals: What is Tax Increment Financing, and how does it work?

How Does TIF Work?

When a TIF district is established, a base taxable value is set. Taxing jurisdictions continue to receive the property tax revenue associated with that base value. As taxable value within the district increases above the base, eligible property tax revenue generated by that growth is known as the tax increment.

Under a TIF plan, some or all of that eligible increment may be captured and used for purposes identified in the approved development and TIF plan. The amount captured can therefore change over time as taxable values within the district change.

Importantly, TIF does not change a property's taxable value or the millage rates applied to it. Property owners continue to receive and pay their property tax bills in the same manner. TIF changes the distribution of eligible tax revenue after it is collected.

TIF also operates within a defined geographic area. For a downtown TIF plan, eligible tax increment is generated from property located within the boundaries of that TIF district. Property tax revenue generated by properties outside of the district is not captured by that TIF plan.

How Has the City Used TIF?

For approximately 40 years, TIF has been one of the City's primary funding tools for public infrastructure investments in downtown Traverse City. The City's first downtown TIF district was established in 1985, followed by TIF 97 in 1997.

Over that time, TIF revenue has supported public infrastructure and improvements including streets and streetscapes, parking structures, bridges, sidewalks and pedestrian improvements, public restrooms, riverfront improvements, public spaces, and other eligible downtown investments.



The DDA and the City

While TIF is administered through the Downtown Development Authority, the DDA is a component unit of the City of Traverse City. Its budget is approved by the City Commission, and infrastructure projects under the proposed plan require City Commission approval.

TIF is one of several funding sources the City uses to support public infrastructure, alongside the General Fund, utility funds, grants, bonds, state and federal resources, and other financing mechanisms.

What Is Being Considered Now?

The current TIF 97 plan is scheduled to end in 2027. On November 3, 2026, City voters will consider whether to approve the Infrastructure First TIF Plan, which would amend and extend the existing plan for 20 years, from January 1, 2028, through December 31, 2047.

The proposed plan would also change how the applicable tax increment is distributed. Under the proposed structure, 70% would be captured for the TIF plan and 30% would be distributed to participating taxing jurisdictions, including a share to the City's General Fund and Act 345 Police and Fire Pension Fund. The current TIF 97 plan captures 100% of the applicable increment.

TART IMPROVEMENTS APPROVED

TRAIL WIDENING ALONG PARSONS ROAD

At their September 21, 2026 meeting, the City Commission approved improvements to a section of the TART Trail along Parsons Road, taking advantage of restoration work already underway as part of the East Bay Township sanitary sewer force main project.

The force main project, which extends from the intersection of Parsons Road and Three Mile Road to the Wastewater Treatment Plant, has disrupted portions of the TART during construction. A substantial section of the existing trail was removed to accommodate installation of the new force main.

As the project moves into restoration, the construction impacts presented an opportunity to improve the trail rather than simply replace it in its previous configuration. The existing trail was approximately 8 feet wide, while current standards and best practices for multimodal trails generally recommend a 10-foot-wide paved surface. East Bay Township agreed to cover the additional cost of reconstructing the portion of trail affected by its project at the wider 10-foot width.

Within the City limits, approximately 550 feet of existing 8-foot-wide trail between Airport Access Road and Hastings Street was outside the original construction limits. The City Commission's approval will allow that remaining section to also be removed and reconstructed at 10 feet wide, creating a continuous and consistent trail width through the project area rather than leaving a shorter, narrower section between the newly reconstructed portions.

The Commission authorized a purchase order in an amount not to exceed $35,021.80, including a 10% contingency. TART Trails will contribute $5,000 toward the project, reducing the City's maximum contribution to approximately $30,021.80 if the full contingency is needed.

The City's portion will be supported through the Complete Streets Fund, which receives an annual allocation equal to 1% of the City's General Fund. The improvement was reviewed by the Complete Streets Advisory Committee, which supported using Complete Streets funding for the project. Completing the work while the existing contractor is already mobilized also avoids the need for a separate future reconstruction project and another period of disruption for trail users.

Strategic Alignment

The project advances the City's focus on mobility improvements and a connected multimodal transportation network by improving the condition, consistency, and connectivity of an important recreational and commuter corridor. It also supports Strategic Action Plan priorities related to proactively managing urban design, creating a complete community, and fostering regional collaboration.

CITY WELCOMES NEW PLANNING DIRECTOR

CLAIRE KARNER JOINS THE CITY OCTOBER 19

The City has announced the appointment of Claire Karner, AICP, as its new Planning Director. Karner brings more than 15 years of experience in municipal planning, zoning, community development, transportation, and public engagement and will begin serving in the role on Monday, October 19, 2026.

Karner joins the City from East Bay Charter Township, where she has served as Director of Planning and Zoning since 2019. Her work has included long-range planning, zoning administration, development review, economic development, and community development initiatives. She also brings extensive experience in transportation and mobility planning, including multimodal connectivity, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, Safe Routes to School, and expanding transportation options for people of all ages and abilities.

Raised in Traverse City, Karner will lead the City's Planning and Zoning Department and support ongoing work related to land use and zoning, development review, community engagement, and implementation of the City's Master Plan and Strategic Action Plan.

NOW HIRING

HICKORY HILLS

The City is hiring seasonal employees for the 2026–2027 ski season as preparations move forward to open Hickory Hills this winter.

Following staffing and operational challenges in recent seasons, the City pursued a new approach to managing Hickory Hills. Earlier this year, North Country Alpine Services (NCAS) provided a proposal to manage operations at the facility, presenting an opportunity for the City to take a bold approach and explore a different model for delivering services.

Over the past several weeks, the City and NCAS met to further develop the operating plan and work through the full range of services necessary to manage the facility. Following those discussions, NCAS informed the City that it is not able to move forward with providing the full scope of services contemplated under the agreement.

With the upcoming ski season quickly approaching, the City is moving forward with seasonal hiring while developing an updated operating plan. At the same time, the City will continue exploring opportunities for different operating models that combine City staffing with outside expertise and service providers where appropriate. The goal is to strengthen operations, address ongoing staffing challenges, and provide a high level of service across the Hickory Hills experience.

The City will continue evaluating staffing, concessions, customer service, hill operations, and other needs and will provide additional information as plans are finalized.

Join the Hickory Hills Team

Seasonal positions are now available for individuals interested in helping make the 2026–2027 season a success.

Hickory Hills is an important community asset, and the City is committed to opening the hill this winter and providing a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for the community. As Hickory Hills prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2027, the City is also looking ahead, working toward an operating model that strengthens service delivery and supports this treasured community asset for the next generation.

SEVENTH STREET MILL & FILL UPDATE

WADSWORTH TO DIVISION

The Department of Mobility Infrastructure is continuing Phase 2 of a series of mill-and-fill improvements on Seventh Street, advancing efforts to improve pavement conditions and extend the life of the roadway.

Phase 2 encompasses Seventh Street from Wadsworth Street to Division Street and is being completed in two segments. Crews are currently working between Oak Street and Maple Street, with that segment anticipated to be completed this weekend. Work is expected to begin next week on the remaining segment from Maple Street to Division Street.

The work is being completed in-house using the City’s newly acquired Asphalt Zipper, which expands the City’s ability to rehabilitate roadways with its own crews. The equipment was purchased following a successful demonstration on Fourteenth Street, where crews completed more than 6,000 linear feet of milling at approximately half the cost of contractor estimates. In July, crews put the new equipment to work on its first official rehabilitation project, completing a portion of Washington Street between Rose and Prospect.

By completing roadway milling in-house, the Asphalt Zipper allows the City to reduce project costs, accelerate maintenance schedules, shorten construction durations, minimize lane closures, and respond more quickly to roadway maintenance needs.

The Seventh Street improvements are being advanced in three phases. Phase 1 extended from Elmwood Avenue to Wadsworth Street, while the current Phase 2 extends from Wadsworth Street to Division Street. Phase 3 is anticipated to go out for bid this fall, with construction expected to begin in spring 2027 and continue the improvements from Wadsworth to Lake Avenue.

PROJECT UPDATES

COMPLETE, ACTIVE, AND UPCOMING

Seventh Street Mill and Fill (Wadsworth to Division): Active

Oak to Maple: Completion anticipated this weekend

Maple to Division: Project begins September 28, 2026

Cape Seal Project: Active

Project anticipated to be completed September 25, 2026. Pavement markings are to follow.

Catch Basin Cleaning Project: Active

Project anticipated to be completed late October

Crack Sealing Project: Active

Project anticipated to be completed late October

S. Garfield Sidewalk Construction Project: Active

Project anticipated to be completed November 5, 2026

Monroe Street Reconstruction: Active

Phase 3 of the Monroe Street Reconstruction is underway, with Monroe Street closing from Randolph Street to West Front Street. Work will include sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, curb and gutter, pavement, sidewalks, and related improvements, with intermittent impacts expected at the Randolph and West Front intersections. This final phase of reconstruction is anticipated to be completed and reopened to traffic on or around October 30, 2026, weather permitting.



Farmers Market Project: Active

Construction is underway on the new Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market Pavilion. Parking Lot B is closed for the duration of the project, which includes construction of a modern, accessible covered pavilion, reconstruction of the parking lot, upgraded drainage and stormwater infrastructure, enhanced landscaping, and parking improvements to better serve the market and surrounding riverfront. The project is anticipated to be completed in spring 2027.



2026 Projects Completed

Eleventh Street Culvert/Kids Creek Restoration Project

Pavement Marking Project

Oak Street Mill and Fill (Seventh Street and W. Thirteenth Street)

Seventh Street Mill and Fill (S. Elmwood Ave. and S. Division Street)

Elmwood Mill and Fill (W. Front Street and W. Eleventh Streets)

Washington Street Resurface (Rose Street to Prospect Street)

Cass Street Crosswalk (E. State Street and E. Front Street)

HARDY PARKING STRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

PARKING SERVICES TEMPORARY RELOCATING

Beginning Monday, September 28, Parking Services will temporarily relocate in-person operations from the Hardy Parking Structure to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) offices at 303 E. State Street, Suite C, while flooring improvements are completed in the southeast pedestrian tower of the parking structure.

The southeast pedestrian tower provides the only public access to the Parking Services offices. During the project, Parking Services staff will have a workstation available at the DDA office to continue assisting customers in person.

Temporary In-Person Service Hours

Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Sunday: No in-person service

Parking Services staff will remain available by phone during normal operating hours, including Sundays. Staff will provide curbside service for permit purchases or any other transactions scheduled by calling the office at (231) 922-0241.

Work in the Hardy Parking Structure is expected to be completed by Sunday, October 11, 2026 with in-person Parking Services operations returning to the Hardy Parking Structure following completion of the project.

The City appreciates the public’s patience during these temporary improvements.

Background

Parking Services is undertaking phase two of a five-year restoration program for both City parking structures, representing an investment of more than $1.6 million to maintain and preserve the structures and extend their useful life.

WATER SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT

WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 28

Michigan's 2017 Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) designates galvanized water services as lead service lines if they "are or ever were" connected to a lead gooseneck, requiring utilities to pay for replacing private water services from the curb stop to the building. Lead goosenecks, installed before the mid-1940s, are 3-foot lead pipes used between the brass connection to the water main and a galvanized pipe.

The City has since installed copper services and has no known fully lead service lines. Not all private galvanized lines need replacement; those originally connected to City-owned copper services don't require replacement. The water service line replacement project started in May 2026 and is anticipated to be completed by fall 2026.

Week of September 28 Locations

The week of September 28, 2026, work will be conducted on the 900 and 100 blocks of Grant and the 1000 block of Barlow. This work will cause street, alley, and sidewalk closures.

WEAR ORANGE:

HUNTING SEASON

BEGINS

With Michigan’s archery deer season beginning October 1, 2026, residents and visitors are reminded that bow hunting is allowed by permit in designated natural areas at Brown Bridge Quiet Area (Grasshopper Creek) and Hickory Forest Natural Area.

A limited number of permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. No other hunting or trapping is permitted at Brown Bridge or Hickory Forest.



Michigan’s archery deer season runs October 1 through November 14 and December 1 through January 1.

Both natural areas remain available for recreational use. Those hiking, walking, or otherwise enjoying areas where hunting is permitted are encouraged to recreate responsibly, remain aware of their surroundings, and wear bright, highly visible clothing, preferably hunter orange. Visitors should also consider bright clothing or other high-visibility gear for children and pets.