FLOODING EVENT

HISTORIC RIVER LEVELS, CRITICAL IMPACT

Last week’s storm event pushed the Boardman/Ottaway River system to levels rarely seen in recorded history—highlighting just how extreme the conditions were.

Historic River Levels

Due to roadway washout, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) gage station at Beitner Road was unable to capture the river’s peak flow. However, data from the next available upstream station—located above Brown Bridge Road near Mayfield—provides important context.

At that location, the previous record peak flow, dating back to 1949, was 583 cubic feet per second (cfs), recorded on April 14, 2014. On April 14, 2026, the river surged to 1,120 cfs—exceeding the prior 77-year record by 92 percent.

Closer to downtown, at FishPass, water levels upstream of the labyrinth weir came within just half an inch of what is classified as a “500-year flood.” While the term can be misleading, a 500-year flood does not mean it occurs once every 500 years. Rather, it represents a flood event with a 0.2 percent chance of occurring in any given year.

Infrastructure Investments Make a Critical Impact

While the scale of the storm was historic, recent infrastructure improvements played a significant role in reducing what could have been far more severe impacts to the community and environment.

In 2023, the City completed two key projects along the Boardman/Ottaway River corridor: the sanitary sewer relocation in the 100 block of East Front Street and river wall stabilization in the 200 block. During last week’s event, a sinkhole formed in Lot A along the river wall, exposing an abandoned 24-inch sanitary sewer that included a compromised service connection with a six-inch hole in its side.

Because that aging trunkline had already been relocated and replaced with a new 30-inch main in the center of the alley, a major environmental incident was avoided. Without that proactive investment, an estimated 1.5 million gallons per day of raw sewage could have discharged directly into the river and ultimately Grand Traverse Bay.

More recently, in 2025, construction of the FishPass labyrinth weir introduced a modern, resilient system designed to better manage extreme flow conditions. During last week’s storm, the weir performed as intended, safely conveying significantly higher volumes of water than the former Union Street Dam was capable of handling.

Engineering analysis indicates that a storm event of this magnitude could have overwhelmed the former dam structure, potentially leading to failure and uncontrolled flooding of Boardman Lake into Downtown. Even in a scenario where the dam remained intact, upstream water levels would have risen significantly higher, placing additional strain on the City’s wastewater treatment plant by limiting discharge capacity and increasing the risk of system impacts.

Higher upstream water levels could have also extended beyond the immediate Downtown area, with the potential to compromise infrastructure such as the culverts near S. Airport Road at Logan’s Landing.

These investments reflect the City's broader focus on modernizing critical infrastructure, not only

to meet current needs, but to build resilience against increasingly unpredictable and severe weather events.

Closures & Recovery

Portions of Lot A, in the alley north of the 100 block of E. Front Street, have been closed due to a

sinkhole in the area. Remediation began this week. Expect intermittent closures of the alley into next week. Additionally, portions of Lot K remain closed due to erosion on the riverbank.

Brown Bridge Quiet Area

The Grasshopper Creek pedestrian bridge at trail marker 5 continues to be closed. Assessments are being made on the condition and remediation. Please proceed with extreme caution on any trails.

Self-Reported Damage Assessment

Grand Traverse County's Equalization and GIS logistics team is responsible for assessing all flooding impacts to private and public properties throughout the county. Taking a moment to fill out this self reporting survey will help them gain an understanding of the extent of damages in your specific area.

Recovery will continue to take time. Residents are encouraged to remain patient, prioritize safety, and follow guidance from local officials.

HONORING FIRE CHIEF TULLER

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE PLANNED FRIDAY, APRIL 24TH

The City extends its sincere gratitude to Fire Chief Jim Tuller as he officially retires on Friday, April 24, 2026, following a distinguished career spanning 36 years with the City and 46 years in fire service.

Chief Tuller joined the Traverse City Fire Department in 1990 and steadily rose through the ranks, serving as Fire Lieutenant, Fire Inspector, and ultimately being appointed Fire Chief in 2008. Over the course of his leadership, he has played a pivotal role in modernizing the department, strengthening training standards, and expanding emergency medical capabilities to better serve the community.

A defining achievement of Chief Tuller’s tenure has been his leadership in advancing the transition to in-house Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance transport services. This effort, supported by voters, represents a major step forward in delivering faster, more reliable emergency response for residents.

Beyond operations, Chief Tuller has been a dedicated educator, helping train and mentor firefighters across the region through numerous training opportunities. He is widely respected throughout the state for his knowledge, leadership, and commitment to the fire service profession. Locally, he has remained deeply committed to public education and prevention, engaging residents through outreach, safety demonstrations, and community partnerships. His leadership has helped shape a department grounded in professionalism, preparedness, and service.

To recognize Chief Tuller’s career and contributions, the community is invited to attend an open house celebration:

Community Open House

Friday, April 24, 2026

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Fire Station 1

500 W. Front Street

EAST SIDE PLACEMAKING PROJECT

COMMUNITY WORKSHOP PLANNED FOR MAY 6TH

The City invites the community to take part in an upcoming public engagement workshop focused on the future of the East Side Social District.

This effort builds on exciting momentum: the City was recently selected as a national recipient of a $100,000 Community Placemaking Grant from Project for Public Spaces, supported by General Motors. The award recognizes the City as part of a highly competitive cohort of transformative, community-driven public space projects across the country.

As part of this initiative, the City is partnering with Project for Public Spaces to engage the community in shaping a shared vision for the East Side Social District, an evolving neighborhood gathering space along E. Eighth Street and Garfield Avenue corridor.

Join the Conversation

Community input is the foundation of this work, and the City is kicking off the process with an interactive, hands-on workshop:

Common Good Bakery

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Participants can expect a fast-paced, engaging session designed to gather ideas, identify opportunities, and explore how the district can continue to grow as a vibrant, accessible, and welcoming space for all.

Attendees are encouraged to bring walking shoes and dress for the weather, as a portion of the workshop will take place outdoors with on-site brainstorming.

Food and refreshments will be provided, including pizza, salad, and treats.

RSVP Here

Building on a Community Space

Established in 2024, the East Side Social District has quickly become a popular neighborhood gathering space, featuring seasonal street closures, outdoor seating, and access to local food and beverages.

Through this placemaking process, the City is looking to build on that success by addressing key opportunities, enhancing accessibility, improving pedestrian safety, strengthening connectivity, and expanding programming that supports both community use and local businesses.

A Community-Driven Approach

With support from Project for Public Spaces, this work will follow a “lighter, quicker, cheaper” approach—focused on practical, high-impact improvements that can be tested, refined, and expanded over time.

The East Side Social District will serve as a model for how community-driven design can strengthen neighborhood connections and inform future corridor improvements across the City.

Take the Survey

For those unable to attend the workshop, the City encourages participation in the East Side Social District user survey to better understand how the space is used. Whether or not you plan to attend, the City values and appreciates your input.

Take the Survey

Strategic Alignment

This effort also directly aligns with the City’s Strategic Action Plan and adopted Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), advancing priorities related to placemaking, walkability, and creating inclusive, people-first spaces.

CLEAN WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND

FIVE YEAR PROJECT PLAN ADVANCES

The City recently held a public hearing on its updated Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Project Plan, an important step in continuing to invest in critical wastewater infrastructure.

The updated plan outlines a series of projects focused on maintaining and improving the City’s sanitary sewer system and wastewater treatment operations. Planned investments include wastewater treatment plant improvements and equipment replacement; headworks and preliminary treatment upgrades; grit removal system improvements; primary clarifier rehabilitation or replacement; pumping system upgrades; UV disinfection system replacement and elevation for flood resilience; collection system improvements to address inflow and infiltration; sanitary sewer main rehabilitation and replacement; manhole rehabilitation and sealing; and lift station upgrades.

The City’s previous five-year project plan is set to expire in 2026, making this update a necessary step to remain eligible for low-interest CWSRF financing. Participation in the program requires an approved project plan, which allows the City to access funding to support ongoing infrastructure improvements.

This work is part of the City’s broader, proactive approach to asset management, ensuring that essential systems are maintained, modernized, and positioned to serve the community for years to come.

LEAF & BRUSH PICK UP

The City's Leaf & Brush Pick Up is scheduled will begin on April 27, 2026. Leaf collection will begin on the west side in Zone 1 and progress eastward through all zones. Residents can view the map to identify their zone and prepare for leaf pickup accordingly. There will be one pass only.

Brush piles cannot exceed 8' x 8' and 4' high - branches no more than 4" in diameter and should be placed in the alley. If there is no alley, brush can be placed behind the curb or pavement edge of the street.

DEVELOPMENT AREA CITIZENS COUNCIL

The City is in need of volunteers who reside within the TIF 97 District in Downtown Traverse City to serve on the Development Area Citizens Council.



The Development Area Citizens Council is charged with providing findings and recommendations concerning a proposed Moving Downtown Forward Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan in the downtown district.

Call the City Clerk's Office at (231) 922-4480 for questions.

NOW HIRING

NATURE DAY CAMP SPECIALISTS

The City is thrilled to about the return of summer day camp programming, marking an exciting step forward in expanding recreational and childcare opportunities for families.

Through the new partnership with the Grand Traverse Conservation District, programs are planned to take place at Hickory Hills Recreation Area for the 2026 season.

As part of launching this program, the Grand Traverse Conservation District is currently hiring Nature Day Camp Specialists. This role works closely with the Education Team to support the organization’s mission by developing and delivering environmental education programs, assisting with exhibits and signage, and representing the organization. The position plays a key role in creating meaningful, hands-on outdoor learning experiences for youth participating in the camp.

The summer day camp initiative directly aligns with the City’s Strategic Action Plan and adopted Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), advancing priorities related to expanding childcare access, enhancing recreational opportunities, and supporting family-friendly amenities across the community.

CDBG 2026-2027 PLAN

RESILIENT COMMUNITY

In 2024, the City officially became a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Resilient Community, marking its first year of five years as an entitlement grantee. This designation allows the City to directly receive federal funding to address affordable housing, homelessness, and infrastructure needs for low- and moderate-income residents. Program Year (PY) 2026/2027 will be the City's third annual allocation of approximately $370,400 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Note: as of the date of the preparation of this draft Annual Plan, HUD has not announced grant amounts for any grantee entitlement communities.

A 30-day public comment period for the 2026-2027 plan is required for each year’s plan to ensure community voices are heard in shaping local investment priorities.

CDBG funds can be used for:

• Housing (e.g. Rehabilitation, etc.)
• Public Infrastructure/Facilities Improvements
• Public Services

Funds assist Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) individuals and families

• Low- and Moderate-Income Persons (Area/ClientBased)
• Prevention or Elimination of Slums or Blight
• Meet Community Development Needs Having a Particular Urgency

Draft Annual Action Plan for Program Year 2026/2027

The draft goals and proposed spending allocations are summarized below.

Goal One: Assist with the rehabilitation of affordable housing and otherwise lowering the economic barriers to such housing for low- and moderate-income households, seniors, and persons experiencing homelessness. Working with partners including local continuum of care organizations and organizations providing supportive housing, The Fair Housing Center of West Michigan, and others.

Goal Two: Support community and economic development projects, including public facility or infrastructure improvements in qualifying low- and moderate-income areas. Collaborate with City Annual Action Plan 2026 3 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Engineering department to identify high priority infrastructure needs in qualifying low- and moderateincome areas.

Goal Three: Support shelters and services for persons experiencing homelessness or persons at-risk of homelessness through capacity building and staffing assistance.

Goal Four: Support program administration.

Final approval will be sought from the City Commission for the 2026/2027 Annual Action Plan at the second public hearing scheduled for May 11, 2026, after the public input period has elapsed, in order to meet HUD timelines.