FALL LOOSE LEAF PICKUP
BEGINS OCTOBER 19

The fall Loose Leaf Pickup will begin Monday, October 19, 2026 in City neighborhoods, starting on the west side and moving eastward. Crews will then return to the west side to repeat the process. Please do not place leaves in the street before Friday, October 16, 2026.

The City has a progression map that divides the City into six zones for efficient service. 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. Due to weather conditions and the unpredictability of leaf fall, exact dates for each zone's pickup will not be provided. The City encourages residents to be ready by having their leaves gathered before collection starts in their zone.

Progress updates will be announced via social media and will also be available on the interactive map on the City's Leaf Pickup webpage. While crews may clean streets outside the scheduled zone to finish up the day, if they are not officially picking up in that zone, they will return at the appropriate time.

ATTAINABLE HOUSING DISTRICT
CITY COMMISSION TO CONSIDER ESTABLISHMENT

Following a public hearing on September 8, 2026, the City Commission will consider establishing an Attainable Housing District at its October 19, 2026 meeting. The proposed district is not a zoning change; rather, it establishes a geographic area where eligible property owners may apply for property tax incentives to support access to attainable rental housing in properties with up to four units. Existing zoning regulations and permitted uses would remain unchanged.

What is an Attainable Housing District?

Authorized under Michigan's Attainable Housing Facilities Act (2022 PA 236), an Attainable Housing District is a designated geographic area intended to encourage the development, rehabilitation, and preservation of attainable rental housing through property tax incentives.

Eligible property owners may apply for an Attainable Housing Exemption Certificate (AHEC), which, if approved, provides a property tax incentive for a period of one to 12 years. Establishing the district does not automatically grant exemptions. Each application requires individual review and approval by the City Commission and the State Tax Commission.

Responding to Public Input

Following the September 8, 2026 public hearing, City staff developed a proposed application process, evaluation criteria, and implementation policy to address community concerns and provide oversight and accountability.

Key elements include:

• Existing Zoning: Current zoning regulations and permitted uses would remain unchanged.
• Public Input: Each application would require a separate public hearing and City Commission approval.
• Income Requirements: Applications serving lower-income households would receive greater consideration, with priority given to households earning 80% or less of Area Median Income.
• Fiscal Oversight: Applications would be evaluated based on housing benefits, financial impacts, and the City's capacity to administer the program.

The initiative aligns with the City's Strategic Action Plan and the OKR Work Plan with the goal of Creating a Complete Community by expanding housing opportunities for residents at different income levels.

2028-2029 WATERMAIN & STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT OPEN HOUSE
BOARDMAN, WASHINGTON, CASS, AND STATE

The City is beginning the preliminary design phase of a significant infrastructure improvement project that will replace aging water and sanitary sewer infrastructure and reconstruct portions of Boardman Avenue, Washington Street, Cass Street, State Street, and the public alley west of Cass Street.

As design gets underway, the City is inviting the community to learn more about the project and provide input at a Community Open House on Tuesday, October 20, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Avenue.

More Than Underground Infrastructure

While replacing aging utilities is a key component of the project, reconstruction provides an opportunity to consider how people move through and experience these streets.

The project team is evaluating potential improvements for walking, biking, transit access, and accessibility. This includes bicycle facilities identified in the City's Mobility Action Plan, pedestrian safety improvements, traffic-calming measures, and upgraded stormwater infrastructure.

Community Open House

At the open house, community members will have an opportunity to learn about the project, review proposed street cross-sections and design concepts, and share feedback on concerns, challenges, and opportunities that should be considered as the design moves forward.

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Governmental Center – 2nd Floor Training Room

400 Boardman Avenue

A community survey will also be available to provide an additional opportunity for input. Feedback gathered during this preliminary design phase will help inform design decisions as the project moves forward.

ELECTION UPDATES

LAST DAY FOR ONLINE & MAIL-IN REGISTRATION IS OCTOBER 19



Last Day for Online or Mail-In Registration is October 19

Monday, October 19, 2026 is the deadline to register to vote by mail or online for the November 3, 2026 General Election. After this deadline, eligible voters may still register in person at their local clerk's office with proof of residency, including on Election Day.

Early In-Person Voting Begins October 24

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

Absentee Voting

For those who are enrolled in the Permanent Ballot List, or who have completed an Absentee Ballot Application, ballots have been mailed.

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 p.m. on election day to have it tabulated by the Absent Voter Counting Board).

Know your Jurisdiction

Returning your absentee ballot? Be sure to use an official ballot drop box in the jurisdiction where you are registered to vote. City of Traverse City drop boxes are for City voters, while voters in surrounding townships should return their ballots to their respective township clerk or designated drop box. Using the correct drop box helps ensure your ballot reaches the appropriate election officials for processing.

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

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.

2026 GOURDOWEEN

PUBLIC VOTES - OCTOBER 22 - 31

Entering its third year, Gourdoween is a showdown as City and Grand Traverse County departments face off in a creative challenge to craft the ultimate gourd diorama.

These eerie or quirky displays will be on view at the Governmental Center, where the public will get the chance to cast their vote for their favorite between October 22 and October 31. Which department will win the coveted Gourdoween title? Only your vote can decide!

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS

PUMPKIN SMASHING EXTRAVAGANZA

The City is teaming up with Carter’s Compost and SEEDS to host the 3rd Annual Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

This is a fun hands-on event where the community will smash pumpkins to help divert waste (and methane emissions) from landfills and create compost! It's a win-win!

Volunteers will be responsible for working various stations; pumpkin smashing, pumpkin bowling, etc. Dress for the weather with appropriate attire...it is smashed pumpkins after all!

Volunteer Shifts

10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

PUBLIC SURPLUS AUCTION

THROUGH OCTOBER 23

The City is auctioning off a variety of equipment including including dump trucks, kubota tractors, a pickup truck, trailers, multiple pieces of equipment, tires, office furniture, and more. Check it out now through October 23 , 2026 at 2 p.m.

PROJECT UPDATES

COMPLETE, ACTIVE, AND UPCOMING

Cape Seal Project: Substantially Complete

Project completed and pavement markings underway

Catch Basin Cleaning Project: Active

Project anticipated to be completed late October

Crack Sealing Project: Active

Project anticipated to be completed late October

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

Seventh Street Mill and Fill: Complete

S. Garfield Sidewalk Construction Project

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)

CITY PROPOSAL 1 - INFRASTRUCTURE FIRST TIF PLAN

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 educational information 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.

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.

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.

HICKORY HILLS -

HIRING SEASONAL POSITIONS

The City is hiring seasonal employees for the 2026–2027 ski season at Hickory Hills Ski Area and Lodge.

A variety of seasonal positions are available for individuals interested in being part of the Hickory Hills team this winter.

Great Pay + Employee Perks

In addition to competitive seasonal wages, Hickory Hills employees are eligible for several perks, including a season completion cash incentive of $1.50–$3.50 per hour worked, depending on the position.

Seasonal employees also receive:

• Season pass
• Equipment rentals
• Shift meal

Positions Include

• Lodge Supervisor
• Kitchen Lead
• Slope Supervisors
• Snowmaker
• Rentals/Ticket Sales
• Tow Operator
• Food & Beverage

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Pay is dependent on the position and experience.

Ready to join the team? Complete an application at traversecitymi.gov/jobs and submit it to jobs@traversecitymi.gov.

TCLP ENERGY FAIR

A great turnout at last week's Traverse City Light & Power Energy Fair! Thank you to TCLP for hosting this community event and to the City's Planning Department and Fleet Management for participating!