FLOODING EMERGENCY

UPDATES & RESOURCES

This week, flooding had significant impacts across our area. Public safety remains the top priority. The City is grateful to Grand Traverse County for proactively declaring a local state of emergency on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, followed by the Governor’s declaration on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. While water levels are beginning to recede, residents and visitors are urged to continue navigating with caution.

Grand Traverse County Digital Resource Center

Grand Traverse County has launched a digital resource center to provide centralized updates, safety information, and recovery resources related to the flooding emergency. The site includes real-time alerts, safety guidance, evacuation information, and contacts for assistance, helping residents stay informed as conditions evolve. It also outlines next steps for recovery and what residents should know when returning to impacted areas.

Self-Reported Damage Assessment

Grand Traverse County's Equalization and GIS logistic 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.

Street Closures

Although water has receded from many streets within the City, several roads throughout Grand Traverse County remain closed. Conditions may continue to change as cleanup and assessment efforts progress.

Boardman/Ottaway River Impacts in the City of Traverse City

Significant riverbank erosion occurred at the FishPass site beginning Monday, April 13, 2026. Water levels rose approximately six inches above the elevation of the former Union Street Dam. The newly constructed dam, part of the FishPass project, is believed to have helped mitigate the potential for a more significant impact. As of Thursday, April 16, 2026, conditions at FishPass remain safe and stable; however, a portion of Lot K remains closed.

Additionally, 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. Please stay clear of the sinkhole and the barriers in place.

Brown Bridge Quiet Area

The Grasshopper Creek pedestrian bridge is closed at this time. Please proceed with extreme caution on any trails.

Safety Measures

While water levels continue to recede, conditions remain hazardous. Please stay alert, take precautions, and avoid putting yourself in harm’s way.

• Do not attempt to drive through standing water—just a few inches can stall a vehicle or carry it away.
• Turn around, don’t drown—avoid flooded roadways and seek alternate routes.
• Stay away from rivers, streams, and storm drains, where water levels and flow can change quickly.
• Never walk through moving water—currents can be stronger than they appear.
• Be cautious at night, as flood hazards are harder to see.
• Follow all posted road closures and barricades—they are in place for your safety.
• Allow extra travel time and avoid unnecessary trips during peak rainfall.
• Monitor local alerts and weather updates for changing conditions.
• If you encounter flooded areas or hazards, report them to local authorities when safe to do so.
• In the event of an emergency, please call 911 immediately.

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

NEW FIRE CHIEF APPOINTED

CHIEF BUNYEA JOINS THE CITY MAY 13TH

City Manager Benjamin Marentette is excited to announce his appointment of Aaron Bunyea as Traverse City’s next Fire Chief. Chief Bunyea, a seasoned and deeply-experienced fire services professional, will succeed long-time Fire Chief Jim Tuller who is retiring April 24, 2026. The City of Traverse City is grateful for Chief Tuller’s many years of service.

The City of Traverse City conducted a national search based on a profile developed by the City Manager after personally-gathering feedback from Chief Tuller, Fire Department leadership, the Firefighters Union and others. The national recruitment yielded candidates from across the country and locally. An interview panel consisting of Grand Traverse County Emergency Management Coordinator Gregg Bird (who also serves as Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Traverse City); former Ann Arbor Fire Department Battalion Chief Derek Wiseley; Traverse City Police Chief Matt Richmond; and Human Resources Director Kristine Bosley selected and interviewed nine semifinalists. The panel recommended three finalists to Mr. Marentette for consideration. Mr. Marentette joined the panel for finalist interviews and the panel unanimously recommended that Mr. Marentette appoint Aaron Bunyea as Fire Chief. 

An extensive background investigation was completed by The Traverse City Police Department as well as other in-depth assessments. Chief Bunyea will officially begin service Wednesday, May 13, 2026. In the meantime, the City Manager has issued a transition plan to all personnel of The Traverse City Fire Department. The transition plan directs that crew captains will hold command of their shifts, and arrangements have been made with area fire chiefs and Grand Traverse County Central Dispatch to assist with incident command, if necessary, during the period of time between Chief Tuller’s retirement and Chief Bunyea beginning service. Captain and Fire Marshal Keith Fritz will serve as the liaison between the Fire Department and the City Manager’s Office.

Chief Bunyea has held the roles of Interim Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief for Clemson University Fire Department and concurrently for the City of Clemson, overseeing 160 personnel, with responsibilities spanning overall leadership and direction, large-scale events, managing a dynamic array of operations, including incident command, and launched Emergency Medical Services. Chief Bunyea also served as Deputy Fire Chief for The United States Air Force, holding command over 77 personnel. Chief Bunyea has essentially dedicated his entire career to fire service, including in volunteer capacities. While serving in the United States Air Force, Chief Bunyea earned numerous awards including for service in Honduras, Japan and South Carolina. 

Chief Bunyea graduated with honors from Columbia Southern University with a Masters of Science degree in Emergency Management and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Administration and an Associates Degree in Human Resources Management from The United States Air Force Air University.  He holds a Paramedic License, certification as a Chief Fire Officer from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Fire Officer I-IV certifications, and is an instructor on the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. 

The Fire Chief assumes command of fire scenes as necessary and exercises executive leadership and oversight for all Traverse City Fire Department operations, including fire fighting, fire prevention/inspections, HAZMAT (Hazardous Materials) and WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) responses, hazardous materials containment and emergency medical services. The Fire Chief serves at the pleasure of the City Manager. The community is invited to attend an Open House to welcome the new Fire Chief on May 28, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Fire Station 1, 500 W. Front Street.

SIDEWALK PROJECT CONSIDERED

GARFIELD AVENUE

At their Monday, April 20, 2026 meeting, the City Commission will consider authorizing a contract for the 2026 Garfield Avenue Sidewalk Project, aimed at improving pedestrian safety, accessibility, and connectivity.

The project is a sidewalk infill project identified in the City’s Mobility Action Plan, and would connect existing sidewalk infrastructure along the east side of Garfield Avenue—from just south of Boon Street to the southern end of the airport property. This segment has been identified as a gap in the network, limiting safe and continuous pedestrian access along the corridor.

Sidewalk infrastructure plays a critical role in supporting safe and accessible mobility for residents of all ages and abilities. This project will help create a more complete pedestrian network, improving connectivity for those traveling along Garfield Avenue and accessing nearby destinations.

If approved, the project would move forward as part of the City’s Capital Improvement Program, which prioritizes long-term investment in infrastructure, including streets, sidewalks, and mobility improvements aligned with the City’s Complete Streets policy.

DEVELOPEMT 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.

TART CLOSURE ALONG GRANDVIEW PARKWAY

The Michigan Department of Transportation continues to conduct landscaping work that will close the TART along the bayfront on Grandview Parkway. The bayside trail between Division Street and the area north of the M-72 roundabout will be closed for up to three weeks as contractors complete plantings in the area.

The HAWK signal at the west leg of M-72 will remain operational and available for crossing. However, the Elmwood Avenue HAWK crossing will be closed during this period.

Pedestrian barricades will be in place at all closure points to guide users safely through the area.  

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. 

LEAF & BRUSH PICK UP

BEGINS APRIL 27TH

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.

Due to unpredictable weather conditions, exact dates for each zone's pickup will not be provided. The City encourages residents to be ready for leaf pick up in their zone, as there will be only one pass. Leaves may be raked on-street no sooner than April 24th.

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.

Please note that the City utilizes a third-party vendor to distribute the annual leaf pickup reminder postcards. An issue occurred with the mailing labels, resulting in incorrect names appearing on cards. While all residents did receive the reminder, we are aware of the labeling error and apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

Brush Drop-Off Site Opened April 7th

RecycleSmart, the Resource Recovery program for Grand Traverse County, will open the Brush Drop-Off Site, 2471 N. Keystone Road, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

The Brush Drop-off Site is open during the following days and times:

• Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday – 10 am to 4:30 pm
• Saturdays - 9 am to 3:30 pm

Acceptable yard waste material includes:

• Brush and branches at a cost of $5.00/cubic yard
• Grass clippings and leaves at a cost of $5.00/cubic yard or $1.00/bag
• Untreated construction wood at a cost of $8.00/ cubic yard
• Pallets at a cost of $4.00 each
• Stumps at a cost of $.50/inch up to 24" diameter.

Please separate your grass clippings and leaves from branches and twigs as they will be unloaded in different areas. Plastic bags must be emptied and removed from the site.

CITY ACADEMY
YEAR 4 KICKS OFF

City Academy kicked off this week! Thank you to our 2026 participants and the employee team who helped make it such a meaningful and engaging experience.

THE PERFORMANCE 2025

A YEAR IN REVIEW

The City has released the Performance 2025: A Year in Review, its annual report showcasing key accomplishments, major projects, and community-centered results from the past year.

With the adoption of the City's first Strategic Action Plan in 2025, notable achievements include core services and strategic investments, including:

• A $35.5 million investment to modernize the Wastewater Treatment Plant and strengthen long-term system resilience
• Transportation and mobility improvements guided by the Mobility Action Plan and a newly adopted Complete Streets Policy
• The opening of the $10 million fully electric Senior Center—the first of its kind in Michigan
• Continued advancement of FishPass, which reached a major milestone in early 2026 with in-stream components 50 percent complete
• Strategic investments in parks, housing, and environmental sustainability