WELCOME FIRE CHIEF BUNYEA

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE MAY 28

The City is pleased to welcome Aaron Bunyea as the City’s new Fire Chief. Chief Bunyea officially began serving in the role this week and was formally sworn in during a ceremony held on May 13, 2026.

Chief Bunyea brings extensive leadership and emergency services experience to the Traverse City Fire Department, including service as Interim Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief for Clemson University and the City of Clemson Fire Department, as well as Deputy Fire Chief for the United States Air Force. He succeeds longtime Fire Chief Jim Tuller, who retired in April following decades of service to the community.

Chief Bunyea was selected following a national search process and officially assumed command on May 13. City Manager Benjamin Marentette previously noted Chief Bunyea’s strong background in leadership, collaboration, training, and firefighter wellness as key attributes that will help guide the continued evolution of the department.

The community is invited to attend an Open House welcoming Chief Bunyea on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Fire Station 1. Residents are encouraged to stop by, meet Chief Bunyea, and welcome him to the Traverse City community.

ANNUAL BUDGET 

CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTION

At their May 18, 2026 meeting, the City Commission will consider adoption of the City’s Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget. The proposed budget reflects continued investment in core municipal services, infrastructure, public safety, and long-term financial stability while aligning resources with community priorities and strategic initiatives.

The Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget also represents the first full implementation year of the City’s Strategic Action Plan (SAP), adopted in 2025, and the City Commission’s Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), adopted earlier this year. The budget integrates strategic investments related to placemaking, mobility, sustainability, infrastructure, and neighborhood vitality while continuing to prioritize essential service delivery and asset management.

BOARDMAN/OTTAWAY RIVER CLEAN UP 

MAY 22

The community is invited to participate in the Boardman/Ottaway River Cleanup on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. following recent flooding impacts along the river corridor. The cleanup effort is being coordinated by partners with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and FishPass as part of a community stewardship initiative.

Participants should meet at Rotary Square, where cleanup supplies, including trash bags and gloves, will be available. Volunteers may clean along the Lower Boardman/Ottaway River corridor from FishPass to the river mouth at West Grand Traverse Bay at their own pace throughout the event.

Community members are encouraged to help remove small debris and litter from the river corridor. For large debris located within City limits, including large tree limbs or other significant materials, residents should contact the City at (231) 922-4900 rather than attempting to move items themselves.

The cleanup is being held in recognition of World Fish Migration Day and highlights ongoing community partnerships focused on protecting and restoring the Boardman/Ottaway River.

PARKING RATE AND ENFORCEMENT CHANGES 

BEGINNING THIS SUMMER

Beginning Memorial Day weekend, the City will implement seasonal parking rate and enforcement changes as part of ongoing efforts to support the long-term sustainability of the parking system and better manage peak seasonal demand.

From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, enforcement hours for on-street/surface lot metered and pay station parking will be extended to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Enforcement hours will return to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. following Labor Day.

Seasonal meter rate adjustments will also take effect between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend, with premium spaces increasing from $1.50 to $1.75 per hour and non-premium spaces increasing from $1.25 to $1.50 per hour. Following Labor Day, premium spaces will be $1.60 per hour and non-premium spaces will be $1.35 per hour.

The seasonal adjustments are intended to help the parking system respond to increased visitation during peak summer months while supporting parking operations, maintenance, enforcement, and future system improvements year-round. By aligning rates and enforcement with periods of highest demand, the City can better leverage the visitation economy to support the parking system as a whole.

Additional changes are also being made to monthly parking permits. Surface permits will increase from $48 to $55 per month, Hardy Parking Structure permits will increase from $55 to $60 per month, and Old Town Parking Structure permits will increase from $35 to $45 per month.

In addition, existing Hardy permits will no longer include access to the Old Town Parking Structure. A new combined Hardy and Old Town permit option will be available for $65 per month for users seeking access to both structures. Existing Hardy permit holders wishing to maintain access to Old Town will need to contact the Parking Services office to upgrade their permit.

Additional annual permit and rate adjustments are anticipated in 2027 and 2028 as part of broader parking system planning and operational sustainability efforts.

EAST SIDE

PLACEMAKING SURVEY

A survey is available for those who were unable to attend the recent community workshop focused on improved placemaking for the East Side Social District. The survey will remain open through May 22, 2026.

This effort builds on exciting momentum, as 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 the 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 along the E. Eighth Street and Garfield Avenue corridor.

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 exploring opportunities to enhance accessibility, improve pedestrian safety, strengthen connectivity, and support both community use and local businesses.



With support from Project for Public Spaces, the project will follow a “lighter, quicker, cheaper” approach focused on practical, high-impact improvements that can be tested and refined over time. The effort also aligns with the City’s Strategic Action Plan and adopted OKRs related to placemaking, walkability, and inclusive, people-first spaces.

HUMANITARIAN AWARD CELEBRATION

The City’s Human Rights Commission (HRC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award and the 2026 Humanitarian Business/Organization Awards.

The HRC is honored to recognize Marcelo Betti as the recipient of the 2026 Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award. The annual award recognizes individuals who embody the Commission’s core values of mutual understanding, respect, and inclusivity within the community. Marcelo serves as Legal Director of Immigration Law & Justice Michigan and regularly supports vulnerable populations, including refugees, victims of domestic violence, and unaccompanied children seeking lawful status in the United States.

The HRC will also recognize HelpLink and Neurodiversity Support Center as recipients of the 2026 Humanitarian Business/Organization Awards. These awards honor organizations that have demonstrated a sustained and meaningful commitment to helping others throughout the Traverse City region.

HelpLink provides fast, dignified support for individuals facing immediate needs, while the Neurodiversity Support Center supports neurodiverse students in developing life, study, and workplace skills in a supportive environment.

The public is encouraged to attend the Honoree Celebration on Monday, May 18, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Avenue. Awards will also be formally presented during the 7 p.m. meeting of the Traverse City City Commission.

WATER SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT

WEEK OF MAY 18

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 May 18 Locations

The week of May 18, 2026, work will be conducted on 500 block of Fifth, the 200 block of E. Eighth, the 200 block of E. Tenth, the 100 block of E. Fifteenth, the 1300 block of S. Union, and the 1300 block of Cass. This work will cause lane closures and lane shifts. Additionally, the work will cause sidewalk closures.

HICKORY HILLS

DAY CAMP

REGISTRATION OPEN

The City, in partnership with the Grand Traverse Conservation District (GTCD), is excited to announce a new Summer Day Camp experience at the City’s Hickory Hills Recreation Area for ages 7-12 years old. This camp is an extension of GTCD’s long-standing Nature Day Camp, bringing the same mission-driven outdoor learning to a new, inspiring setting. Registration for GTCD’s Hickory Hills Day Camp is now open via GTCD’s digital camp registration system.



Rooted in GTCD’s mission to lead, facilitate, and inspire exploration, appreciation, conservation, and restoration of our natural world, campers can expect hands-on exploration, nature-based play, environmental learning, and opportunities to build connections with the natural world.

Strategic Alignment

Expanding childcare opportunities was identified by the community as the top priority in the Strategic Action Plan and aligns with the City Commission’s OKRs.

COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE

Be a hero and join us for a Community Blood Drive hosted at the Governmental Center in the lower level cafeteria on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins welcome. Call 1-866-MI-BL00D.

Pro-Tip: Make sure to EAT a healthy MEAL and DRINK plenty of WATER before donating. 

Learn More

CITY ACADEMY
2026 GRADUATES

The City congratulates the graduates of the 2026 City Academy program and extends sincere appreciation for their commitment to learning more about local government, public service, and the community they call home.

Over the course of five weeks and nine sessions, participants received an in-depth look at City operations, services, infrastructure, governance, and long-term planning efforts. Through presentations, discussions, tours, and hands-on learning opportunities, graduates gained a deeper understanding of how City departments work together to serve the community every day.

Beyond learning about municipal operations, City Academy also helped foster new relationships and connections among participants and City staff. The program is designed to strengthen community engagement, encourage civic involvement, and build lasting connections between residents and their local government.

The City also extends a heartfelt thank you to the City employee team who dedicated additional time and energy to support this year’s program. Their willingness to share expertise, answer questions, and provide behind-the-scenes insight continues to make City Academy a meaningful and successful experience.

Congratulations again to the City Academy Class of 2026, and a big thank you for your interest and enthusiasm in helping shape the future of the community.

Class of 2026

Chris Deyo

Michael Heuss

Billy McMullen

David Richardson

Thomas Scott

Winifred Simpson

Jill Sterling

Emily Taphouse

Rick Venner