2025 CITY ACADEMY

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

The 2025 City Academy applications are now available. Launched in 2023, the program's initiative aims to empower citizens with a profound understanding of the intricacies surrounding city governance and operations, encouraging active contributions to the betterment of our beloved community. Ever wondered about the decisions behind street reconstructions, the safety of our drinking water, or who to contact for municipal services? City Academy has the answers!

Program Details

• Duration: 5 weeks
• Sessions: 8, from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
• Commencement: April 15, 2025

Throughout the program, participants will engage with City staff, delving into the realms of both long-term planning and day-to-day operations. From informative presentations to exclusive "behind-the-scenes" facility tours at locations such as Hickory Hills, Fire Station 1, Water Treatment Plant, and Wastewater Treatment Plant, attendees will gain valuable insights into the pivotal role local government plays in shaping the quality of life for Traverse City residents.

City Academy Goals

1. Knowledge: Inform citizens about how the City is organized and how services are funded and delivered through first-hand involvement. Create opportunities for mutual learning.
2. Involvement: Growing a pipeline for substantial citizen involvement in the form of serving on boards, commissions, committees, and so forth. Become ambassadors for the City.
3. Community Relations: Building relationships with City staff by developing open lines of communication by reducing barriers and developing social capital for meaningful dialogue and collective action. 

Application Period

• Start: February 1, 2025
• End: February 28, 2025

Interested individuals are invited to apply during this window. The program seeks participants who represent a diverse cross-section of the community, with priority given to City residents first. With a limited intake of no more than 12 participants, City Academy aims to create a well-balanced ecosystem that represents the entire City.

Join City Academy and be a catalyst for positive change! Together, let's unlock the potential within each citizen to shape the future of Traverse City!

STRATEGIC ACTION PLANNING

FOCUS GROUP SESSIONS & SURVEY

The City is in an active phase of the Strategic Action Planning process. It is critical for residents to be engaged in the Strategic Planning process. Keep an eye on the project portal and join the project mailing list to stay up to date on opportunities to get involved.

Strategic Pillars

The Strategic Round Table held on January 21st was an interactive community session that helped create the key strategic focus areas for the Strategic Action Plan. The purpose of the session was to identify 5-6 key strategic focus areas that will support the preferred future for the City of Traverse City.

• Building Socio-Economic Systems and Amenities
• Supporting Environmental Sustainability
• Strengthening Place-Making and Neighborhood Character
• Proactively Manage Urban Design
• Fostering a Regional Collaborative Approach
• Building a Thriving Year-Round Economy

February Focus Groups and Community Input Sessions

To dive deeper into the Strategic Pillars and how we achieve the desired future, Community Focus Group Sessions will be held between February 18-20, 2025. There will be one session solely focused on each Strategic Pillar. In addition, two evening community sessions have been scheduled so input can be provided on all areas. All sessions are open to the public.

Community Survey Closes February 14th

A community survey for the Strategic Action Plan project is now available. Its primary goal is to gather insights on the community’s desired future direction to inform the development of the Strategic Plan. The survey is designed for residents of the City of Traverse City and individuals with a direct connection to the community. It seeks to understand their perspectives on life in Traverse City and their vision for the City's future.

The survey is open to all ages. Please share and make it a household activity!

Take the Survey

MDOT PROJECT UPDATE

OPEN HOUSE: FEBRUARY 11TH

This year, MDOT plans to rebuild a 2.2-mile section of M-72 (Grandview Parkway) from Division Street in Traverse City and M-22 (Bay Shore Drive) to Cherry Bend Road in Elmwood Township. The $25.8 million project is anticipated to begin in April 2025 and be completed in November 2025. Work activities and improvements include the following.

• Removing the concrete and composite (asphalt over concrete) pavements and restoring the surface condition and ride quality to good condition
• Drainage improvements, including curb and gutter
• Storm sewer and culverts
• Replacing sidewalks and nonmotorized path
• Improvements for local transit buses
• Upgrading sidewalk ramps to Americans with Disabilities Act standard
• Building a roundabout at the M-72/M-22 intersection that incorporates the Bay Street intersection
• Cherry Bend Road traffic signal upgrades
• Improving driveway access management where possible.

Community Open House

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

4 - 6 pm

MDOT Traverse City Transportation Service Center (TSC)

2084 US-31 South, Suite B

Utility Relocation Preparation Project

M-72 closed on February 3, 2025, just west of the M-22 intersection in Elmwood Township for approximately four weeks, as utility companies DTE and Traverse City Light & Power relocate their underground utilities beneath the roadway. In addition, Bay Street is closed between M-72 and Ramsdell. During the closure, M-72 traffic will be detoured. The work is being done in preparation for MDOT’s project.

Utility Relocation Project Detours

Vehicular and pedestrian detours have been planned. Sidewalks and the TART Trail on the northwest side of the M-72/M-22 intersection will be closed during the work, along with sidewalk access across Bay Street on the south side of M-72. Directional signs for pedestrians and bicyclists will be posted in advance of the closure locations and detours.

Project updates and detour information are available on the City's website.

SEEKING GUARDIAN AWARD NOMINATIONS

The City's Coast Guard Committee proudly announces the call for nominations for its Guardian Award. Established to recognize outstanding contributions to the community by individuals, families, or entire Coast Guard families active at Air Station Traverse City, this award celebrates the epitome of selfless service and dedication.

The Coast Guard is a unique branch of the Military responsible for an array of maritime duties, from ensuring safe and lawful commerce to performing rescue missions in severe conditions. The Coast Guard Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the City Commission to make recommendations on matters relating to the operation, development, and planning of the United States Coast Guard services, facilities, and programs within the City of Traverse City. The City of Traverse City has been a designated Coast Guard City since 2010.

Nominations are due by March 31, 2025. The honoree(s) will be celebrated at a reception in spring 2025.

SEEKING INPUT ON CITY PARK IMPROVEMENTS

The Brown Bridge Trust Fund Ad Hoc Committee is seeking suggestions from residents regarding their desired improvements to parks and accessibility to parks. The input process is simple, consisting of a single question asking what improvements you would like to see.

Background

In 2019, a ballot proposal passed with 75.89% support, allowing the City Commission to use the Brown Bridge Trust Fund principal exceeding $12,000,000 for City park capital improvements and property acquisition for parklands for five years. This allowance expired on November 4, 2024.

In June 2024, the City Commission established an Ad Hoc Committee to explore the possibility of placing a new proposal before voters in November 2025.

Next Steps

The Ad Hoc Committee is currently evaluating how to propose the use of the funds, with a focus on park and recreational improvements. A key priority is enhancing access to parks to ensure they are more inclusive and accessible for all. The Committee plans to finalize the proposal language by May 2025.

IN THE COMMUNITY

SENIOR CENTER DOORS OPEN!

A long-awaited community dream has come to life! The new, state-of-the-art Senior Center, spanning over 18,000 square feet, officially opened on February 3, 2025. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the beginning of a new era for senior recreation, featuring modern amenities, scenic views, enhanced accessibility, and sustainable features like green roofs, electrification, and geothermal systems. Stay tuned for a community celebration this spring!