ELECTION UPDATES

NOVEMBER 4, 2025 ELECTION RESULTS

Thank you to all the residents who exercised their civic duty by voting in the November 4, 2025 City of Traverse City election. Active participation in the democratic process is essential for building a stronger and more vibrant community. A sincere thank you to the dedicated election workers whose hard work and commitment ensured a smooth and fair electoral process for the City of Traverse City.

Swearing-In Ceremony for Mayor & City Commission

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the Mayoral and City Commission candidates who ran for a seat in the recent election. The dedication and willingness to serve the community by running for office is admirable, and we commend their commitment to making the City a better place for all its residents.

Interim City Clerk Sarah Lutz will swear in Lance Boehmer, Ken Funk, and Laura Ness as City Commissioners, and Amy Shamroe as Mayor, at the City Commission’s November 10, 2025, Organizational Meeting. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m., and will be held in the Commission Chambers on the second floor of the Governmental Center. Upon taking the Oath of Office, they will all officially assume their offices.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, the City Commission will select one of its members to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for a two-year term. They will make various appointments to boards as well as form a variety of ad hoc interview committees to interview and make recommendations to appointments to various boards.

Proposal 1 - Brown Bridge Trust Fund: Passed

Shall the Charter of the City of Traverse City, Section 129, which currently provides that the principal of the Brown Bridge Trust Fund may only be used upon approval of the voters, be amended to allow the City Commission for a period of five years to place $3,000,000.00 of Brown Bridge Trust Fund principal in a separate trust fund for City park capital improvements and/or improvements that increase accessibility to City parkland, and any of the three million dollars not contractually committed to a project within five years, shall be returned to the Brown Bridge Trust Fund? 

Learn More

Proposal 2 - Brown Bridge Revolving Loan Fund: Failed

Shall the Charter of the City of Traverse City, Section 129, which currently provides that the principal of the Brown Bridge Trust Fund may only be used upon approval of the voters, be amended to provide that upon recommendation of the City Treasurer, the City Commission may place any amount of the principal in the Brown Bridge Trust Fund up to a cumulative total of five million dollars ($5,000,000) in a separate revolving loan fund to be used only for interfund loans to other City funds within the budget of the City of Traverse City?

Proposal 3 - Charter Amendment: Passed

Shall the Charter of the City of Traverse City be amended to require an ethics ordinance which shall apply to all elected and appointed officers, employees and volunteers of the City of Traverse City?

RESPONDING TO SNAP PAUSE, TOGETHER

VOLUNTEER AND/OR GIVE RESOURCES

As our community continues to navigate the uncertainty caused by the recent pause in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, it’s more important than ever that we come together to support our neighbors facing food insecurity.

Local partners like Food Rescue and the Northwest Food Coalition have been working to provide guidance and resources, helping the community respond to the growing demand for food assistance.

Background & Status

More than 40 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits to help feed their families. However, due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on October 23, 2025, that there were insufficient funds to pay for November SNAP benefits. As a result, millions of Americans lost access to this critical source of food assistance on November 1, 2025.

While two court rulings on October 31, 2025 temporarily ordered the restoration of funding, updates from federal officials have been mixed. On November 6, 2025, the USDA indicated that SNAP maximum allotments will be reduced to approximately 35% of the benefit payments for the month of November. Still some households with income, whether from social security, disability, or employment will lose a larger share of benefits or receive no benefits at all.

As of the writing of this publication, a federal judge ordered the administration to deliver full SNAP payments to all states by November 7, 2025. It has been stated that disbursement through the states will take time.

Regional Impact

The reality here in northern Michigan is stark. While local food pantries, meal sites, and organizations like Food Rescue are doing everything they can, they simply cannot fill the gap left by the loss and reduction of federal SNAP benefits.

On average, nine out of every ten meals provided through food assistance programs come directly from federal sources like SNAP, while community-based programs provide just one out of ten. Without federal support, local resources are stretched beyond capacity.

The numbers speak for themselves. In September alone, 13,602 residents across Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties received a combined $2.2 million in SNAP benefits — and more than one-third of those recipients were children. The loss of this support has threatened thousands of households across the region.

How We Can Respond

In times like these, our strength lies in our solidarity. Whether through donations, volunteering, advocacy, or simply sharing information, every effort brings us closer to ensuring no one in our community goes hungry.

The State has provided $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan to support emergency food efforts. However, this is far short of the need. Already, many food pantries are seeing double the normal number of calls and visitors seeking assistance.

Food Rescue and the Northwest Food Coalition Response

• Increasing distribution of food, especially frozen produce
• Adding at least two additional volunteer repack days each week (starting the week of November 3)
• Providing storage and trucking support at no cost to help pantries distribute additional food
• Increasing procurement from the Michigan Agricultural Surplus System

The Northwest Food Coalition Additional Response

• Establishing a temporary emergency fund to purchase food
• Distributing additional resources to pantries and meal programs
• Coordinating volunteers for repacking and distribution efforts
• Connecting residents to local food assistance programs and resources

Volunteer and Donations

Please consider volunteering for a Food Rescue repack.

Volunteer Registration

Donate to Food Coalition

Donate to Food Rescue

Additionally, the City of Traverse City and Grand Traverse County will have a Father Fred Foundation food donation box at the Governmental Center. Suggested items include: 5 oz. canned chicken or tuna, oatmeal, peanut butter, rice, dried beans (1 lb. bag), spaghetti or pasta, pasta sauce, soups, canned fruits in juice/pie filling, canned vegetables, boxed potatoes/boxed stuffing.

If you are or someone you know is in need of access to food, dial 2-1-1 from any phone to speak with a trained specialist who can connect you to local food banks, pantries, and other programs.

HICKORY HILLS SEASON UPDATES

SEASON PASSES ON SALE NOW

Season Passes

The City is gearing up for the winter season at Hickory Hills! Season passes for Hickory Hills are now on sale. Alpine season passholders may also use Nordic trails at no additional charge.

The City's software offers options to make your adventurous days at Hickory easier than ever. Waivers may be completed ahead of time, and money can be added to passholder accounts for use on anything at Hickory (think snacks and merch!).

Pass pick up will be available beginning December 8, 2025.

Hickory Purchase Portal

When the season opens, day passes will continue to be purchased onsite at the ticket window. Reminder, a variety of rentals are available for both alpine and nordic.

Seasonal Positions

JOIN THE FUN! The City is now hiring for seasonal positions at Hickory Hills. 

Learn More

Disc Golf Season Concludes

To prepare for the ski season, disc golf baskets have been removed.

TIME OF USE RATES

TRAVERSE CITY LIGHT & POWER

Taking effect in December 2025, Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) will be moving to time-of-use rates. These rates are billed on an on-peak and off-peak cycle during the week. Weekends and holidays are off-peak.

They are intended to:

• Support a more stable grid.
• Promote cleaner energy use.
• Potentially lower your bill by shifting activities to off-peak hours.

TCLP is inviting community members and customers to attend an Open House event on Thursday, November 13, 2025, to learn about the utility’s upcoming Time-of-Use (TOU) rate structure. The new rates will first appear on customer bills in January 2026.

The event will take place at the TCLP Service Center located at 1131 Hastings Street, Traverse City, MI, with two identical sessions offered to accommodate varying schedules: from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., and again from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how TOU rates work, understand peak and off-peak pricing, and identify potential ways to save on energy costs by adjusting usage habits. Light refreshments will be provided, and no RSVP is necessary.

PRIMARY SETTLING TANK WORK WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

As part of the upcoming Headworks and UV systems upgrade, scheduled maintenance on two primary settling tanks at the Wastewater Treatment Plant began this past week. The work will take place over approximately four weeks, with each tank receiving two weeks of maintenance.

During this process, the odor covers on the tanks will need to be temporarily removed. While the covers will be replaced at the end of each work shift to help reduce odors overnight, residents and businesses in the surrounding area may still notice an increase in odor during daytime hours.

HARDY PARKING STRUCTURE

NO POWER NOVEMBER 11TH

Customers should be aware that the City’s contractor will be conducting an electrical upgrade at the Hardy Parking Structure on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 7:00 am. Work activities are anticipated to be completed by the end of the day on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. 

During work activities, the structure will have no power. This will result in no lighting, elevator service, or ADA door operator functionality. Signed ADA parking will be added to the ground floor and is available by displaying your ADA placard. Gates will remain open during this time to accommodate parkers in the structure who need to enter and exit. 

PUMPKIN SMASHING EXTRAVAGANZA SATURDAY

DIVERTING PUMPKINS FROM LANDFILLS

The City is excited to team up with Carter’s Compost and SEEDS again this year for the Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza, a community event focused on sustainability and fun, happening on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the City’s in-vessel composting unit, located at 143 Beitner (next to the DPS Building on Woodmere Avenue). This free event will welcome the public to smash their pumpkins at various activity stations. In addition, pumpkin drop-off will be allowed from November 1st, and will continue until 1:00 pm on November 8th. Pumpkins should be free of any decorations and paint.

The 20-yard in-vessel composting unit is a key part of the City’s Compost and Food Waste Reduction project. This fully enclosed system, ideal for urban settings, can process approximately 100 tons of food waste annually.

In 2025, the City exceeded its goal and was able to divert 3 tons of pumpkins from landfills. With 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins produced annually in the U.S., many end up in landfills, contributing to methane emissions—landfills account for 20% of the U.S.’s methane output. Composting pumpkins helps reduce greenhouse gases, diverts waste, and returns nutrients to the soil, improving environmental health. This event is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and educate the public on how they can make incremental steps toward food waste reduction.

MURALS COMPLETED

SEVEN MURALS ALONG THE NORTH BOARDMAN LAKE DISTRICT

All seven murals from the Traverse City Arts Commission's Mural Festival in September 2025 are now completed. The weeklong celebration of public art has transformed the North Boardman Lake District into a corridor of color, creativity, and community.

The Artists & Locations

• Oryana: Nik Burkhart (Maple City)
• The Filling Station: Jamie John (Traverse City)
• EB2 Vintage: Dania Grevengoed (Grand Rapids)
• Bay Family Vision Care: Dania Grevengoed (Grand Rapids)
• Silver Spruce Brewing: Eddie Chaffer aka Son Visual (Grand Rapids)
• The Copy Shop: Daisuke Okamoto (Los Angeles, CA)
• The Box Building: Dominic Laporte & Anaïs Labreque aka Drift Mural Co. (Ottawa, Ontario)

PUBLIC SURPLUS AUCTION

THROUGH NOVEMBER 12TH

The City is auctioning off a variety of equipment including a vehicle, Wacker Neuson loaders, a trailer, tires, office furniture, etc. Check it out now through November 12 , 2025 at 2 pm.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION

PROJECT UPDATES

The City’s 2025 Road Reconstruction Projects are fully underway, with some recently completed. Work activities will cause disruptions to pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular traffic. Appropriate signage will be in place for the detour, and access to all homes and businesses will be maintained at all times. 

Following are updates on current projects.

Eleventh Street Reconstruction Substantially Completed

Eleventh Street reconstruction was substantially completed on September 26, 2025. Pavement markings, permanent signage, bioswale plantings, and irrigation repair have been completed. The remaining element of the project is the installation of the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at the intersection of Cass Street and Eleventh Street.

Twelfth Street Reconstruction Substantially Completed

Twelfth Street reconstruction between Union and Cass Streets is substantially completed. Pavement markings, permanent signage, and bioswales are remaining.

Griffin Street Reconstruction Active

Griffin Street reconstruction, between Pine and S. Union Streets, completion date is anticipated for November 14, 2025, weather permitting. The Union Street intersection was opened this week as watermain work was completed in the area.

Ninth Street Reconstruction Active

Ninth Street reconstruction, between Union and Cass Streets. The project completion date is anticipated for November 14, 2025, weather permitting.  

LEAF PICK UP CONTINUES

City crews have conducted two passes and will continue to conduct leaf pick up until heavy snow.

Progress updates will be announced via social media and will also be available on the interactive map on the City's Leaf Pick Up 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.

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, November 12, 2025, from 10 am to 2:30 pm.

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. 

CITY OFFICE HOURS ADJUSTMENT

GOVERNMENTAL CENTER

City Office Hours: Governmental Center

Monday–Thursday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Friday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Customer needs outside of these regular business hours will be available by appointment only. For after-hours services, customers may use the red drop box located at the Governmental Center, or make payments online.

Please note that Grand Traverse County Offices will continue to maintain their customer service hours at the Governmental Center, Monday–Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

IN THE COMMUNITY

THANKS ELECTION WORKERS!

Big gratitude to all of our Election workers! The City had over 50 election workers during Early In-Person Voting and on Election Day. These are your neighbors, friends, and fellow community members who take time out of their busy lives to give back in a meaningful way...democracy!

And a big thanks to our City Clerk's Team who work tirelessly to ensure safe, fair, and efficient elections for our residents.