OBJECTIVES & KEY RESULTS

COMMISSION DISCUSSION

At their January 12, 2026 meeting, the City Commission will be reviewing and discussing draft Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) that help guide Strategic Action Plan priorities into clear, measurable outcomes for City decision-making, resource allocation, and organizational performance.

The session builds on prior Commission input and serves as a focused framework for advancing implementation of the Strategic Action Plan in a manner that honors the community’s input and priorities.

In parallel, Future iQ is currently meeting with Department Heads to discuss their roles in implementation and to gather input on alignment with the Strategic Action Plan and identified prioritization items. These conversations are helping ensure that the draft OKRs are both strategically grounded and operationally realistic.

Following the discussion, feedback from the City Commission will inform continued refinement of the OKRs. Once finalized, the OKRs will come back to the City Commission for final adoption.

WATER SYSTEM UPGRADES

JANUARY 14TH: WATER SHUT-OFF IN BOOM NEIGHBORHOOD

The City's Water and Wastewater Maintenance Division will be performing upgrades to the water system on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 requiring the water system to be temporarily shut down fully in the BOOM neighborhood area for approximately 4 to 6 hours to complete the necessary work. The work is anticipated to start after 8:30 a.m. It is suggested to draw water in advance for drinking, cooking, and flushing toilets.

The area affected will be all homes north of Cherrylane, on Bloomfield, Highland Park, Timberlane, Nakoma, Arrowhead, Kewaunee, Cuyahoga, and Kaukauna. Notification letters have been mailed to the properties affected.

Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation. Please feel free to call Justin Roy, Water/Wastewater Maintenance Superintendent, at (231) 922-4923 if you have any questions, comments or concerns about the work or the schedule.

HICKORY HILLS SEASON UPDATES

NOW OPEN!

Hours and Special Dates

Hickory Hills has opened for the winter season! Currently, runs open are Fast Tammy (conveyor list), Magna Carta, and Waterfall. Stay tuned for updates and future announcements for additional runs opening.

During the season, early openings will continue on scheduled TCAPS days off at 11:00 am. New this season, Hickory will now open early at 1:00 pm on scheduled TCAPS half/early release days. Early openings will not take place on snow days.

Learn More

Season Passes

Season passes for Hickory Hills are 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!).

Hickory Purchase Portal

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

Nordic Updates & Raptor Rush on Saturday

Despite warmer temperatures, grooming crews were able to set tracks where possible on Thursday, January 8. There will be sloppy conditions and some standing water in the Meadows near creek crossings until temperatures decrease and new snow arrives.

The Vasa Raptor Rush will take place at Hickory Hills on Saturday, January 10. There are freestyle race options, a tour available for adults, and great classic skiing on display by the fast and talented Vasa Raptors High School ski team, as well as races for middle school athletes. Race participants will need a season pass or may purchase a day pass from Hickory Hills.

Come join the fun and cheer on the Vasa Raptors!

Seasonal Positions

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

Learn More

CHRISTMAS TREE DROP OFF SITE

The Christmas Tree drop off site is available and open for City residents. Please be sure that trees are free of all decorations, tinsel, etc. so they can be properly mulched and reused in nature. The drop off site closes on January 30th. Trees may be dropped off at the boat launch parking lot in Hull Park.

Fun Fact: Trees are chipped and used for trail surfacing in City parks and the Brown Bridge Quiet area, mulching material, and erosion control.

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, January 14, 2026, 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. 

MONTHLY COMMUNITY OFFICE HOURS

PLANNING COMMISSION

The Planning Commission hosts community office hours at rotating locations once a month on Wednesdays at either Noon or 6:00 pm.

Come chat with Planning representatives on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 6 pm at Tank Space, 1110 E. Eighth Street. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about what’s happening in City Planning.

GUARDIAN AWARD

SEEKING 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, 2026. The honoree(s) will be celebrated at a reception in spring 2026.

CONGRATULATIONS

SARAH LUTZ & REBECCA ADLER

Join us in giving a high five to Sarah Lutz, the City's new City Clerk, and Rebecca Adler, the City's new Deputy City Clerk!

At their January 5, 2026 meeting, the City Commission appointed Sarah Lutz as City Clerk. Lutz has served as Interim City Clerk since Benjamin Marentette assumed the role of Interim City Manager and was later appointed City Manager. She previously served as Deputy City Clerk for the City beginning in 2021.

Additionally, the City Commission appointed Rebecca Adler as Deputy City Clerk. Adler has been with the City Clerk’s Office since 2022 and has served as Interim City Clerk since July 2025.

We are grateful to have Sarah and Rebecca leading the Clerk's Office!

ASSESSOR'S OFFICE

CLOSED JANUARY 15, 2026

The City Assessor's Office will be closed on Thursday, January 15, 2026 for employee training.