CITY STRATEGY IN MOTION

THE PERFORMANCE 2025 NOW AVAILABLE

The City invites residents, partners, and community members to join City Strategy in Motion + A Team Traverse City Celebration on February 19, 2026, an evening dedicated to reflecting on the progress made in 2025 and looking ahead to the year to come.

Event Details

Date: February 19, 2026

Time: 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Program Begins: 5:00 p.m.

Location: City Opera House

The event will showcase highlights from The Performance 2025: A Year in Review and demonstrate how community priorities are actively shaping City strategy, investment, and operations.

A central focus of the evening will be the City’s first-ever Strategic Action Plan and its implementation through Commission-adopted Objectives and Key Results (OKRs).

Adopted unanimously by the City Commission on June 2, 2025, the Strategic Action Plan marked a defining milestone for the City. Developed through a nine-month, community-driven process engaging more than 1,500 residents and partners, the Plan established six Strategic Pillars and 24 Action Items to guide policy, investments, and decision-making over the next five years.

During City Strategy in Motion, attendees will see how that vision is moving from adoption to action. City leaders will outline how the Commission’s OKRs translate the Strategic Action Plan into clear, measurable outcomes that now shape departmental work plans, budgeting priorities, and cross-departmental collaboration—ensuring accountability, transparency, and progress that can be tracked and reported.

The program will also highlight key accomplishments aligned with the Strategic Pillars, 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 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, environmental sustainability, and public safety

“2025 was a year of alignment—where community voice and strategic direction came together, laying the foundation for the measurable outcomes we are committed to delivering in the years ahead,” said City Manager Benjamin Marentette. “With the adoption of our first Strategic Action Plan and the recent adoption of the City Commission’s OKRs, we are moving from vision to execution. City Strategy in Motion is an opportunity to celebrate the progress made possible by our residents, City Commission, staff, volunteers, and partners—and to reaffirm our commitment to transparent, accountable, and intentional governance.”

The evening will celebrate not only key infrastructure and investment milestones, but also the collaborative spirit of “Team Traverse City”—the residents, volunteers, boards and commissions, community organizations, and City staff whose shared commitment helps shape a vibrant, resilient community.

Community members are encouraged to attend and kindly RSVP by February 12.

CITY ACADEMY

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR 2026 PROGRAM

The 2026 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 14, 2026

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, 2026
• End: February 28, 2026

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!

TWO-WAY STATE STREET
COMMISSION TO CONSIDER PERMANENT CONVERSION

At their Tuesday, February 17, 2026 meeting, the City Commission will discuss the future of two-way traffic operations on State Street, Boardman Avenue, and Pine Street.

Over the past three years, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has led a pilot project converting State Street from one-way to two-way traffic. The pilot was designed to test whether two-way operations would slow vehicle speeds, improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, enhance connectivity, and support downtown businesses.

After significant data collection, and following a City staff analysis that provided mixed reviews, the City retained an independent traffic engineering firm to conduct an objective evaluation of the data and operational impacts. The consultant’s professional recommendation is to maintain two-way traffic on State Street.

Commissioners will consider next steps, which may include making the two-way configuration permanent, implementing additional operational improvements, or pursuing further analysis related to Front Street circulation.

THE HILL REPORT
UPDATES AT HICKORY HILLS

All runs and the terrain park are open! 

Fast Tammy, Magna, Waterfall, Lower Swede, Swede, Birch, Jacks Trail, Buck, Pete, Maddog, Bail, Don and Jerry, Cherry Bomb, Low Grade, Rotary Rocks

Early Opening at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 20th!

Alpine Report

• Rope tow snow conditions are in good shape with over a foot of snow in depth.
• Due to warmer temperatures, thinning snow conditions along the sides of Lower Swede and along the Mad Dog ridge are currently under observation but are still accessible.
• Concern areas for the next week: With temps expected to crest the 40s 5 out of the next 7 days we anticipate starting to see some thin snow conditions on certain slopes.

Nordic Report

Nordic conditions have a fantastic layer of snow throughout the lower loops, lighted loops, and the homologated track.

Upcoming Events

• Michigan State Nordic Championship: February 27 - March 1, 2026 
• Annual Slush Cup: Sunday, March 15, 2026
• Hickory is targeting a closing date of March 20, 2026, weather dependent.

Parking

No parking is allowed on the south side of Randolph, along the sidewalk, and the access drive. Fire lanes must remain open.

Merchandise

Hickory Hills has a lot of fun new merchandise this year! From insulated beverage holders, to hats, goggles, and branded Michigan Mitten Co. mittens. Check out at the lodge!

QUICK RESPONSE TEAM BECOMES "RESILIENCE"
TRAVERSE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Traverse City Police Department’s program serving vulnerable people at high risk of overdose and justice system involvement, formerly known as the Quick Response Team (QRT), has been renamed the RESILIENCE Program.

In 2024, the University of Michigan conducted an evaluation of the QRT as part of the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) grant. The evaluation found a statistically significant reduction in negative law enforcement contacts for program participants. In addition, twenty-six interviews with QRT partner agencies and participants identified confusion about the program’s goals and name. Based on this feedback, TCPD sought a name that better reflects the program’s comprehensive work.

QRT is a nationally branded overdose response model. TCPD’s program was intentionally designed as a non-traditional approach to address the high prevalence of co-occurring substance use, mental health crises, and homelessness in Traverse City. With the rebrand, the community can expect a new name and logo, a clearer mission statement, and more robust Police Support Services Worker (PSW) follow-up and outcome reporting.

The RESILIENCE Program’s mission is to cultivate individual and community resilience by providing resources to empower, support, and improve the lives of individuals engaging in a network of collaborative enrichment.

Nothing about the original program’s design is changing. The RESILIENCE Program will remain voluntary, with the same eligibility requirements, and the PSW role remains unchanged. The program will continue to reduce repeat law enforcement contacts, overdose deaths, service fragmentation, and barriers within local service systems while increasing participant engagement. The Traverse City Police Department believes all referrals are inherently resilient and that by reducing barriers and creating meaningful opportunities, the RESILIENCE Program can strengthen the abilities people already possess.

TALK WITH YOUR KIDS

PUBLIC SAFETY

Local law enforcement agencies — including the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office, Michigan State Police, and the Traverse City Police Department — have partnered to share an important message with families in our community.

Open communication between parents and children plays a critical role in preventing and mitigating public safety concerns. Taking time to talk with your children about responsible decision-making, social media use, and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right can make a meaningful difference.

We encourage you to watch and share this brief video message, and to continue fostering conversations that help keep our schools and community safe.

PHONE SYSTEM UPGRADE

FEBRUARY 19

The City will complete a phone system changeover at the Governmental Center on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Phones are anticipated to be out of service for approximately 15 minutes.

FIRE HYDRANT ACCESSIBILITY

Due to heavy snowfall this season, there are fire hydrants within the City that have become buried or obstructed by snow. The Traverse City Fire Department is asking residents and business owners to help ensure hydrants near their properties remain clear and accessible.

Clear access to fire hydrants with a three foot radius can save valuable time during an emergency and help firefighters respond quickly and safely.  

CITY ICE RINKS OPEN

In the winter, the City creates and maintains ice skating rinks. There is no charge for use of these rinks. Weather permitting, the rinks are generally open from mid-January to early March. 

Rink Locations

• 14th and Pine Street (Thirlby Field)  
• State Street between Railroad and Hope (F&M Park - no warming house)