STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN

LAST DAY FOR COMMUNITY SURVEY

Following an extensive community engagement process that began in the fall of 2024, the City of Traverse City has reached a major milestone in its strategic planning efforts. After months of gathering community input, exploring priorities, and envisioning the City’s future, six key strategic focus areas—known as the Strategic Pillars—have been identified. Now, the City invites residents to take part in the final survey to help prioritize these Strategic Pillars and the 24 proposed Strategic Actions that will guide the Strategic Action Plan. The survey will run through May 16, 2025.

The final survey seeks community feedback on the importance of each pillar and action, ensuring the plan reflects the values and aspirations of residents.

Six Strategic Pillars

1. Building a Thriving Year-Round Economy: Expand business diversity and innovation capability to build a year-round economy.
2. Proactively Manage Urban Design: Proactively manage urban design to protect local character and community feel.
3. Strengthening Place-making and Neighborhood Character: Protect the character of downtown and neighborhoods.
4. Fostering a Regional Collaborative Approach: Help manage resources, utilities, and climate adaptation while leading on key issues.
5. Building Socio-economic Systems and Amenities: Work to create a “complete community” that has demographic balance.
6. Supporting Environmental Sustainability: Help adapt to a changing world and support a thriving ecosystem.

The survey is an opportunity for all residents to weigh in on how the City should move forward in building an equitable and sustainable future.

Take the Survey

Save the Date: Community Summit

The public is invited to participate in the Community Summit to Monday, May 19, 2025 from 4:30 - 6:00 pm. At the Community Summit, the City’s draft Strategic Action Plan will be reviewed. 

Event Details

Monday, May 19, 2025

4:30 – 6:00 pm

Senior Center, 801 E. Front Street

Registration is encouraged but not required.



Register to Attend

BROWN BRIDGE TRUST FUND PROPOSAL LANGUAGE CONSIDERED

NOVEMBER 2025 ELECTION

The Brown Bridge Trust Fund Ad Hoc Committee has been meeting to develop language for two proposals on the November 4, 2025 election ballot that would allow limited use of the Brown Bridge Trust Fund principal—pending voter approval.

Background

The Brown Bridge Trust Fund was established to hold funds generated from oil, gas, and mineral rights on City-owned land, specifically the Brown Bridge Quiet Area. The interest from this fund helps supplement the City's General Fund annually. However, the principal itself can only be used with voter authorization.

In both 2014 and 2019, voters approved five-year measures allowing use of a portion of the principal exceeding $12 million for parks capital improvements and parkland acquisition. Over the past decade, more than $2.6 million has been invested in enhancing city parks including Hickory Hills, Ashton Park, Hannah Park, and others.



As the current five-year authorization expired in 2024, the City Commission’s Ad Hoc Committee has developed two new proposals for consideration in the upcoming election. The language for the two proposals will be considered for adoption by the City Commission at their May 19, 2025 meeting.

Proposal 1: Parks Capital Improvements and Accessibility Enhancements

This proposal seeks voter approval to use up to $3 million from the Brown Bridge Trust Fund principal over a five-year period (2025–2030). Funds would support:

• Capital improvements to existing city parks
• Projects that enhance accessibility to parkland

Any funds not committed to a project by the end of the five-year window would return to the Trust Fund. A list of proposed priority projects will be developed in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Commission and the public ahead of the November election.

Proposal 2: Interfund Loan Program

The second proposal would allow the City to use up to $5 million from the Trust Fund principal for interfund loans within the City’s budget. These loans would:

• Be made only upon recommendation of the City Treasurer/Finance Director
• Be approved by the City Commission
• Include interest payments back to the Brown Bridge Trust Fund

This approach would allow the City to borrow from itself rather than external sources, reducing borrowing costs while maintaining the fund’s interest-earning capacity.

PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS, ROAD RECONSTRUCTION, & MOBILITY IMPROVEMENTS

PROJECTS FOR CONSIDERATION

At its meeting on May 19, 2025, the City Commission will consider approval of a series of significant street improvement projects aimed at preserving pavement, enhancing mobility, and investing in long-term infrastructure. The two major initiatives up for approval include cape seal pavement preservation and a slate of street reconstruction projects across the City.

Pavement Preservation: Extending Street Life with Cape Seal

As part of a cost-effective maintenance strategy, the City plans to apply cape seal treatment to approximately 4 miles of local streets. This previously used technique can extend the life of pavement by 7 to 10 years. The $573,685 project will also include striping, signage, and related traffic adjustments.

Carver Street: Strengthening Neighborhood Connectivity

Carver Street improvements include a cape seal between Woodmere Avenue and Garfield Avenue, extending the life of the roadway surface. Dedicated bike lanes will be installed on both sides of the street, and on-street parking will be removed to accommodate the new lanes. To offset this change, parallel parking will be added nearby on Fern Street.

These improvements provide a direct benefit to residents of the Traverse Heights neighborhood by creating a safe, continuous connection to the Boardman Lake Loop. The upgrade enhances access for both recreational users and commuters traveling by bike or on foot. Parking adjustments and signage updates have been thoughtfully planned to support this transition, balancing improved mobility with neighborhood accessibility. This enhancement supports Traverse City’s Mobility Action Plan and promotes safe, sustainable transportation.

Street Reconstruction: Building for the Future

In addition to pavement preservation, the City is proposing a $3.8 million investment in street reconstruction. Streets slated for full rebuild include:

• E. 9th Street
• 11th Street
• 12th Street
• Fulton Street
• Griffin Street

The projects incorporate upgrades to water and sewer infrastructure, stormwater systems, and traffic calming measures such as Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) and bump-outs. Streets like Griffin and 11th also align with the Vision Bike Network, featuring sharrows and multi-use paths to promote safe multimodal travel.

Annual Street Line Painting and Crosswalk Improvements

The City Commission will also consider awarding a contract for the annual street line and centerline painting.



Importantly, the City’s Department of Public Services team is shifting toward handling crosswalk painting in-house. This change gives staff greater control over scheduling, design, and safety improvements, allowing for quicker response times and more tailored, high-impact markings in key pedestrian areas—particularly near schools, intersections, and high-traffic zones.

GRAND TRAVERSE COMMONS CAMPUS

WATER SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENTS

At its May 19, 2025 meeting, the City Commission will consider approving a contract for services to improve water pressure and fire flow at the Grand Traverse Commons campus, which includes buildings used by the City of Traverse City and Garfield Township Joint Recreational Authority. The water system improvements will serve properties including TBA-ISD, Greenspire School, and the Cathedral Barns.

The proposal includes:

• A construction contract with Walton Contracting for an amount not to exceed $994,050, including a 5% contingency
• A consulting agreement with Hubbell, Roth & Clark (HRC) for construction engineering services up to $98,500, with the competitive bidding process waived due to HRC’s prior design work and familiarity with the site

The project will be funded through the City’s Water Fund and is expected to ensure long-term reliability and fire protection for community area. The City will manage and fund the construction, but will be fully reimbursed by the Grand Traverse County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority by the end of 2026.

WATER SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT - MAY 19TH

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 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in fall 2025.

The week of May 19th, the project will be conducted on 700 and 800 blocks of Randolph, 400 block of N. Cedar, and 700 block of Cypress. The work will cause sidewalk and intermittent street closures.

PARKING STRUCTURE TRAFFIC SHIFT DURING COATING REPAIRS

Starting Monday, May 19, 2025, contractors will be working on traffic coating adhesion at the Hardy Parking Structure.

This work will take place on Level 2 and will require a full closure of the west side during the initial phase. To accommodate this, a temporary two-way traffic pattern will be implemented on the east side—a layout that differs from the structure’s usual flow. Once work on the west side is complete, the process will shift to the east side, with a similar full closure and traffic shift to the west. Motorists are encouraged to use caution and follow all posted directions.

Signage and traffic control devices will be in place to guide parkers safely through the area. We appreciate your patience as we work to improve safety and surface conditions in the structure.

UNION STREET ZONING AMENDMENT CONSIDERATION

The Planning Commission has scheduled a public hearing on June 3, 2025 to consider a zoning amendment along Union Street in the Old Towne District. The proposed change was prompted by a rezoning application for the properties at 418 and 420 S. Union Street. The request seeks to rezone the 300, 400, and 500 blocks of S. Union Street from C-2: Neighborhood Center District to C-4a: Regional Center District.

The key difference between the current C-2 zoning and the proposed C-4a designation is the requirement for residential units in taller buildings. Under C-2 zoning, buildings may be constructed up to 45 feet tall, but any structure exceeding 30 feet in height must include at least one story of residential housing. The C-4a zoning district removes this requirement, allowing buildings over 30 feet to be constructed without a mandatory residential component.



The public hearing offers an opportunity for residents, business owners, and other stakeholders to share feedback on the proposed amendment and the potential corridor-wide changes.

PARKS & RECREATION UPDATES

TREE PLANTING, DISC GOLF, & SPLASH PAD

With the change in seasons, a variety of Parks and Recreation programs and initiatives have officially kicked off!

Tree Planting

Parks and Recreation recently wrapped up its annual spring tree planting, adding 366 new trees throughout City parks and public rights-of-way. This year’s planting included locations such as Hannah Park, Hickory Hills, and Hull Park, helping to enhance the city’s natural beauty and urban canopy.

A diverse mix of tree species was selected to promote ecological resilience and visual interest. Among the varieties planted are London Plane, Sugar Maple, White Oak, Tulip Tree, American Elm, Hackberry, and Sweetgum, along with smaller species like Ivory Silk Tree Lilac, Serviceberry, Red-Osier Dogwood, and Elderberry.

Hickory Hills Disc Golf

The disc golf baskets are in and ready for the season at Hickory Hills! The course features two 18-hole layouts designed for intermediate and advanced players, offering a fun and challenging experience in a stunning wooded setting. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors and test your skills among the trees at Hickory. Grab your discs and hit the course!

Splash Pad Opening

Parks and Recreation is gearing up to open the Clinch Park Splash Pad for the season on Saturday, May 24, 2025! Located along the bayfront, the splash pad is a favorite summer destination for families and kids of all ages—especially before the bay warms up!



The waterscape will be open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., operating through Labor Day, weather permitting. Please note that the splash pad may close during periods of rain, forecasted inclement weather, or cooler temperatures.

KCHI WIIKWEDONG (GRAND TRAVERSE BAY) ANISHINAABE CULTURAL MARKER PROJECT 

PROJECT CELEBRATED AT CLINCH PARK

The City proudly partnered with the Kchi Wiikwedong (Grand Traverse Bay) Anishinaabe Cultural Market Project to install markers within City limits. This week, the community gathered at Clinch Park to celebrate the Anishinaabe Cultural Marker Project. The event marked the installation of nine new cultural markers across Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties, honoring Anishinaabe heritage and presence in the region. The celebration featured special remarks from Anishinaabe speaker James Vukelich, who shared insights on the Seven Grandfather Teachings, a foundational philosophy of Anishinaabe culture.

Designed by Chris Cornelius of studio:indigenous, the marker’s multi-faceted structure is crafted from weathering (Corten) steel, with a perforated design inspired by traditional Anishinaabe beadwork patterns. A bronze plaque on the marker features bilingual text in Anishinaabemowin and English; the English content was written by Grand Traverse Band Tribal Elders JoAnne Cook, Arlene Kashata, and Eva Petoskey and translated into Anishinaabemowin by Isadore Toulouse of the Grand Traverse Band Cultural Services Department. Clinch Park was chosen by the Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabe History Project and the City for its historical and cultural significance.

Markers are currently installed at locations including Clinch Park, Hannah Park, the Brown Bridge Quiet Area, Suttons Bay, Northport, Leland, and Omena, with an additional installation planned for West End Beach in the City.

CITY ACADEMY

CLASS OF 2025 GRADUATES

The City proudly congratulates the City Academy Class of 2025 on their recent graduation!



Now in its third year, City Academy continues to exceed its goals of expanding civic knowledge, strengthening community relationships, and encouraging resident involvement. This year’s graduates represented neighborhoods across the city and completed am eight-session program covering everything from municipal budgeting and elections to public safety, parks, and water infrastructure.

Graduates leave the program informed, empowered, and connected—many go on to serve on City boards, join advocacy groups, and even run for office.

Special thanks to the City staff, community partners, and our dedicated participants who made this year’s program a success. To the Class of 2025: The City thanks you for your commitment, curiosity, and care for our community. We can't wait to see what you grow next—starting with that basil!

Class of 2025

Marika Lynn-Struik BeVier

Kelly Busley

Jim Dagwell

Paul Deyo

Margaret Garabelli

Heidi Mello

Jacob Morse

Laura Ness

Anya Nyson

Margaret Parsons

Sam Shore

Priscilla Walmsley

Ann Wilkins

BIKE SWAP, SMART COMMUTE WEEK, &

SAFETY ALLIANCE EVENT

MAKE THE BEST OUT OF SMART COMMUTE WEEK

Recycle-A-Bicycle Bike Swap

TART Trails will host the 14th Annual Recycle-A-Bicycle Bike Swap on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 9 am to 1 pm at the Old Town Parking Structure. Shoppers can test ride and purchase from hundreds of used bikes—commuter, mountain, road, and kids'—plus select bike accessories.

Bike drop-off for sellers is Friday, May 16, 2025 from 6 – 8 pm. Bikes must be in rideable condition. R-A-B keeps 25% of the sale price; sellers receive 75%. Unsold items and checks can be picked up Saturday from 2 – 4 pm. Items not collected will be donated.

Arrive early—inventory goes fast!

Smart Commute Week

Smart Commute Week promotes alternative transportation by working with local partners to support healthy, active, and sustainable commuting year-round.

Join the 31st Annual Smart Commute Week, June 2–6! This fun, free celebration encourages cycling, walking, busing, and carpooling, with daily free breakfasts for smart commuters and the popular Commuter Cup Challenge — a friendly, all-ages competition where teams earn points and win prizes for every smart commute trip.

Grand Traverse Safe Streets Alliance Event

What is the Grand Traverse Non-Motorized Transportation Future?

In coordination with Smart Commute Week, the Grand Traverse Safe Streets Alliance invites the public to attend a discussion on potential for non-motorized transportation for commuting and shopping on June 3, 2025, from 6 - 8 pm at the Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Avenue.

At the session, the Alliance will have several short videos of current national success stories in cities that have expanded their non-motorized transit options, and will discuss the benefits, approaches used, and how challenges were addressed. Between videos, a panel discussion will occur and with open audience participation to spur ideas and discussion on how these best practice approaches could apply to Traverse City and the surrounding communities.

Bike Rally Corral - Bonus Event

Prior to the Alliance discussion, the public is invited to attend a Bike Rally Corral from 4:30 to 6 pm at on the front lawn of the Library. Bring your latest commuting bike purchase (e.g. cargo bike, pedal bike, E-bike, etc.) and show it off! Tell others why you purchased it, what are the options you purchased and considered and why it works for you. Local bike shops will be availabe for demos and questions, and Traverse City Light & Power will have information on their E-Bike rebate program.

IN THE COMMUNITY

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS

A big thank you to the amazing TART volunteers for their recent work along the trail at Hull Park—clearing the edges and sprucing up the path just in time for peak season. The trail looks fantastic and ready for all to enjoy! 

ASK THE CITY

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED ANSWER

“Ask the City” allows residents to submit questions to City staff and receive personalized video responses. Once a resident’s question is answered, they will be notified via email, ensuring quick and clear communication. This platform gives every community member a direct line to City employees, creating an open forum for dialogue and making it easier than ever to engage with the City.

This program will be implemented as a three-month pilot project, after which its effectiveness will be evaluated to determine its continuation based on community interest. Residents are encouraged to take part in the conversation and explore the new platform. Additionally, a button labeled “Ask the City” on the City’s homepage will link directly to the platform. 

Why is the City doing a Strategic Plan?