PARK IMPROVEMENTS

PICKLEBALL AND TENNIS COURTS

At their Tuesday, January 20, 2026 meeting, the City Commission will consider approving an agreement for design and engineering services for new pickleball and tennis courts at Slabtown Corner Park. The proposed project would remove the existing courts and fencing and replace them with new, modern facilities designed for durability and long-term use.

The improvements are intended to create courts with a longer lifespan, lower ongoing maintenance needs, and a more consistent, enjoyable playing surface. Once complete, the upgraded courts will provide a safer, higher-quality recreational experience for community members of all ages and skill levels, support increased use, and ensure the facility remains a valued neighborhood asset for years to come.

This project represents the first initiative from the park improvement project list associated with the Brown Bridge Trust Fund charter amendment approved by voters in November 2025. The voter-supported measure allows the City to invest up to $3 million of Trust Fund principal over a five-year period in City park capital improvements and accessibility enhancements.

The project list guiding these investments was developed through robust public input, with a focus on access, usability, and community benefit. As additional projects advance, each will continue to be brought forward for public consideration, reinforcing the City’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and honoring the intent approved by voters.

HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS TASK FORCE

PUBLIC FEEDBACK SESSIONS

The Housing and Homelessness Task Force, led by the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness (NWCEH), in partnership with the City of Traverse City and Grand Traverse County, is seeking public feedback on recommendations developed as part of a comprehensive plan to prevent and end homelessness in Grand Traverse County. 

The Task Force has been meeting since May and includes representatives from government, homeless and social service agencies, healthcare, housing development, law enforcement, and other key sectors. The goal is to align efforts, maximize resources, and drive long-term solutions for safe and stable housing. Public participation is encouraged to ensure the plan reflects the community’s needs and perspectives.

Public Feedback Sessions

• When: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 2:00 pm. and 6:00 pm
• Where: Lower Level Cafeteria, Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Avenue
• Format: Each hour-long session will feature an overview of the Task Force and its recommendations, followed by attendees’ comments, concerns, and overall reactions to the recommendations and key priorities.

“The Task Force has been working very hard to create actionable strategies, and we’re anxious to hear back from the public before finalizing the plan,” said Ashley Halladay-Schmandt, Director of NWCEH. “Funding will be key for successful implementation, and we hope to return to the City and County Commissions with full public support.”

OBJECTIVES & KEY RESULTS

COMMISSION DISCUSSION

At their Tuesday, January 20, 2026 meeting, the City Commission will consider adopting a set of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). The OKRs are designed to translate the Strategic Action Plan (SAP) into clear, measurable outcomes that guide City decision-making, resource allocation, and organizational performance. This session builds on prior Commission input and serves as a focused step toward implementation, ensuring the SAP moves from vision to action in a way that honors community priorities and engagement.

Below is how these objectives tie into the Strategic Action Plan’s Six Strategic Pillars, and what residents can expect in action:

Proactively Manage Urban Design

• Objective: Strengthen people-centric planning and design.
• Examples: Integrating complete-streets principles into City projects, preparing design plans for key corridors such as Seventh Street, and coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions on shared design.

Strengthening Placemaking & Neighborhood Character

• Objective: Enhance community gathering places and connectivity between neighborhoods.
• Examples: New programs for social gathering spaces, tactical urbanism pilots, and bolstered support for neighborhood associations.

Fostering a Regional Collaborative Approach

• Objective: Lead and partner regionally on shared challenges.
• Examples: Expanding participation in regional groups, integrating stormwater collaborations, and convening leadership tables on issues like housing.

Building a Complete Community

• Objective: Support demographic balance and quality of life.
• Examples: Tools for diverse housing options (like ADUs), workshops for homebuilders, and childcare initiatives to help working families.

Supporting Environmental Sustainability

• Objective: Strengthen climate adaptation and ecosystem health.
• Examples: Launching a local and regional sustainability plan with targets and dashboards, piloting innovative sustainability projects, and collaborating on freshwater protection and best practices research.

Building a Thriving Year-Round Economy

• Objective: Expand economic diversity and innovation.
• Examples: Developing a sustainable tourism strategy, deepening partnerships with economic partners, and pursuing innovative sectors such as the “blue economy.”

Following consideration of adoption, City staff will begin working collaboratively across departments to further assess timelines and alignment for each objective

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 1:30 pm on scheduled TCAPS half/early release days. Early openings will not take place on snow days.

TCAPS Early Release Days: January 19th & 23rd

Open at 1:30 pm (Doors open at 1:00 pm)

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.

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.

RFPs ISSUED FOR CON FOSTER & CARNEGIE BUILDINGS

The City has issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the future lease and public use of two City-owned properties: the Carnegie Building on Sixth Street and the Con Foster Building (Bijou Theatre) in Clinch Park. The RFPs invite proposals from community, nonprofit, civic, or business organizations interested in activating the buildings with public-facing uses centered on culture, the environment, and the arts. The City will retain ownership of both properties, with proposals evaluated through a public process.

ABATEMENT & DEMOLITION OF

120 & 122 W. STATE STREET

DETOURS AND TCFD TRAINING PLANNED

The City's contractors will be conducting building abatement and demolition at 120 & 122 W. State Street. The project is anticipated to be substantially complete the week of February 9, 2026, weather permitting.

Beginning the week of January 26, 2026, prior to demolition, the properties will be utilized for training activities by the Traverse City Fire Department. Building demolition is anticipated for the week of February 2, 2026.

Parking Impacts

• Beginning January 19, 2026 the sixteen parking spaces in Lot P along the west side of the 122 W. State Street property will no longer be available.  
• Beginning the week of January 26, 2026, Lot W will close until project completion.

Transportation & Mobility Impacts

• Beginning January 19, 2026, the sidewalk on the north side of the 100 block of W. State Street will be closed during the project. A pedestrian detour will be appropriately signed.
• The alley between the 100 block of W. Front Street and W. State Street will be reduced to a single lane and placed under flag control during daytime hours while the building is actively being razed.

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.