NOVEMBER 2024 ELECTION

EARLY VOTING THROUGH NOVEMBER 3RD &

SATURDAY ELECTION OFFICE HOURS

Early In-Person Voting Through November 3

Early In-Person Voting will run through Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 9 am to 5 pm. The Early Voting Site for voters in the City of Traverse City is at the Governmental Center, Lower Level, 400 Boardman Avenue.

Saturday Election Office Hours

The City Clerk's Office will be open for election purposes on Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 8 am to 4 pm.

Absentee Voting

Due to the election being days away, it is recommended that Absentee Ballots be returned in-person at this time instead of mailing.

A voter may run their absentee ballot through a tabulator during Early In-Person Voting or at their precinct on election day, return to the City Clerk’s Office, or utilize the drop box. Absentee Ballots must be received by 8 pm on Election Day, which is Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

2024 Precinct Location Changes

A reminder that voting Precincts 7, 9, and 10 moved locations in 2024.

Voting Precinct 7

Traverse City Area District Library Main Branch

McGuire Room

610 Woodmere Avenue

Traverse City, MI 49686

Voting Precinct 9 (building change at NMC)

Northwestern Michigan College

Innovation Center

1701 E. Front Street

Traverse City, MI 49686

Voting Precinct 10

The Carnegie Building

322 Sixth Street

Traverse City, MI 49684

Electronic Notification System Now Live

Proposal 2022-2 amended the Michigan Constitution to include a voter’s right to receive updates on the status of their absent voter (AV) ballot applications and ballots, including by electronic notification. 

Voters can now subscribe to receive electronic notifications at Michigan.gov/Vote directly, when registering to vote, or when submitting an online AV application.

Once subscribed, voters will be notified of all the following: 

• When their AV ballot or application has been received by their local clerk,  
• When their AV ballot has been sent by their local clerk, 
• If their AV ballot or application has been rejected for any deficiency, 
• Instructions for how to cure any deficiency to have their AV ballot or application accepted.  

Have a question on the status of your voter registration, absentee ballot, or more?

Call your local Clerk. We are happy to help! Or visit, michigan.gov/vote to check the status of your registration, absentee ballot, and more.

STRATEGIC PLANNING

COMMUNITY VISIONING SESSIONS

The City’s Strategic Action Plan Project kicked off with the two-day Think-Tank workshop, a future oriented exploration of macro trends and their impact on Traverse City. Community members, City staff, and City partners deliberated and designed four plausible scenarios of the future for Traverse City. The Think-Tank concluded with attendees selecting their preferred future.

Now we want to hear from more of the community! The City is hosting Community Visioning Sessions November 12-14 to present and discuss the Think-Tank findings. Join a session to consider the potential future scenarios for Traverse City, contribute your perspective, and let us know which is your preferred future.

To ensure accessibility for all residents, session locations will vary, with several held in different neighborhoods across the city. While sessions will target specific neighborhoods, all community members are welcome to attend any session, regardless of location.

Community Visioning Sessions Agenda & Schedule

• 10 minutes Overview of project background and work to date
• 20 minutes Overview of Think-Tank process and outcomes
• 30 minutes Group discussion and short survey

About Strategic Planning

The City is developing a community-driven Strategic Action Plan through 2030, building on current achievements and setting a sustainable path forward. The process will be inclusive, transparent, and focused on Traverse City’s future. Recordings from the October Think Tank sessions are now available.

Watch Think Tank Recordings

Keep an eye on the project portal and join the project mailing list to stay up to date on opportunities to get involved.

LEAF PICK UP CONTINUES - FOLLOW THE PROGRESS MAP

The Fall Loose Leaf Pick-Up began on Monday, October 28th.

The City has launched a new map to streamline its annual leaf pickup program, dividing the city into six zones for efficient service and communication. Leaf collection will begin on the west side in Zone 1 and progress eastward through all zones. Residents can view the map to identify their zone and prepare for leaf pickup accordingly. Due to weather conditions and the unpredictability of leaf fall, exact dates for each zone's pickup will not be provided. The City encourages residents to be ready by having their leaves gathered before collection starts in their zone.

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

PUMPKIN DROP OFF

BEGINS NOVEMBER 1ST

The City is excited to team up with Carter’s Compost and SEEDS on the Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza, a community event focused on sustainability and fun, happening on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 10 am to 1 pm at the City’s in-vessel composting unit, located at 143 Beitner. 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 pm on November 9th. Pumpkins should be free of any decorations and paint.

The new 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 150 tons of food waste annually.

The City aims to divert 1 ton of pumpkins from landfills. 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.

HICKORY HILLS RECREATION UPDATES

SEASON PASSES GO ON SALE NOVEMBER 1ST

Season Passes

The City is gearing up for the winter season at Hickory Hills! Season passes for Hickory Hills go on sale on November 1st. Alpine season pass holders may also use Nordic trails at no additional charge.

The City's new software will offer more options to make your adventurous days at Hickory easier than ever. Waivers may be completed ahead of time, money can be added to pass holder accounts for use on anything at Hickory (think snacks and merch!), and day passes may now be purchased online from the comfort of home.

Hickory Purchase Portal

Seasonal Positions

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

Learn More

Gift Cards

Give the gift of ADVENTURE!

Hickory Hills Gift Cards make the perfect gift! Whether it is a contribution toward a season pass, a few fun-filled days on the hill, or extra dollars for slope snacks, this gift will have you feeling good about your gift giving skills. And it's easy!

Purchase a Gift Card

Disc Golf Season Concludes

Disc Golf baskets will begin to be removed to prepare for the ski season the first week of November.

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. 

Does the city have the cost of street painting for bike lanes and pedestrian crossings baked into the operational budget so that it gets done on a scheduled basis, and if not, why?

IN THE COMMUNITY

THANKS VOTERS!

The community exercised their right to vote during In-Person Early Voting this week! Voters of all ages - first-time voters, future voters, and even a dinosaur - put happy faces on the process, bringing excitement and a lot of spirit to the Governmental Center. Thanks to everyone for showing up and making your voices heard!