PROJECT FOR PUBLIC SPACES AWARDS COMMUNITY PLACEMAKING GRANT

EAST SIDE SOCIAL DISTRICT

The City is thrilled to have been selected as a national recipient of a Community Placemaking Grant from Project for Public Spaces, recognizing the East Side Social District as part of a highly competitive cohort of transformative public-space projects from across the country.

The City’s project was awarded $100,000 through Project for Public Spaces’ Community Placemaking Grants initiative, with support from General Motors. The award includes planning, implementation, and capacity-building assistance. Only two other projects nationwide were selected in this funding cycle—Campus Martius in Detroit and Saratoga Plaza in Newport, Kentucky—placing Traverse City among nationally recognized leaders in people-centered, community-driven placemaking.

Grant recipients were selected based on their commitment to community engagement, open-ended visioning, strong partnerships, and the ability to deliver projects on time and on budget. Projects emphasize a “lighter, quicker, cheaper” approach, prioritizing high-impact, low-cost improvements that support long-term community goals.

East Side Social District: Building on a Community Gathering Space

Established in 2024, the East Side Social District occupies slip lanes along East Eighth Street near the intersection of Garfield Avenue. Seasonal street closures create a shared public commons featuring outdoor seating and local food and beverages. While the district has become a popular neighborhood gathering space open to all, its temporary layout presents challenges related to accessibility, pedestrian safety, and connectivity across the corridor.

Through this grant, the City will partner with Project for Public Spaces to develop a flexible, people-first design that enhances safety, comfort, and accessibility while supporting expanded programming, improved amenities, and increased business activity that better connects both sides of the street.

Beginning in February 2026, Project for Public Spaces’ Placemaking team will work with the City and community members to co-create a shared vision, develop design concepts, and support implementation. Projects within this national cohort are expected to be completed by November 2026 and collectively serve more than two million people annually.

Alignment with the Strategic Action Plan & OKRs

This project aligns with the Strategic Action Plan that was rooted in community input, and the City Commission's adopted Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) by:

• Focusing on corridors with a people-first design model, prioritizing safety, accessibility, and comfort for pedestrians while balancing transportation and economic activity.
• Developing and enhancing social gathering spaces that support community connection, inclusive programming, and local businesses.
• Using pilot projects and phased investments to test, refine, and scale placemaking strategies that can inform future corridor improvements and urban design across the City.

The East Side Social District will serve as a grassroots model for how targeted, community-driven design can strengthen neighborhood connections and create more welcoming public spaces citywide.

About Community Placemaking Grants

Since launching in fall 2021, Project for Public Spaces’ Community Placemaking Grants have supported 22 U.S.-based nonprofits and local governments in transforming public spaces into inclusive, vibrant places that strengthen social connections and enhance quality of life. This cohort aligns with two national focus areas: Streets as Places, which elevates streets as accessible public spaces while improving safety, and Destination Stations, which enhances mobility hubs through amenities and programming.

FUTURE FUNDING DISCUSSIONS

CITY FUND BALANCE AND TAX INCREMENT FINANCING

At their Monday, February 9, 2026 meeting, the City Commission will review two agenda items focused on the City’s long-term financial stability and planning. The study session will include a detailed discussion on the City’s General Fund balance AND Tax Increment Financing (TIF), two closely related tools that shape long-term budgeting and investment decisions. The direction provided will shape how the City plans for the next decade and beyond.

Fund Balance Planning

Staff will present an overview of the City’s General Fund Balance Policy, which sets minimum and maximum thresholds to maintain financial stability while allowing for strategic use of resources. As part of the upcoming budget development process, fund balance levels are being evaluated alongside near-term financial pressures—including wage and pension obligations, capital and facility needs, and future policy and strategic initiatives—using a fiscally responsible, long-term planning approach.

Tax Increment Financing

As the City approaches the scheduled expiration of TIF 97 in 2027, staff will present a factual analysis of how TIF affects the City’s budget, both within and outside TIF districts. The discussion is intended to convey budgetary impacts, outline several potential future scenarios, and identify areas where policy direction will be needed as the City looks ahead to forecasted budgeting, fund balance strategy, and long-term planning tied to the Commission’s Objectives and Key Results and the Strategic Action Plan.

CITY STRATEGY IN MOTION
A TEAM CITY CELEBRATION

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

This event is both a celebration of accomplishments and a recognition of the community’s dedication to the City. Together with City staff, partners, and residents, the City will highlight key milestones, share how community priorities are shaping City strategy, and look forward to the work ahead.

Event Details

Date: February 19, 2026

Time: 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Program Begins: 5:00 p.m.

Location: City Opera House

We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate what we’ve accomplished together and continue moving Traverse City’s shared vision forward.

FARMERS MARKET PAVILION

FINAL DESIGN PRESENTED

At their Monday, February 9, 2026 meeting, the City Commission will hear a presentation from the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) regarding the proposed Farmers Market Pavilion and the reconstruction of Parking Lot B.

The presentation will introduce the final design package for a permanent Farmers Market Pavilion in Lot B, the current home of the Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market. The pavilion is designed to strengthen the market by providing a modern, flexible, and accessible structure that offers weather protection for both vendors and customers—a priority identified through community and vendor engagement—while preserving public parking operations on non-market days.

The project builds on extensive public engagement conducted in 2016–2017, which highlighted the need for covered space and improved market amenities. The enhanced pavilion creates new opportunities for year-round use and additional social gathering, supporting the market’s role as a vibrant community destination.

In addition to the pavilion, the reconstruction of Parking Lot B addresses long-standing infrastructure needs, including drainage improvements, upgraded stormwater management, expanded tree canopy, and reconfigured parking that meets current standards and riverfront planning goals. Following City Commission discussion, the project is expected to move toward bidding later this spring, with construction anticipated to begin as early as 2026.

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, February 11, 2026 at Noon at Common Good Bakery, 1115 E. Eighth Street. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about what’s happening in City Planning.

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)