TRAVERSE CITY LIGHT & POWER
ENERGY ASSET DEMONSTRATION

Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) is planning a new solar-covered parking installation with integrated battery storage at its Customer Service Center on Hall Street. The project reflects TCLP’s continued commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer engagement.

In partnership with KEEN Technical Solutions, the installation will include a solar canopy paired with a battery storage system and an interactive display that showcases real-time energy production and system performance. Once complete, the system will transform an existing paved parking area into a dual-purpose asset—generating clean energy while continuing to serve customers and daily operations.

The canopy will be designed to maintain full functionality of the site, allowing for vehicle access, emergency operations, and routine maintenance such as snow removal. Inside the Customer Service Center, visitors will have the opportunity to view a live kiosk display highlighting how the system operates and how solar generation and battery storage work together.

Beyond energy production, the project is designed to serve as a community learning tool. Customers visiting the site will be able to observe the system firsthand and gain a better understanding of how renewable energy technologies integrate with the local grid.

While modest in scale, the project represents a meaningful step toward reducing emissions and exploring how existing infrastructure—such as parking areas—can be leveraged to support clean energy goals.

CELEBRATING EMPLOYEE & DEPARTMENT OF THE YEAR

CHRIS WEBER AND STREETS DEPARTMENT

The City is proud to recognize Streets Director Chris Weber as the 2025 Employee of the Year, along with the Streets Department as Department of the Year.

What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it comes directly from peers. Nominations are submitted by City employees across departments, with final selections reflecting the voices of those who work side-by-side every day.

Chris Weber was selected for his strong work ethic, positive attitude, and steady leadership. Under his direction, the Streets Department has experienced a cultural shift—one grounded in collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to getting the job done. His approach has fostered creativity in how projects are tackled and strengthened teamwork across the department.

And in true Streets fashion, Chris is often seen sporting shirts with plows on them—making the recognition all the more fitting!

Equally important, the City congratulates the entire Streets Department team for being named Department of the Year. This recognition reflects the group’s hard work, dedication, and the essential services they provide to keep the City moving safely and efficiently year-round.

CITY ATTORNEY ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION

EFFECTIVE JUNE 2026

The City announced that City Attorney Lauren Trible-Laucht submitted her resignation on March 24, 2026, providing the required 90-day notice in accordance with her contract. Her final day with the City will be in June 2026.

“Over the next 90 days, I am committed to working with the City Manager and staff to ensure a smooth transition. This is a decision I made independently and one that I believe is right for me. Public service is in my DNA, and I look forward to remaining in Traverse City and continuing to contribute in other capacities. It has been a tremendous honor to represent the City for nearly 15 years. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated public servants and am proud of all that we have accomplished together,” said City Attorney Lauren Trible-Laucht.

Lauren has served as City Attorney since 2011, providing legal counsel and representation to the City Commission and the organization. During her tenure, she successfully represented the City in appellate matters, with 100% of those cases decided unanimously in the City’s favor. 

Mayor Amy Shamroe stated, “I am saddened to see the resignation of Lauren Trible-Laucht, and deeply grateful for the years she has dedicated to the City. She has been a steadfast and trusted City Attorney, bringing a sharp legal mind and unwavering commitment to public service. Her leadership, including serving as President of the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys, reflects the high level of respect she has earned in the field. The City has been fortunate to have her serve for so many years.”

Mayor Pro-Tem Laura Ness stated, “Lauren has helped guide the City Commission, staff, and community with integrity and care for over 15 years. On a personal and professional level, I will miss her steady council and deep institutional knowledge. I am grateful to Lauren for her years of public service and the lasting contributions she has made to Traverse City. I wish her the very best in her next chapter."

In addition to her service to the City, Lauren has held several leadership roles within the legal community, including serving as President of the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys, the Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association, and as a board member of the Michigan Municipal League Legal Defense Fund. She is a graduate of Kalamazoo College and Wayne State University Law School, where she graduated with honors.

Lauren also helped bring sessions of the Michigan Supreme Court to the region, providing local high school students with the opportunity to observe court proceedings and engage in the judicial process.

City Manager Benjamin Marentette stated, "Lauren Trible-Laucht has served this passionate, vocal community as City Attorney through incredibly-dynamic times since she began service on October 31, 2011. The City Attorney's role is to provide sound legal advice to the City Commission, City Manager, department heads, and the boards and committees that power city government, regardless of whether that advice is popular. The City Attorney is also responsible for carrying forward direction given by a majority of the City Commission and vigorously working to accomplish that directive on behalf of the people of Traverse City through their elected leaders. Lauren's magnificent skill as an attorney is unequivocally demonstrated by her winning every case unanimously on appeal in higher courts. That speaks volumes. Lauren is bright, possesses the most razor-sharp moral compass anyone could desire, and is strategic and genuine. I have witnessed, closely, Lauren's brains, heart, character, integrity, devotion and drive, which have helped our community achieve amazing things since she first arrived. I - and the entire leadership team wish Lauren nothing but the very best. I'll miss working with such a talented individual who has served as our chief legal counsel with distinction."

Lauren will continue in her role over the next 90 days and is committed to supporting a smooth and orderly transition. The City Commission will consider next steps regarding the position at a future meeting, with a date to be determined.

TEMPORARY ODOR CONTROL SYSTEM SHUT OFF

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

Residents and businesses may notice increased odors in the vicinity of the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant as contractors shut down the odor control unit as part of the Headworks and Ultra Violet (UV) Disinfection Improvement Project. These activities are part of the ongoing modernization of the facility and due to the recent witner storm, are anticipated to now extend through April 10, 2026.

During certain phases of construction, equipment and processes that are normally enclosed may be temporarily exposed or shut down, which can result in temporary increases in odor that may be noticeable in areas surrounding the Wastewater Treatment Plant. These conditions are temporary and are a normal part of conducting critical infrastructure improvements.

Work is weather dependent and modifications to the schedule may be necessary. The City and its contractors are working to complete this work as efficiently as possible while minimizing impacts to the community.

We would like to thank residents and businesses for their patience and understanding as these important upgrades to the City’s wastewater infrastructure move forward.

TREADWELL COMPLETES MML ACADEMY

The City is pleased to recognize Commissioner Mitchell Treadwell for completing Level One of the Elected Officials Academy through the Michigan Municipal League.

The program is a structured pathway to expand knowledge on the issues that shape local governance and is designed to support continued learning and leadership development, equipping officials with the tools needed to make informed decisions that benefit the community.

Through a combination of educational courses, conferences, committee involvement, and engagement on League initiatives, participants build a strong foundation in municipal leadership.

Commissioner Treadwell’s achievement demonstrates a dedication to ongoing learning and thoughtful leadership in service to the Traverse City community.

TCLP EARNS DIAMOND SAFETY AWARD

Traverse City Light & Power (TCLP) has received the 2025 Diamond Safety Award of Excellence from the American Public Power Association (APPA)—the highest safety designation awarded among public power utilities nationwide. This marks the first time TCLP has achieved Diamond-level recognition.

The award honors utilities that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to employee safety, risk management, and operational excellence. Over the past year, TCLP has strengthened its safety culture through enhanced job planning, increased employee engagement, upgraded protective equipment standards, and expanded oversight across departments.

TCLP will be formally recognized at the 2026 APPA Safety Summit.

THE PERFORMANCE 2025

A YEAR IN REVIEW

The City has released the Performance 2025: A Year in Review, its annual report showcasing key accomplishments, major projects, and community-centered results from the past year.

With the adoption of the City's first Strategic Action Plan in 2025, notable achievements include core services and strategic investments, 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 a 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, and environmental sustainability

SARA HARDY HUMANITARIAN AWARD



The Traverse City Human Rights Commission is accepting nominations for the 2026 Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award. 

Named in honor of Sara Hardy, who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Human Rights Commission over three decades ago, this annual accolade celebrates individuals who embody the Commission's core principles of fostering mutual understanding, respect, and inclusivity within our community.

Nominations for individuals who exemplify the ideals of human rights may be submitted until April 3, 2026.

BUSINESS / ORGANIZATION HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS

The Human Rights Commission invites nominations for its Business and/or Organization Humanitarian Efforts Award, established to honor and give public recognition to a business or organization that has demonstrated an ongoing and sustained commitment to helping others in the Traverse City Region.

The Traverse City Human Rights Commission strives to ensure human dignity through advocacy, education, negotiation and information ensuring understanding and respect among all.

Nominations may be submitted until April 3, 2026.

COAST GUARD GUARDIAN AWARD

The City's Coast Guard Committee is seeking 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 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.

Nominations are due by March 31, 2026.