ROTARY SQUARE

CITY COMMISSION TO REVIEW DESIGN

At their Monday, March 9, 2026 meeting, the City Commission will receive an update on the Rotary Square project from the Downtown Development Authority as final design work nears completion.

Located at the corner of State and Union Streets, Rotary Square is envisioned as a flexible public gathering space designed to support both everyday use and community events. The final design blends park-like elements with gathering areas, creating opportunities for both quiet relaxation and larger community activities in the Downtown.

One notable element of the design is the proposed extension of the square south toward the Boardman–Ottaway River. This concept would expand the park-like setting into a portion of the current Parking Lot K, reducing some parking spaces while creating a physical and visual connection to the riverfront.

The expanded design would also help integrate Rotary Square with the nearby FishPass project, which is part of a long-term effort to restore ecological connectivity in the Boardman–Ottaway River and replace the aging Union Street Dam.

The City Commission’s discussion will help guide next steps as the project moves toward final approvals and future construction planning.

ODOR CONTROL STUDY
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

At their Monday, March 9, 2026 meeting, the City Commission will receive a presentation from the employee team outlining the proposed scope for an Odor Control Study at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The study is intended to evaluate potential sources of odor at the facility and assess how odors may travel beyond the plant site. By conducting a detailed review of treatment processes, infrastructure, and airflow patterns, the study will help identify areas where odor generation may occur and evaluate potential mitigation strategies.

The proposed scope includes reviewing operations within key portions of the treatment process, particularly areas such as the headworks and preliminary treatment systems, which are typically the most likely locations for odor generation at wastewater facilities. The study would also assess potential engineering solutions, such as system enclosures, ventilation improvements, and odor treatment technologies.

The results of the study will help inform future planning and infrastructure improvements at the Wastewater Treatment Plant as the City continues to modernize the facility and minimize impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.

NORTHWEST MICHIGAN COALITION TO END HOMELESSNESS
HOUSING & HOMELESSNESS TASK FORCE UPDATE

At their Monday, March 9, 2026 meeting, the City Commission will receive an update from the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness, which convenes and leads the regional Housing and Homelessness Task Force. The task force brings together government agencies, nonprofits, healthcare providers, housing authorities, law enforcement, businesses, and other community partners, including participation from the City of Traverse City, to coordinate efforts and develop lasting solutions.

Through this collaborative approach, partners are working to develop a unified regional strategy to prevent and end homelessness while ensuring resources are used effectively and services are streamlined across Grand Traverse County.

As part of the presentation, the Coalition will outline eight recommended regional priorities designed to strengthen the homelessness response system and advance long-term housing stability:



• Create a sustainable shelter funding plan
• Develop a shelter consolidation strategy
• Expand permanent supportive housing (PSH) and deeply affordable housing
• Explore innovative financing tools, such as PILOT programs, tax increment financing (TIF), and potential millage options
• Standardize trauma-informed shelter services across providers
• Advance policies that support deeply affordable housing development
• Invest in prevention and housing stabilization programs
• Strengthen system navigation and coordinated services to reduce inflow into homelessness

The update will provide an opportunity for the City Commission to better understand regional strategies and partnerships working to address homelessness across Grand Traverse County and Northwest Michigan.

The City continues to work with regional partners as part of a broader effort to address housing stability through coordination, supportive services, and long-term housing solutions.

PARKING SERVICES UPDATE
OVERVIEW OF CONDITIONS

At their Monday, March 9, 2026 meeting, the City Commission will receive a presentation providing a broader overview of the City’s Parking Services system, including current financial conditions, operational pressures, and potential strategies for the future.

The presentation is intended to provide a more global context on the current landscape of parking operations. Like many communities, the City’s parking system experienced significant disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic. While revenues declined during that period, parking activity and associated revenues are only now beginning to stabilize and level out as economic activity continues to recover.

At the same time, the system is experiencing increasing operational costs, including maintenance of parking structures and surface parking lots, technology systems, enforcement, and general Downtown services supported by the Parking Enterprise Fund.

The presentation will also highlight how planned community investments and redevelopment projects may influence the parking system in the future. Several projects being discussed or designed across the Downtown area include the reduction or repurposing of existing surface parking, which may impact the overall supply of parking within the system. Possible impacts could result in a loss of 188+ parking spaces over time.

The update will help frame upcoming policy discussions and strategic considerations related to parking rates, enforcement, and the potential shift toward a more actively managed parking system, consistent with recommendations outlined in the City’s Transportation Demand Management Study.

Parking infrastructure and services play an important role in supporting economic activity, while also helping fund related services such as maintenance and snow removal within the Downtown area, bicycle parking facilities, and more.

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, March 11, 2026 at 6 pm at Tank Space, 1110 E. Eighth Street. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about what’s happening in City Planning.

THE HILL REPORT
THE LATEST UPDATES AT HICKORY HILLS

Alpine Report

Snow conditions are holding on! Due to warmer temperatures, thinning snow conditions are expected and being monitored.

Please note:

• The Fast Tammy conveyor is currently down. Skiers may hike up Fast Tammy, and users will not be charged for access in that area.

Slush Cup and Closing Date

Mark your calendars for closing day and the annual Slush Cup on Sunday, March 15, 2026, the grand finale of our winter season.

What is the Slush Cup?

A fan-favorite tradition, the Slush Cup challenges skiers and snowboarders to make it across a giant pond of icy water—often in the most outrageous costumes possible! Whether you're competing or just cheering from the sidelines, it’s a guaranteed good time.

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, March 15th (Last day of the season!)

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Location: Hickory Hills, Magna Carta

Cost: FREE

Want to Compete? Here’s What You Need to Know:

Registration: 11 AM - 12 PM in the lodge (same-day only).

Waivers Required: All participants must sign a waiver. Under 18? A parent or guardian must complete a release of liability at registration.

Equipment Rules: No rental equipment allowed.

Gear Up! Helmets are recommended, no poles allowed.

Costumes Encouraged! The more creative, the better!

Competitors get one chance to make it across the pond. Will you sink or skim your way to glory?

Either way, it’s an unforgettable way to close out the season!

Come celebrate with us, whether you’re taking the plunge or just soaking in the fun. See you at Hickory Hills for the Slush Cup—where winter ends with a splash!

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

TELL US YOUR IDEAS
LOW COST & BIG IMPACT

Through the adoption of the City's Strategic Action Plan, a theme from the more than 1,500 residents emerged clearly: our community has an appetite for thoughtful experimentation, piloting creative ideas that strengthen local identity, connect neighbors, and create welcoming gathering spaces.

The City is now inviting residents to share creative, community-centered ideas for City-owned properties that are low-cost and high-impact. Concepts may include temporary activations, pop-ups, public art, tree planting campaigns, flexible gathering spaces, seasonal programming, or other innovative uses that enhance quality of life for residents.

Through this effort, the City hopes to test new approaches and explore ideas that help strengthen community connection and belonging.

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.

COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE

Be a hero and join us for a Community Blood Drive hosted at the Governmental Center in the lower level cafeteria on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 10 am to 2:30 pm.

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins welcome. Call 1-866-MI-BL00D.

Pro-Tip: Make sure to EAT a healthy MEAL and DRINK plenty of WATER before donating. 

Learn More