QUICK RESPONSE TEAM

TCPD'S SOCIAL WORKER COORDINATOR ADDRESSES OVERDOSE PREVENTION

The Traverse City Police Department recently added a police social worker coordinator directly embedded within the department. Jennifer Holm, Social Worker Coordinator, joined the department in October 2022 to work alongside officers to address the link between substance misuse, mental health and homelessness through the establishment of a Quick Response Team.

Holm has developed and now facilitates the TCPD Quick Response Team (QRT) program. The goal of her position is to reduce law enforcement calls on vulnerable populations (individuals who are experiencing crises related to substance use, mental health and homelessness) by interrupting the cycle of arrest and addiction through coordinating care for QRT program participants and reducing provider barriers.

• QUICK identification of resources and shortcomings of community supports for Vulnerable People in Traverse City 
• RESPONSE to overdoses in the community, connecting people to treatment
• TEAM members who discuss needs of individuals to promote wrap-around community services

The QRT will also address (respond to) the systemic barriers to recovery by examining gaps in local social service provisions and supporting wrap-around services for vulnerable populations in the Traverse City community. Other programs only provide overdose response. We reach out a little farther by connecting with individuals most at risk for crises related to substance use, mental health and homelessness.

Holm works closely with North Boardman Community Police Officer, Justin Nowland, who also started this new role in October after nearly five years with the Traverse City Police Department. Acting as a liaison with Safe Harbor, Jubilee House, Goodwill Industries and spending time walking "the pines," both Nowland and Holm are able to assist the city's vulnerable populations by offering supportive services. Both positions are partially made possible through grant funding from the Michigan State Police as awarded under the Comprehensive Opioid Stimulant and Substance Use Program (COSSUP).

HRC TO HOST FLOW EDUCATIONAL

EVENT

The Human Rights Commission is hosting their Spring Educational Event, featuring FLOW as the discussion panel focusing on access to safe, clean, and affordable water. The event will be in person at the Governmental Center, 2nd Floor Training Room, on May 17, 2023 at 6 pm. In addition, the event will be offered virtually.

Hear firsthand from two leading Michigan civil rights and environmental attorneys dedicated to fighting water injustices and to securing solutions for water affordability legislation and the legal basis for establishing a right to water and health.

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

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE ON

HOUSING

The Planning Commission will be hosting a community open house to review and discuss proposed zoning changes as it relates to housing variety will be hosted on May 16, 2023 at 7 pm at the Park Place Hotel. The Planning Commission has reaffirmed the goal of expanding housing options as part of their 2023 annual goals. A host of small scale zoning changes are being considered to remove barriers and to provide additional attainable housing opportunities that allow numerous points of entry to being a resident in the City.

Public Hearing Scheduled

At their May 2, 2023 meeting, the Planning Commission scheduled a public hearing for June 6, 2023 regarding an amendment to the Traverse City Code of Ordinance to allow additional dwelling types and to modify dimensional standards in the R-1a, R-1b, and R-2 residential zoning districts.

PILOT TWO WAY STREET CONVERSION EVALUATION

As part of the pilot Two Way Street Conversion Project, factors to help gauge the success of the project will continue to be evaluated, including pedestrian volumes, bicycle volumes, crash data, traffic speeds, and traffic volumes. 

Traffic data will be sought to record the frequency and volume of pedestrians, vehicle maneuvers, and speeds. Efforts are focused on understanding how the conversion of State Street to two-way traffic is currently operating, identifying opportunities for improvements, and best understanding how traffic is flowing into, through, and out of the downtown area and impacts on the neighborhoods.

As the two-way conversion is experienced, users may provide suggestions at two-way@downtowntc.com

RECOMMENDED FY 2023-2024 ANNUAL BUDGET

At the May 15, 2023 City Commission meeting, a high level overview of the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Annual Budget will be conducted for the City, Traverse City Light & Power, and the Downtown Development Authority. A public hearing has been scheduled for May 22, 2023, and adoption is scheduled for June 5, 2023.

IN THE COMMUNITY

CONGRATULATIONS CHIEF PETTY OFFICER ROBERT TEAL

The City of Traverse City Coast Guard Committee honored Chief Petty Officer Robert Teal this week for its Guardian Award, established to honor a member of the Coast Guard who has shown exceptional community service.