CITY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING

RESCHEDULED DUE TO WINTER STORM

Due to the recent winter storm, the City Commission meeting scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2026, was canceled.

To ensure timely consideration of agenda items, those deemed time-sensitive have been rescheduled for a Special City Commission meeting on Monday, March 23, 2026. Items include:

• Eleventh Street Kids Creek Culvert Project
• 2026 Mill and Overlay Project
• Hickory Hills Summer Day Camp Agreement

Additional information can be found in the meeting packet or in the March 13, 2026 issue of the Bay Brief.

TRAVERSE CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT
CELEBRATING OUR NEWEST PARAMEDIC

The City is proud to recognize a member of our Fire Department who recently achieved a significant milestone in their career. Firefighter/EMT Peter Thomas graduated from the MMR Paramedic Program on March 11, 2026, following months of intensive coursework, clinical training, and hands-on experience on ambulances throughout the region. He was also named class valedictorian—an outstanding accomplishment that reflects his dedication and commitment to excellence.

Please join us in congratulating Peter on this achievement. Team TCFD and the City are incredibly proud of his hard work and the continued investment made in serving the community.

We Are Hiring

The City is currently hiring —an excellent opportunity to join a dedicated team committed to service, professionalism, and community impact.

Learn More

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 are anticipated to continue through April 2, 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.

CITY STREET & SIDEWALK CLOSURES

CONSTRUCTION SEASON SET TO BEGIN

As we transition into spring, construction season is right around the corner—and in some areas, it has already begun. A number of projects are underway that will impact streets, sidewalks, and traffic patterns throughout the City.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed and plan ahead by visiting the City’s interactive street closure map, where you can find up-to-date information on current and upcoming impacts.

View the Map

Explore the map to see how your daily activities may be impacted. Additionally, public service announcements are distributed to media and safety personnel, and placed on the City's website.

View the Street and Sidewalk Closures Webpage

Lastly, if you are seeking updates on major projects that the City is working on, you can visit the City's Projects webpage.

View the Projects Webpage

Are you interested in serving the City of Traverse City? Serving on a board or commission can be a rewarding experience that allows you to make a difference in our community. Boards and Commissions are responsible for making key decisions and providing direction to the City and City Commission.

Interested in Becoming Involved?

The City is seeking residents to volunteer for the following Boards and Commissions. Please feel free to contact the City Clerk's Office with any questions at (231) 922-4480 or by email at tcclerk@traversecitymi.gov to learn more about the appointment process through the City Commission Policy on Appointments and Committees. The following Boards and Commissions are seeking applicants.

• Traverse Area District Library

Attend Meetings and/or Subscribe to Meeting Packets

Attending meetings or following the work of your fellow community members who sit on various Boards and Commissions is the best way to stay in the know on the policies and initiatives that are being developed to shape our future. 

Subscribe to Meeting Agendas

Watch Streamed Meetings

City Commission, Planning Commission, the Downtown Development Authority, and TC Light & Power meetings are all live streamed. Visit the link below to watch live or view the recordings at a later time.

Watch Streamed Meetings

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.

A HICKORY THANK YOU

Thank you for your support this season at Hickory Hills, and celebrating with us at the annual Slush Cup on March 15, 2026.