THE FUTURE OF DOWNTOWN
STUDY SESSION ON TAX INCREMENT FINANCING

The City continues discussions on the future of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District 97, which is scheduled to expire at the end of 2027.

At a joint study session on Monday, the City Commission and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board will come together to consider the future of the district. The purpose of the discussion is to think collectively about potential paths forward, with the DDA Board—appointed by the City Commission—sharing its work to date on a proposed plan, and the City Commission providing direction as elected representatives of the community.

This collaboration is an important step in shaping a potential approach that reflects both technical analysis and community perspective. As the region’s urban core, the City manages infrastructure and services that support a broader population, and TIF remains the primary tool available for regional cost sharing related to those investments.

In advance of the 2027 expiration, the discussion is intended to provide clear, factual information on budgetary impacts, investment levels, funding scenarios, and strategic priorities within the district. This includes ongoing work by the DDA TIF Ad Hoc Committee to develop a potential plan that could be considered for a November 2026 ballot.

The financial analysis presented has been developed in coordination with the City Treasurer’s Office to ensure accuracy and transparency. Tax Increment Financing is an optional funding tool, but one that has implications for the City’s overall budget, both within and beyond the district.

Since its creation in 1997, TIF 97 has supported a wide range of projects, including public facilities such as the Hardy Parking Structure and the West Front Street pedestrian bridge, streetscape and sidewalk enhancements, critical infrastructure improvements like bridge work, and park investments at Clinch Park, among others.

As part of the discussion, four general scenarios have been outlined for consideration:

• Expiration
• Reset
• Extension
• Extension with Reduced Capture

Each scenario presents different implications for funding levels, financial flexibility, and long-term investment strategies. Key considerations include balancing downtown needs with citywide priorities, understanding the role of regional contributions, and evaluating impacts on the City’s general fund.

The DDA continues to refine a potential investment plan for the district, and ongoing discussions between the City Commission and DDA Board are intended to help identify a preferred direction, ensuring alignment on priorities, funding strategies, and long-term outcomes for downtown and beyond.

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU TO DPS DIRECTOR FRANK DITURI

DITURI RETIRES APRIL 17TH

The City extends its sincere gratitude and congratulations to Department of Public Services (DPS) Director Frank Dituri as he prepares to retire from his role on April 17, 2026.

Since joining the City on January 15, 2018, Frank has provided steady and thoughtful leadership across a wide range of core municipal services—from infrastructure and utilities to streets, fleet, and public spaces. His approach has consistently emphasized reliability, long-term planning, and a commitment to delivering high-quality services that residents depend on every day.

At the same time, Frank’s career reflects a deep and enduring connection to the Boardman/Ottaway River. Prior to joining the City, he served in key ecological and project management roles focused on river restoration, wetlands, and natural resource management, including work tied directly to the Boardman/Ottaway River restoration effort. That expertise has carried forward into his leadership at the City, where he has played an instrumental role in advancing the FishPass project—an innovative, nationally recognized effort to restore ecological connectivity while managing invasive species.

Frank’s ability to bridge core municipal operations with environmental stewardship has been a defining strength. His leadership has helped ensure that critical infrastructure projects are not only functional and efficient, but also aligned with the long-term health of the City’s natural systems.

While Frank is retiring from his full-time role, the City is pleased that he will continue to support the FishPass project in a contracted capacity. In this role, he will continue working closely with partners including the Great Lakes Fishery Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help guide the project through completion.

Frank’s impact on the City is both visible and lasting—from the essential services that support daily life to the restoration of one of the region’s most important natural resources. We thank him for his years of dedicated service and wish him all the best in this next chapter.

STREET PROJECTS

MONROE RECONSTRUCTION AND S. OAK BEGIN

Monroe Street Reconstruction

The City’s contractor has begun a major reconstruction of Monroe Street. The project will rebuild Monroe Street from Front Street to Bay Street, replacing the existing roadway while improving traffic flow, pedestrian access, and stormwater management. Key features include pedestrian bump-outs at intersections, enhanced sidewalks, and updated utility systems, including water main and sanitary sewer improvements.

Construction began Monday, April 6, 2026, with an initial closure of Monroe Street from Bay Street to Wayne Street. This segment is expected to reopen on or around July 3, 2026. Work will continue throughout the construction season, with full completion anticipated by October 30, 2026.

In addition to roadway reconstruction, the project includes upgrades to sanitary sewer, water main, storm sewer, curb and gutter, pavement, and sidewalks. Intersections at Monroe and Wayne, and Monroe and Bay, will experience intermittent construction. Motorists should expect temporary lane shifts and closures during this time.

Access to residences will be maintained, and signage will be in place to guide traffic. Work is weather dependent and schedules may be adjusted as needed. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternate routes when possible to reduce congestion and support worker safety.

This project is part of the City’s ongoing pavement preservation and reconstruction program, supporting safe, accessible streets while extending the life of the transportation network.

The City thanks residents, businesses, and visitors for their patience and cooperation. For questions or concerns, please contact Zach Cole at (231) 922-4492.

The Monroe Street reconstruction project is an investment of $3,024,332.90 and funded by a FY 24-25 fund balance to cover authorized expenditures of funds in the Capital Streets, Water, Sewer, and Traffic Calming funds. 

S. Oak Street Mill and Fill

S. Oak Street will be closed to through traffic between Seventh Street and W. Thirteenth Street beginning Monday, April 13, 2026, as part of the City’s mill and fill project. Work is expected to be completed by May 1, 2026.

Intersections at Seventh, Eighth, Twelfth, and Thirteenth Streets will remain open for east/west access. For north/south travel, please use S. Maple Street or Wadsworth Street. Sidewalk closures will occur at Seventh, Eighth, and Tenth Streets while curb ramps are upgraded to improve ADA accessibility.

At a later date in 2026, the City’s mill and fill program will also include Seventh Street (Elmwood Avenue to Division Street) and Elmwood Avenue (Eleventh Street to West Front Street), representing a $1,319,475.75 investment funded through the Street Capital Fund.

CDBG 2026-2027 PLAN

RESILIENT COMMUNITY

In 2024, the City officially became a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Resilient Community, marking its first year of five years as an entitlement grantee. This designation allows the City to directly receive federal funding to address affordable housing, homelessness, and infrastructure needs for low- and moderate-income residents. Program Year (PY) 2026/2027 will be the City's third annual allocation of approximately $370,400 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Note: as of the date of the preparation of this draft Annual Plan, HUD has not announced grant amounts for any grantee entitlement communities.

A 30-day public comment period for the 2026-2027 plan is required for each year’s plan to ensure community voices are heard in shaping local investment priorities.

CDBG funds can be used for:

• Housing (e.g. Rehabilitation, etc.)
• Public Infrastructure/Facilities Improvements
• Public Services

Funds assist Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) individuals and families

• Low- and Moderate-Income Persons (Area/ClientBased)
• Prevention or Elimination of Slums or Blight
• Meet Community Development Needs Having a Particular Urgency

Draft Annual Action Plan for Program Year 2026/2027

The draft goals and proposed spending allocations are summarized below.

Goal One: Assist with the rehabilitation of affordable housing and otherwise lowering the economic barriers to such housing for low- and moderate-income households, seniors, and persons experiencing homelessness. Working with partners including local continuum of care organizations and organizations providing supportive housing, The Fair Housing Center of West Michigan, and others.

Goal Two: Support community and economic development projects, including public facility or infrastructure improvements in qualifying low- and moderate-income areas. Collaborate with City Annual Action Plan 2026 3 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Engineering department to identify high priority infrastructure needs in qualifying low- and moderateincome areas.

Goal Three: Support shelters and services for persons experiencing homelessness or persons at-risk of homelessness through capacity building and staffing assistance.

Goal Four: Support program administration.

Final approval will be sought from the City Commission for the 2026/2027 Annual Action Plan at the second public hearing scheduled for May 11, 2026, after the public input period has elapsed, in order to meet HUD timelines. 

TART CLOSURE ALONG GRANDVIEW PARKWAY

LANDSCAPING WORK

The Michigan Department of Transportation will conduct a temporary closure of the TART along the bayfront on Grandview Parkway next week to allow for final landscaping work.

The bayside trail between Division Street and the area north of the M-72 roundabout will be closed for up to three weeks as contractors complete plantings in the area.

The HAWK signal at the west leg of M-72 will remain operational and available for crossing. However, the Elmwood Avenue HAWK crossing will be closed during this period.

Pedestrian barricades will be in place at all closure points to guide users safely through the area.

Trail users are encouraged to plan ahead and follow posted signage. 

USE LEAVES FOR THE GOOD

LIVING A GREENER WAY OF LIFE

Leaving leaves on your lawn supports a greener, more eco-friendly lifestyle. Instead of raking, mulching leaves into your grass has several environmental benefits:

• Natural fertilizer: Decomposing leaves provide nutrients, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and promoting healthier grass.
• Weed prevention: Mulched leaves cover bare spots, helping to prevent weeds like dandelions and crabgrass.
• Less waste: By skipping the raking and disposal, you reduce waste and save time.
• Garden boost: Excess leaves can be used as mulch around garden beds, trees, and shrubs, improving soil health and reducing weeds.

This approach benefits both the environment and your lawn.

Learn More

Make the Switch

Switching to electric lawn equipment is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. Unlike gas-powered tools or single-stroke engines, electric equipment reduces emissions, helping to lower air pollution and your carbon footprint. It's also much quieter, reducing noise pollution in your neighborhood! With no risk of fuel spills or leaks, and requiring less maintenance, electric tools are a cleaner and more efficient choice for lawn care. Making the switch supports a greener and quieter way of life!

TCLP Rebate Program

Traverse City Light & Power has a residential rebate program to help customers save energy and money. As fall cleanup is underway, rebates are offered on a wide variety of energy-saving products including electric lawn equipment.

The program is designed specifically for our area to help you save money, save energy, and help save our environment through your own conservation.

Learn More

Leaf & Brush Pick Up Begins April 27th

The City's Leaf & Brush Pick Up is scheduled will begin on April 27, 2026. Leaf collection will begin on the west side in Zone 1 and progress eastward through all zones. Residents can view the map to identify their zone and prepare for leaf pickup accordingly. There will be one pass only.

Due to unpredictable weather conditions, exact dates for each zone's pickup will not be provided. The City encourages residents to be ready for leaf pick up in their zone, as there will be only one pass. Leaves may be raked on-street no sooner than April 24th.

Brush piles cannot exceed 8' x 8' and 4' high - branches no more than 4" in diameter and should be placed in the alley. If there is no alley, brush can be placed behind the curb or pavement edge of the street.

Brush Drop-Off Site Opens April 7th

RecycleSmart, the Resource Recovery program for Grand Traverse County, will open the Brush Drop-Off Site, 2471 N. Keystone Road, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

The Brush Drop-off Site is open during the following days and times:

• Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday – 10 am to 4:30 pm
• Saturdays - 9 am to 3:30 pm

Acceptable yard waste material includes:

• Brush and branches at a cost of $5.00/cubic yard
• Grass clippings and leaves at a cost of $5.00/cubic yard or $1.00/bag
• Untreated construction wood at a cost of $8.00/ cubic yard
• Pallets at a cost of $4.00 each
• Stumps at a cost of $.50/inch up to 24" diameter.

Please separate your grass clippings and leaves from branches and twigs as they will be unloaded in different areas. Plastic bags must be emptied and removed from the site.

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