MUNICIPAL UTILITIES WINS

2025 PROJECT OF THE YEAR

AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION

The City's Department of Municipal Utilities has earned top honors from the Michigan Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) for its Sanitary Sewer Relocation project, recognized as the 2025 Project of the Year in the Environment ($1 Million to $5 Million) category.

This award highlights the City's proactive efforts to protect the Boardman/Ottaway River and Grand Traverse Bay, and ensure long-term infrastructure reliability. The project stemmed from the Boardman River Wall Stabilization Study, which identified a critical risk: the existing 24-inch sanitary sewer running along the river wall between Union and Cass Streets was vulnerable to failure. If the deteriorating wall shifted, it could have caused a catastrophic sewage spill into the river. The solution? Relocating the sewer southward into the alley, reducing environmental risk and safeguarding nearly half of the City’s wastewater flow.

Congratulations to the Traverse City Department of Municipal Utilities for this well-deserved honor! Thanks to the leadership of Director of Municipal Utilities Art Kruger, PE, and the collaboration of Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. and Elmer’s Crane and Dozer, Inc., this project was successfully implemented in a two-phase approach. The work not only protects public health and water quality but also strengthens Traverse City’s infrastructure for the future.

The award will be formally presented at the APWA Michigan Chapter’s Annual Conference Awards Banquet on May 22, 2025, at the Grand Traverse Resort. In addition to this state-level recognition, the project has been forwarded to the APWA National office for further consideration on the national stage.

In 2022, the City adopted two five year project plans for drinking water and clean water (wastewater) with over $48 million in investments. 

HICKORY HILLS SEASON

SEASON CLOSES MARCH 16TH WITH ANNUAL SLUSH CUP

The slopes at Hickory Hills are winding down for the season, but we’re going out in style! Mark your calendars for the Slush Cup on Sunday, March 16th, 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 16th (Last day of the season!)

Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Location: 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!

Runs Currently Open

Fast Tammy, Magna Carta, Swede, Waterfall, Jack’s Trail, Birch, Buck, Cherry Bomb, Mad Dog, Don & Jerry, Bail, Low Grade, Pete, Rotary Rocks & Lodge Alley.

SEEKING GUARDIAN AWARD NOMINATIONS

The City's Coast Guard Committee proudly announces the call for 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 Coast Guard is a unique branch of the Military responsible for an array of maritime duties, from ensuring safe and lawful commerce to performing rescue missions in severe conditions. The Coast Guard 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. The City of Traverse City has been a designated Coast Guard City since 2010.

Nominations are due by March 31, 2025. The honoree(s) will be celebrated at a reception in spring 2025.

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 March 12, 2025, from 10 am to 2:30 pm.

Double Red Procedure

By donating double red cells, you're helping patients who need larger volumes of red blood cells, such as those undergoing heart surgery, trauma recovery, or cancer treatments. In fact, trauma patients may require up to 4-6 units of red blood cells to stabilize, while surgical patients often need 2-4 units. Your one double red donation provides two units of red blood cells, which could help multiple patients at once. And the best part? You only need to donate half as often, making your contribution both impactful and convenient!

Drive Details & Appointments

Goal: 15 successful units

Appointments: 28 total appointment slots in order to reach that goal.

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins welcome. Call 1-866-MI-BL00D. Make sure to EAT a healthy MEAL and DRINK plenty of WATER before donating. 

Donor Incentives

All attempting donors who donate with Versiti at a donor center or mobile drive in March 2025 will be entered to win a trip to Hawaii! 1 lucky donor will be randomly drawn among all Versiti donors, on or around 4/2/25. Prize includes: 5-night stay in Honolulu, Hawaii for two, round-trip flights, hotel stay, transportation to and from hotel and $300 Visa® Gift Card. ARV: $6,000.00.  

PROPOSED R2 ZONING AMENDMENTS

MOVE FORWARD TO CITY COMMISSION

In January 2025, the Planning Commission began discussions on its annual goals, including a proposal to amend the R-2 Mixed Density Residential District to allow up to four dwelling units per parcel, an increase from the current limit of two. This change aligns with the City's Master Plan and broader efforts to address local housing needs.

The proposal was originally part of a 2023 zoning amendment package recommended by the Planning Commission to promote housing diversity. While most amendments were adopted by the City Commission, no action was taken on the R-2 density adjustment, leaving R-1b and R-2 districts with identical density regulations.

The Planning Commission voted to recommend the zoning amendment to City Commission for adoption at their March 4, 2025. The item is anticipated to be introduced to the City Commission on March 17, 2025.



While the amendment would allow for increased density, factors such as setbacks, lot size, and other zoning requirements will still determine whether a property qualifies. Community members are encouraged to review the proposal and stay engaged about how it may impact them.

THE PERFORMANCE 2024 AT A GLANCE

RECREATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS

The City has published The Performance, the 2024 annual report, highlighting the significant progress and accomplishments in the past year.

Investments to enhance green spaces foster opportunities for the community to connect with nature and each other. These improvements promote health, wellness, and recreation, ensuring accessible and vibrant places where residents and visitors alike can gather, explore, and thrive. The City aims to create spaces that inspire connection, activity, and shared experiences for generations to come.

Anishinaabe History Project

• City partnered with Kchi Wiikwedong (Grand Traverse Bay) Anishinaabe History Project.
• First marker installed at Clinch Park, designed by Chris Cornelius (studio:indigenous).
• Features weathering steel, Anishinaabe beadwork patterns, and bilingual plaque (English & Anishinaabemowin).
• Additional markers planned for Hannah Park and West End Beach.

Hickory Forest

• 76-acre high-quality northern forest opened in 2024 by the Rec Authority (City of Traverse City & Garfield Township).
• Acquired in 2023 with funding from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.
• Features hiking trails, new parking area, and upcoming wayfinding signage.
• Connects to Hickory Meadows and Hickory Hills, forming 330+ acres of contiguous public land.

Hickory Hills

• Nordic ski course received homologation certification from the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) in 2023.
• First homologated cross-country ski course in Michigan’s lower peninsula.
• City partnered with VASA Ski Club to host a Junior National Qualifier Race in January 2024.

Hannah Park

• New stairs built in collaboration with Grand Traverse Conservation District, accessible from Sixth Street.
• Prepares for the future Hannah Park Overlook, set for infrastructure, safety, and aesthetic improvements in 2025.

Art in the Park

• "Our Neighborhood Spot" mural completed at Bryant Park in 2024.
• Painted by local artist Katherine Corden Bellisario.
• Part of the Arts Commission’s annual “Art in the Park” initiative in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Commission.

New Park Signage

• Comprehensive signage system installed in 2024 across 30+ city parks.
• Includes park ID monuments, information kiosks, guide signs, trail markers, and regulatory signs.
• Enhances visitor experience, safety, and accessibility.
• Funded primarily through the Brown Bridge Parks Improvement Fund.
• Identified as a priority in the Parks and Recreation 5-Year Master Plan.