FALL TREE PLANTING COMPLETE

PARKS & RECREATION DIVISION PLANTS 191 TREES

The City of Traverse City has successfully completed its annual fall tree planting for 2023, adding a total of 191 trees to various locations. The Parks & Recreation Division spearheaded the planting effort, establishing 151 robust trees measuring two inches or larger in caliper and standing at least ten feet tall. These trees were strategically placed in open spaces throughout the city, often in areas where hazardous trees had been removed previously.

Notably, sixteen trees were specifically planted along the Downtown streetscape, carefully chosen for their resilience in harsh urban environments. Species such as the Ivory Silk Tree Lilac and Hackberry were selected to thrive in these conditions. Additionally, a diverse range of species including American Elm, Basswood, Little Leaf Linden, London Plane, Serviceberry, Honey Locust, Tulip tree, and Shagbark Hickory were planted across different parts of the City.

In early fall, an additional 40 conifers, each standing at 5 feet and balled in burlap, found their place at Hickory Hills. This planting was comprised White Pine, Black Hills Spruce, American Larch, and Hemlock, and further contributes to the City's greenery and biodiversity.

Diversifying the urban canopy is crucial for enhancing resilience against climate change by promoting a variety of tree species that can adapt to different environmental conditions and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.

A diverse urban canopy not only contributes to improved air quality by filtering pollutants, but it also fosters biodiversity, creating habitats for various species and supporting ecological balance within urban environments.

Beyond the environmental benefits, diversifying the urban canopy enhances the aesthetic appeal of the City, promoting a sense of well-being and community, while also addressing social equity by ensuring that the benefits of green spaces are distributed more equally across diverse neighborhoods.

The fall tree planting was budgeted from both the Parks and Recreation Division budget and previously allocated ARPA funds. 

TCFD LADDER TRUCK APPROVAL CONSIDERED

At their November 20, 2023 meeting, the City Commission will consider approving the purchase of a new aerial apparatus (ladder truck) for the Traverse City Fire Department. In July 2023, the City was notified that the State of Michigan, through Representative Betsy Coffia's Office, had awarded Traverse City Fire Department a $1.8 million grant through the Michigan Enhancement Program.

The new ladder truck will replace City Ladder 1, which is a 2004 KME aerial platform truck. City Ladder 1 is scheduled to be replaced, as it is approaching 20 years old. The new truck will feature a 100-foot ladder. Vehicles for fire fighting and rescue are custom orders and can take up to three years to build. Once the funds are distributed and the order placed, TCFD will have a better idea on delivery.

FALL LEAF PICK UP

CONTINUES

The Fall Loose Leaf Pick Up continues throughout City neighborhoods. Leaves should be raked out in front of your house for pick up as promptly as possible. Pick up moves west to east.

Due to the Madison/Jefferson construction, leaves placed in alley will be picked up. Moving forward, please place leaves in street.

Due to weather and leaf fall variables, no specific end date has been established. Updates on an end date, once established, as well as the interactive map, may be found at the "learn more" link below.

Are you interested in serving the beautiful 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 volunteers for the following Boards and Committees. 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 on the appointment process through the City Commission Policy on Appointments and Committees. The following Boards and Committees are seeking applicants.

• Board of Tax Review
• Board of Zoning Appeals
• Brown Bridge Advisory Committee
• Coast Guard City Committee
• Historic Districts Commission
• Housing Commission
• Human Rights Commission
• Planning Commission 
• Parks and Recreation

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, 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

IN THE COMMUNITY

YOUR NEW CITY COMMISSION

On Monday, November 13th, Mayor Amy Shamroe, Commissioner Jackie Anderson, Commissioner Heather Shaw, and Commissioner Mitchell Treadwell were officially sworn-in to office. Mark Wilson was appointed Mayor Pro Tem. Join us in welcoming your new City Commission!