NOVEMBER 8, 2022 GENERAL ELECTION

VOTE! IT'S YOUR CIVIC DUTY!

Election Day is on Tuesday, November 8th. Voting ensures representation on the local, state, and federal level. Even the smallest of elections can have a big impact for the future. You can register to vote up to and even on Election Day, it's your right!

Saturday Hours

The City Clerk's Office will be open 8 am - 4 pm on Saturday, November 5th for election purposes, including voting inquiries, requesting an absentee ballot, returning absentee ballots, and registering to vote.

Absentee Voting

Nearly 2,000,000 individuals have requested absentee ballots in Michigan leading up to the November 8th General Election. With Election Day almost here, to avoid any possible postal delays, voters should hand deliver their absentee ballot at the City Clerk's Office or the red drop box at the Governmental Center.

You can track your ballot online to ensure that it was received. 

Track your Ballot! 

Election Changes for November 2022

Due to recent legislation allowing for the pre-preprocessing of absentee ballots for all jurisdictions, voters needing to spoil an absentee ballot that had previously been returned to the City Clerk's Office, must do so by 5 pm on November 4th. The allowance of pre-processing absentee ballots includes opening envelopes only.

Voting Precincts

Polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm. By state law, if you are in line at your polling place by 8 pm, you have a right to cast your ballot.

City of Traverse City Precinct Locations

HICKORY HILLS SEASON PASSES NOW ON SALE

The City is gearing up for the winter season at Hickory Hills! Season passes at Hickory Hills went on sale on November 1st. Alpine season pass holders may also use Nordic trails at no additional charge.

New Rental Equipment

New Head snow board gear, including boards, boots, and bindings will be available for rent this season!

Hickory debuted new Head ski gear, including skis and boots, during the 2021/2022 season. 

Also for rent, is Nordic gear at Hickory!

Seasonal Positions Available

JOIN THE FUN! Now hiring for seasonal positions at Hickory Hills. Seasonal Employees receive a free employee ski pass.

Available Positions

• Ticket Sales
• Tow Shack Operators
• Snowmaking Operators
• Rental Shop

To learn more and apply, click HERE.

COVID WASTEWATER

SAMPLING SEES SPIKE

In June 2021, the City Commission approved accepting $2,093,629 in grant funds for source tracking of SARS-COV2 (COVID-19) in wastewater from July 2021, through July 2023.

The project goal is to identify and track the presence (or absence) of the virus in the City’s wastewater collection system in 10 congregate sites where various groups of people gather, 2 times per week. Data is reported to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Spike in Sample Count: 10/27

The City's contractor, Great Lakes Environmental Center recently reported that the influent sample at the Wastewater Treatment Plant on October 27, 2022 was the highest count since the start of the program in July 2021. The previous high sample is showing a sign of a "spike" rather than a "trend" of elevated counts.

Traverse City is one of twenty wastewater systems in the state participating in this grant project.

MOBILITY IMPROVEMENT INTERACTIVE MAP

In tandem with the City's current Master Planning process, Traverse City is developing a Mobility Action Plan that furthers the City’s goal of becoming a premier cycling and multi-modal community. The Mobility Action Plan seeks to define the desired future network of pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular infrastructure that will meet the City’s mobility needs and challenges. Policies, partnerships, and practices will be identified to ensure that Plan recommendations are effective and implementable.



Key Project Goals

• Identify Areas of Need
• Create a Unified Vision
• Identify Areas of Opportunity
• Develop Policy Action Plan

Pin the Interactive Mobility Map

Your input provides valuable information on where the City can improve its non-motorized transportation network. Place a pin on the interactive map at the link to show where you would like to see mobility improvements. 

TWO WAY STATE STREET CONVERSION PILOT

 IMPLEMENTATION ANTICIPATED FOR WEEK OF NOVEMBER 7th

Portions of State Street, Pine Street, and Boardman Avenue will be closed beginning November 7th to prepare for the transition from one-way traffic to two-way traffic. The intersections of State Street and Union Street and State Street and Cass Street will have temporary stop signs (indicating a new all way stop) until traffic signals are modified later in the week. Drivers should expect temporary lane shifts, lane closures, and street segment closures while work is being performed.

The conversion to two-way traffic on Pine Street, State Street and Boardman Avenue is expected to be substantially complete by the end of the day on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. However, all work is weather dependent and modifications may be necessary. If possible, please use alternate routes avoiding this area to reduce congestion, delay, and promote worker safety.

Why a two-way State Street project?

• To slow traffic on State Street
• Create a safer and more comfortable environment for pedestrians and bicycles on State Street (and all streets in downtown)
• Provide for more connectivity to the overall grid system
• Serve as a catalyst for economic activity and growth along State Street

Why is the project being done now?

After a temporary but smaller (only two blocks) two-way traffic conversion pilot project on State Street during the pandemic was well received, the project will test if a more comprehensive traffic conversion of State Street will also be successful. Studying the effects of the two-way conversion over two winter seasons will determine best practices for snow removal. 

The City will experience several bridge and road construction projects (Cass Street and Union Street Bridge and Grandview Parkway) planned for 2023 and 2024 that will provide challenges to vehicular circulation throughout downtown. Improvements to the grid system will improve traffic circulation during this period. 

USPS Mailbox Relocation

The drive-up mailbox on State Street has been relocated to Lot E, the parking lot behind the Post Office building, and will continue to function as drive-up.

The Boardman Avenue mailbox near E. Front Street will now operate as a walk-up.

Key Factors for Success

The DDA and City will be measuring several factors to determine if the two-way pilot project is successful, including:

• Pedestrian Volumes
• Bicycle Volumes
• Crash Data
• Traffic Speeds
• Traffic Volumes

At the end of the two-year pilot, it will be determined if two-way traffic will remain permanent or if the pilot should be extended for further study and evaluation. 

As part of the project, the DDA has committed to continually reaching out to business owners and residents of Downtown, and the surrounding neighborhoods to gain feedback. In addition, as the two-way conversion is experienced, users may provide suggestions at two-way@downtownc.com

IN THE COMMUNITY

The City recently had a blast hosting the Girl Scouts!