STRATEGIC PLANNING

FIVE YEAR PLAN TO BE DEVELOPED

At their February 5, 2024 meeting, the City Commission will review a Request for Proposals to engage a consultant in a strategic planning process. The strategic planning process comes at a crucial time to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead within the City of Traverse City. The plan will aim to enhance the City's long-term visionary and development strategies to better serve its residents. The proposed RFP outlines our objectives, expectations, and criteria for selecting a strategic planning partner.

Process & Action Plan

• Initial Assessment (internal)
• Situation Analysis (external)
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Statistically Valid Community Survey
• Goal Setting
• Action Plans
• Monitoring and Reporting
• Community Dashboard/Balanced Scorecard
• Cadence for Updates

Evaluation Criteria

• Experience and Qualifications
• Methodology
• Team Expertise
• Budget
• References

Selection Process

• Establish Strategic Plan RFP Committee
• Conduct Final Interviews
• Recommend Qualified Consultant to City Commission

Timeline

• Issue RFP
• Deadline for Submissions: March 1, 2024
• Contract Authorized Spring/Summer 2024

CIP

INTRODUCTION &

OVERVIEW

At their February 6, 2024 meeting, the Planning Commission will receive an overview of the proposed Capital Improvements Plan (CIP). This CIP outlines a schedule of public service expenditures over the ensuing six‐year period (FY 24/25–29/30). The Plan does not address all of the capital expenditures for the City, but provides for large, physical improvements that are permanent in nature, including the basic facilities, services, and installations needed for the functioning of the community. These include transportation systems, utilities, municipal facilities and other miscellaneous projects.

PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION

UPDATES

For those who have returned the Ballot Selection Form for the February 27th Presidential Primary Election, Absentee Ballots were mailed on Friday, January 26th and will continue to be mailed daily.

For individuals enrolled in the Permanent Ballot List, it is required to complete a Ballot Selection Form to receive the issuance of an Absentee Ballot for the February election. The City has recently sent Ballot Selection Forms via mail to all eligible voters on the List.

In-Person Voting will begin with Early Voting on Saturday, February 17th.

CHRISTMAS TREE

DROP OFF

SITE

Last Day!

The Christmas Tree drop off site is available for City residents through Friday, February 2nd.

Please be sure that trees are free of all decorations, tinsel, etc. so they can be properly mulched and reused in nature. Trees may be dropped off at the boat launch parking lot in Hull Park. The drop off site will be available through February 2, 2024.

Fun Fact: Trees are chipped and used for trail surfacing in City parks and the Brown Bridge Quiet area, mulching material, and erosion control!

2024 CITY ACADEMY

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

The City is proud to announce that applications are available for the 2024 City Academy. Launched in 2023, the program's initiative aims to empower citizens with a profound understanding of the intricacies surrounding city governance and operations, encouraging active contributions to the betterment of our beloved community. Ever wondered about the decisions behind street reconstructions, the safety of our drinking water, or who to contact for municipal services? City Academy has the answers!

Program Details

• Duration: 5 weeks
• Sessions: 8, from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
• Commencement: April 23, 2024

Throughout the program, participants will engage with City staff, delving into the realms of both long-term planning and day-to-day operations. From informative presentations to exclusive "behind-the-scenes" facility tours at locations such as Hickory Hills, Fire Station 1, Water Treatment Plant, and Wastewater Treatment Plant, attendees will gain valuable insights into the pivotal role local government plays in shaping the quality of life for Traverse City residents.

City Academy Goals

1. Knowledge: Inform citizens about how the City is organized and how services are funded and delivered through first-hand involvement. Create opportunities for mutual learning.
2. Involvement: Growing a pipeline for substantial citizen involvement in the form of serving on boards, commissions, committees, and so forth. Become ambassadors for the City.
3. Community Relations: Building relationships with City staff by developing open lines of communication by reducing barriers and developing social capital for meaningful dialogue and collective action. 

Application Period

• Start: February 1, 2024
• End: February 29, 2024

Interested individuals are invited to apply during this window. The program seeks participants who represent a diverse cross-section of the community, with priority given to City residents first. With a limited intake of no more than 15 participants, City Academy aims to represent an ecosystem that blends well and be a wide representation of the entire City.

Join City Academy and be a catalyst for positive change! Together, let's unlock the potential within each citizen to shape the future of Traverse City!

IN THE COMMUNITY

JNQ AT HICKORY HILLS

The City was thrilled that our partners at VASA Ski Club hosted the Junior National Qualifier Nordic Race at Hickory Hills over the weekend. There was large attendance to support junior racers and we loved showing off our newly homologated certified course to the Great Lakes region!