ELECTION UPDATES

NOVEMBER 7, 2023 ELECTION RESULTS

Thank you to all the residents who exercised their civic duty by voting in the November 7, 2023 City of Traverse City election. Active participation in the democratic process is essential for building a stronger and more vibrant community. A sincere thank you to the dedicated election workers whose hard work and commitment ensured a smooth and fair electoral process for the City of Traverse City.

Swearing-In Ceremony for Mayor & City Commission

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the Mayoral and City Commission candidates who ran for a seat in the recent election. The dedication and willingness to serve the community by running for office is admirable, and we commend their commitment to making Traverse City a better place for all its residents.

City Clerk Benjamin Marentette will swear in Jackie Anderson, Heather Shaw and Mitchell Treadwell as City Commissioners, and Amy Shamroe as Mayor, at the City Commission’s November 13, 2023, Organizational Meeting. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m., and will be held in the Commission Chambers on the second floor of the Governmental Center at 400 Boardman Avenue in Traverse City, Michigan. Upon taking the Oath of Office, they will all officially assume their offices..

Following the swearing-in Ceremony, the City Commission will select one of its members to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for a two-year term. They will make various appointments to boards as well as form a variety of ad hoc interview committees to interview and make recommendations to appointments to various boards.

Brown Bridge Land Acquisition Ballot Proposals: Passed

In 2023, the City was presented the opportunity to acquire 528 acres of land adjacent to the Brown Bridge Quiet Area for $3,098,445. The City Commission approved a resolution to apply for a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) Grant in the amount of $2,352,200. On Tuesday, City voters approved using the principal from the Brown Bridge Trust Fund to match the grant in an amount not to exceed $746,245, if it is awarded.

Learn More

Traverse City Fire Emergency Transport Services Ballot Proposal: Passed

On Tuesday, City voters approved to restore up to 1 mill for the purpose of fire department emergency transportation services and facilities. The ballot proposal will provide funding to allow TCFD to provide transport services, with the 1 mill tax levy. The revenue provided would support the proposed staffing model of nine additional personnel, one captain, the purchase of additional equipment, and two new ambulances. The approval of this ballot proposal will not provide sufficient funding for a new fire station.

Learn More

MADISON AND JEFFERSON

OPEN

The Madison and Jefferson Reconstruction Project is substantially complete! Thank you Slabtown neighbors for patience!

Project elements included street reconstruction, improvements to the sanitary sewer, water main, and storm sewer utilities within the project limits of Jefferson Avenue from Fulton Street to Elmwood Avenue, and Madison Street from Front Street to Wayne Street. Also included are improvements to mobility and safety with the addition of a sidewalk on the north side of Jefferson. Crossing widths at the intersections will be reduced on Madison for shorter pedestrian crossing distances. Parking was moved to the east side only on Madison to enhance mobility where sidewalks are most accessible. Lastly, the project includes green infrastructure elements such as drywells and bioswales.

In addition to the above improvements, the project includes 27 street trees to fill in areas where most appropriate.

BOON STREET PARK IMPROVEMENTS

Improvements including a new playground with a picnic area and a defined entrance with a trail into the park are underway in Boon Street Park.

In Spring 2023, the Parks Division conducted a survey among the surrounding neighbors of Boon Street Park. Survey responses expressed a desire for a swing set, climbing feature, and slide. Additionally, the survey noted that the basketball hoop and the open green space were important features that should be maintained.

The new equipment that will be installed in the park was carefully chosen based on its theme, style, and functionality. The equipment meets the City's requirements for using sustainable building materials, reducing plastic play structures, and having high-quality design. The new equipment also boasts a variety of equipment in one theme, creating a unified play structure for the park. Overall, the improvements to Boon Street Park are sure to be enjoyed by the community for years to come!

SEASONAL PARKING UPDATE

Parking between 3 am and 6 am on City streets is prohibited from November 16th through the following April 14th. Please help our Streets Divisi on clear snow safely and efficiently when winter arrives. Overnight parking is available within the Downtown District in the Hardy and Old Town Parking Garages, Lot T, and Lot P.

HIKE RESPONSIBLY

Deer day is quickly approaching! Please be aware that hunting permits can be issued for the Brown Bridge Quiet Area in Grasshopper Creek.

Rifle season kicks off on November 15th. If you are in the area, or hiking in areas where hunting is permitted, please hike responsibly and wear bright, preferably orange clothing.

FALL LEAF PICK UP

CONTINUES

The Fall Loose Leaf Pick Up continues in throughout City neighborhoods. Updates and the interactive map may be found at the link below.

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

NORDIC COURSE AT HICKORY HILLS AWARDED HOMOLOGATION CERTIFICATION

THE ONLY CERTIFIED COURSE IN LOWER PENINSULA

The City of Traverse City’s Nordic course at Hickory Hills has been awarded a homologation certification by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS). With this stamp of approval, Hickory Hills becomes the only homologated cross-country ski course in Michigan’s lower peninsula, and joins only two other homologated courses in Michigan, both in the Upper Peninsula: Ishpeming and Houghton. There are only 37 homologated courses in the United States.

Homologation or “course approval” was awarded following a multi-year effort coordinated by volunteers of VASA Ski Club, City staff, and the non-profit Preserve Hickory that included preparing specific documents describing the course, site visits, and a report by an FIS Homologation Inspector. The homologation process confirms that the technical requirements of FIS have been met, and it allowed local organizers to discuss protective safety needs, course preparation, and use of the facility with the inspector.

The first race on the newly approved course will be the Junior National Qualifiers, scheduled for late January 2024.

FIS Homologation Inspector Gary Larson reflected on his site visits to Hickory Hills, “The success of Hickory Hills is a direct result of the active ski community and the excellent support and cooperation with the ski hill. One thing that sets Hickory Hills apart from other locations is its convenient proximity to the population of Traverse City. The terrain has dictated a challenging course that will test every skier. Good things are ahead.” 

The new 3.3 km Nordic course is a part of the non-profit Preserve Hickory’s significant advocacy and fundraising effort that began in 2014 with the development of the Hickory Hills Master Plan. Over $5 million has been invested in the park to support park improvements. Phase 2 of the Master Plan, which included expanding snowmaking and lighting and preparing the Nordic ski trails for homologation, was launched last year with a $125,000 grant from the Great Lakes Sports Commission. In addition, support for Phase 2 was provided by Preserve Hickory, our fundraising partner in the amount of $260,745, as well as a $50,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant, $7,500 from in-kind services from contractors, and $5,605 fund balance for the project.  Traverse City Light & Power also provided $28,465 in materials.

Located in the heart of Traverse City, Hickory Hills opened in 1952 and is owned and operated by the City of Traverse City

IN THE COMMUNITY

TRAVERSE CITY'S NEW POLICE CHIEF

The City is thrilled to announce the appointment of Matthew Richmond as the new Police Chief!

Chief Richmond began his career with the City in 2004. He has been assigned as a Detective, promoted to Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Lieutenant, and most recently Captain of Patrol Services, as well as Interim Chief in 2023. He has also served as the School Resource Officer at Central High School, a Crime Scene Technician, Interdiction Team Leader, and a Motor Cycle Officer. Chief Richmond holds a Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership degree. He assumed the role of Police Chief on October 22, 2023 and was officially sworn-in at a ceremony on November 8, 2023.