CITY ACADEMY APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

S. UNION STREET AND N. CASS STREET BRIDGES

The City of Traverse City has launched a new program, City Academy! The program’s purpose is to inspire citizens to be informed about the issues surrounding city government and how it functions in order to contribute in the most meaningful way. Do you ever wonder why a specific street was chosen to be reconstructed, how our drinking water is kept safe, or who to call when a tree branch needs maintenance? Learn all of that and a whole lot more at City Academy!

The 5-week program will include 8 sessions from 5:30 pm – 7:30/8:00 pm, and kicks off on April 18, 2023. During these weekly sessions, participants will connect with City staff to discover what goes into both long-term planning and day-to-day operations throughout the City and how citizens can become more involved! Presentations and "behind-the-scenes" facility tours give participants a better understanding of the role local government plays in the quality of life that residents of the City enjoy. Sessions will take place at various City facilities such as Hickory Hills, the Fire Station 1, Water Treatment Plant, and Wastewater Treatment Plant, giving participants a true sense of what it's like to work in local government.

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. 

Applications for City Academy are available February 1, 2023 – February 28, 2023. Program participants should represent an ecosystem that blends well and be a wide representation of the entire City. No more than 15 participants will be chosen for the 2023 City Academy. City residents will be considered first for acceptance into the program.

ICE SKATING RINKS TO OPEN

The Parks and Recreation Division has been working hard on the public ice skating rinks in the City. The rinks are set to open at the end of the work day, Friday, February 3rd! There is no charge for use of these rinks.

Rink Locations

• 14th and Pine Street (Thirlby Field)  
• State Street between Railroad and Hope (F&M Park)

Due to improvements being made at Traverse Heights Elementary, there will no longer be a public rink on the property. 

Rink Hours

Please note that the lights turn off at 9 pm. Enjoy a true northern Michigan tradition in the City!

THANK YOU POLICE SERVICE K-9 DRAGO

The City extends a big thank you to Police Service K-9 Drago for his service with The Traverse City Police Department for nearly six years. Drago is 8 years old and due to the requirements and demands placed on him, retirement is being requested at the February 6, 2023 City Commission meeting.

Since May 3, 2017, Drago has has served alongside his handler Officer Adam Verschaeve, both with distinction.  In addition to the retirement request, a request will be made to sell canine Drago to Officer Verschaeve for a cost of $1.00 so he can officially join the Verschaeve family!

THE PERFORMANCE 2022

The City has released its 2022 annual report, The Performance, which provides insight into major accomplishments and significant projects completed during the past year. Throughout the report many achievements for the City are highlighted, among many other topics.

This Week's Feature

In 2022, the City was awarded $10,488,371 in grants and funding! Grants included support for Kids Creek tree planting, the West End Beach bath house project, the Mobility Action Plan, Hickory Hills, Clean & Drinking water infrastructure, and personal safety equipment. Included in the total is a $7 million appropriation from the State of Michigan for the Senior Center project!

SEEKING SIDEWALK SNOW BLOWER OPERATORS

IN THE COMMUNITY

The TCPD recently had a change in command staff. Join us in congratulating Captain Richmond, Captain Gillis, and Lieutenant Sivek!