Project Overview

Traverse City is a thriving community, situated in parts of both Grand Traverse County and Leelanau County in Northern Lower Michigan. It is a picturesque lakeside haven, seamlessly connected to Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes. With its proximity to a diverse range of activities, the city has earned recognition as being of the best Midwest ski towns, a top beach town to reside in, and boasts one of the most charming Main Streets in America. Additionally, Traverse City holds the distinction of being one of the few Coast Guard cities in the United States.

Known for its progressive and diverse community, Traverse City has a population of approximately 15,000 people, serving as the hub of the Northern Michigan region with a surrounding population of around 143,000. Recently designated as a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the areas experiences a surge in visitors, reaching up to 500,000 people in the summer months. However, Traverse City boasts four seasons of outdoor recreation with over 35 parks within the city. Surrounded by rustic wineries, sandy beaches and farmland, Traverse City consistently is featured on various lists as an outstanding destination for living, working, visiting, and exploring. The City is also renowned as a haven for food enthusiasts, with a diverse array of restaurants.

Traverse City and the surrounding towns in Northern Michigan are situated on the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabek, specifically the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. It is also known as the nation’s Cherry Capital with cherry cultivation beginning in the 1850s.

The City of Traverse City is embarking on a comprehensive and sustainable Strategic Action Plan for Traverse City, looking out to 2030. The objective of the strategic planning process is to build on Traverse City’s current success and incorporate new actions to maintain this success over the next 5 years. The outcome of this process, running August 2024 through May 2025, will be to produce a robust, comprehensive and sustainable Strategic Action Plan.