Government

Traverse City, Michigan is located in portions of both Grand Traverse County and Leelanau County within Northern Lower Michigan. Traverse City is situated on the shores of picturesque East Grand Traverse Bay and West Grand Traverse Bay, which both flow into Lake Michigan. While Traverse City’s official population is 15,678, and a daytime population of more than twice the official population, it is the hub of a Micropolitan Statistical Area of 153,448 (2020 census).

International City of Peace

The City of Traverse City has been designated an International City of Peace. International Cities of Peace is an association of citizens, governments and organizations who have by proclamation, resolution, or by citizen advocacy established their communities as official Cities of Peace. Every community has a legacy of peace, whether it is by a historical event or by a local peace heroes or groups who have contributed to their citizen’s safety, prosperity and quality of life.

No city is 100% a city of peace, rather all are on the path to “becoming” a more peaceful city. Establishing a community as a peace city recognizes past achievements, encourages current initiatives, and inspires future generations for practical peace building.

Staff Directory

City Assessor
Assessors are responsible to assess all property in the City at 50% of fair market value.
City Attorney
The City Attorney is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the City Commission for an indefinite term.
City Clerk
The City Clerk's Office serves as the legislative and corporate office for the City of Traverse City.
Downtown Development Authority
City Engineering
The work performed by the Engineering Department includes: utility reviews, right-of-way permits, soil erosion permits, and more.
Fire Department
The Traverse City Fire Department is responsible for providing all emergency life safety services within the City limits.
GIS
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) integrate spatial data (maps) and tabular data (informational databases) through computer technology.
Hickory Hills
Alpine & Nordic Skiing, Snow Tubing, Disc Golf and More!
Human Resources
What’s the best thing to do in Traverse City? Play tourist, of course, and enjoy all the unique offerings of a big city in a small northern setting.
Municipal Utilities
The Director of Municipal Utilities is responsible for planning, directing and supervising all aspects of the City ‘s Public Utilities.
Parks & Recreation
The City of Traverse City Parks and Recreation Division provides a wide array of park facilities and programs for its citizens and guests to enjoy.
Planning & Zoning
City Planning, Zoning and Code Enforcement.
Police Department
Excellence in public service and safety through community policing.
Public Parking
Whatever your downtown destination, a parking space is conveniently available.
Public Services
The Department of Public Services consists of the Streets Division, Parks and Recreation Division, Garage Division, Asset Management Division and the Duncan L. Clinch Marina.
Streets
The Streets Department is responsible for maintaining the following within the City limits.
Traverse City Light & Power
Providing the Public Power benefits of safety, lower rates, high reliability, local control and exceptional customer service.
Treasurer
The City Treasurer's Office is responsible for the collection and disbursement of all monies for the City and maintaining appropriate accounting and financial records to document these transactions.
City Commission
The City Commission is the legislative body of the City of Traverse City, essentially functioning as the city's "board of directors."
City Manager’s Office
The City Manager is appointed by the City Commission and is the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Traverse City.
Appointed Boards
Become a Citizen in Action! Our community spirit of involvement is a great source of beautification for our community on all fronts.
City Clerk's Office
The City Clerk's Office serves as the legislative and corporate office for the City of Traverse City.

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Connect with Us!

Increasing the City’s communication landscape is at the forefront of our goals and objectives. We strive to develop the four pillars of trust; expertise, reliability, goodwill, and authenticity, with our community members. Let’s work together on a sustainable future that contributes to the health of our region economically and environmentally and provides equitable opportunities for all.

Public Meetings

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