City of Traverse City Strategic Action Plan Project
Community Visioning Sessions Planned November 12th – 14th
The City of Traverse City is embarking on a community-driven Strategic Action Plan, looking out to 2030, designed to build on the City’s current success and chart a sustainable course for the future. This community-driven initiative will run from October 2024 through May 2025, with the goal of producing a robust, comprehensive, and sustainable Strategic Action Plan that will guide City programs and investments over the coming years.
The public is invited to participate in Community Visioning Sessions, held over three days, to discuss the findings from the initial Think-Tank workshops held in October 2024. These sessions will explore emerging macro trends, key drivers shaping the future of the City, and allow participants to contribute their perspectives on the future of Traverse City.
To ensure accessibility for all residents, session locations will vary, with several held in different neighborhoods across the city. While sessions will target specific neighborhoods, all community members are welcome to attend any session, regardless of location.
Community Visioning Sessions Agenda
• 10 minutes: Overview of project background and work to date
• 20 minutes: Overview of Think-Tank process and outcomes
• 30 minutes: Group discussion and short survey
Community Visioning Sessions Schedule
November 12th
All Are Welcome
Neighborhood Associations: Boardman, Oak Park, BOOM
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
NMC Great Lakes Campus
Room # GL 101
715 E. Front Street
All Are Welcome
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Governmental Center, Cafeteria
400 Boardman Avenue
November 13th
All Are Welcome
Neighborhood Associations: Morgan Farms, Slabtown, Kids Creek, GT Commons
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Hickory Hills
2000 Randolph Street
All Are Welcome
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Hickory Hills
2000 Randolph Street
November 14th
All Are Welcome
Neighborhood Associations: Central, Old Town, Midtown, Lake Ridge, Fernwood
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Traverse Area District Library - Main Branch
McGuire Room
610 Woodmere Avenue
All Are Welcome
Neighborhood Associations: Indian Woods, Triangle, NoBo, Traverse Heights
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Traverse Area District Library - Main Branch
McGuire Room
610 Woodmere Avenue
City Manager Liz Vogel expressed her gratitude, stating, “We thank those who attended the October Think-Tank sessions and participated in the valuable dialogue that emerged. We appreciate everyone who contributed their insights and helped set the stage for the City’s future. Now, as we continue this journey, we invite all residents to join our upcoming Community Visioning Sessions. We have highlighted a session in your area to encourage neighborhood participation, but anyone is welcome to attend any session. These sessions are an opportunity for everyone to share their vision, help prioritize our community’s goals, and shape a strategic path forward together.”
About the Process
The Strategic Action Planning process will be inclusive, transparent, and forward-looking, with extensive research and community engagement focused on the Traverse City community. This research and engagement will identify the current and future needs, as well as explore the potential future of the City, looking out to 2030.
The planning process will take place over eight months, beginning in October 2024 and concluding in May 2025 with the finalization of the Traverse City Strategic Action Plan. Key milestones will include the release of a Situational Assessment Report and a Traverse City Community Visioning Report that will inform the final plan.
Key Elements of the Strategic Action Planning Process
The planning process will involve extensive research, data collection, and community engagement, with a special focus on identifying both current and future needs. As part of the initiative, the City will prioritize collaboration with residents and community collaborators to define its long-term vision.
The Strategic Action Plan process will focus on community engagement through the following activities:
• Communication strategies to inform the community
• Community Partner Interviews
• Traverse City Community Visioning Sessions and Report
• Community Surveys
• Strategic Pillar stakeholder Roundtable Session
• Focus Groups with specified community groups to build out the Strategic Pillars
• Production of the Community Dashboard/Balanced Scorecard
• Production of the final Traverse City Strategic Action Plan
The City of Traverse City has contracted with Future iQ to facilitate the development of the plan.
Get Involved
The City of Traverse City encourages community members to participate in guiding future programs and investments in the community. Details on how to get involved, upcoming engagement opportunities, and progress updates will be available through the City’s Strategic Plan Project Portal,