City of Traverse City Strategic Action Plan Project
A Community-Driven Strategic Planning Process
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 Strategic Action Planning process will be inclusive, transparent, and forward-looking, with extensive research and community engagement that focuses on the community of Traverse City. This research and engagement will identify the current and future needs, as well as exploring the potential future of the City, looking out to 2030.
City Manager Liz Vogel stated, "We're thrilled to begin this journey, collaborating with our community to develop clear, actionable strategies for the City’s future. I look forward to working alongside our residents and City leadership to prioritize the goals that will shape the path ahead."
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 Future Think-Tank Workshop 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.
Timeline and Next Steps
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 Think-Tank Report that will inform the final plan.
Think Tank Workshops
The public is invited to participate in the Think-Tank workshops, held over two sessions to explore emerging macro trends, key drivers shaping the future of the city and craft a series of plausible future scenarios.
Governmental Center (Training Room)
400 Boardman Avenue
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
9 am to Noon
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
5 pm to 8 pm
Learn More & Register to Attend
Get Involved
The City of Traverse City encourages the community 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.