A master plan is a dynamic long-term planning document that provides a conceptual layout to guide future growth and development. Master planning is about making the connection between buildings, social settings, and their surrounding environments.

The City’s current Master Plan was adopted in 2009, and updated/amended in 2017. The Michigan Planning Enabling Act (MPEA), Public Act 33 of 2008, as amended, requires that a Planning Commission review its Master Plan every five years, and decide whether to amend the existing document or adopt a new document.

The City issued a Request for Proposals in early 2022 and selected Becket & Raeder as the consultant to rewrite the City’s Master Plan. Becket & Raeder brings along local consultants PlaceCraft and Great Blue Orange to manage the community engagement portion of the project.

The document will guide policy to help create a vision of what the future will look like in relation to land use development and preservation. The City intends to work with the consultant tol implement a robust public engagement plan to develop a community vision with programmatic goals and recommendations for planning and zoning.

Desired Master Plan Content and Format
The new Master Plan is envisioned to be both a physical plan and a policy guide for staff and decision makers to guide community development for the next 30 years. It should address:

Housing and Affordability
Land Use Patterns and Intensities
Economic Development, Job Growth, and Economic Resiliency
Cultural and Historic Resources
Recreation and Civic Spaces
Community Services and Facilities
Transportation and Circulation, including a Mobility/Bicycle Network Plan
Sustainability, Natural Resources, Water and Energy
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
Incorporation of the Village of Grand Traverse Commons, which has its own Master Plan, within the broader framework of the City.
Priority redevelopment areas
Action plan implementation table and zoning plan
Requirements of MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities

Master Plan Leadership Team Members

Daren Dixon, Traverse City Light & Power
Frank Dituri, City of Traverse City/DPS
Debbie Hershey, Planning Commission
Art Krueger, City of Traverse City, DMU
Mary Mills, City Resident
Claire Karner, City Resident
Shawn Winter, City of Traverse City, City Planner
Martin Colburn, City of Traverse City, City Manager
Colleen Paveglio, City of Traverse City
Harry Burkholder, DDA, COO
Mi Stanley, City Commission
Tim Lodge, City of Traverse City, City Engineer
David Hassing, Planning Commission
Jeanine Easterday, City Resident
Mitchell Treadwell, City Commission
Ted Arnold, Student Liaison