A Win for Safer Streets: Complete Streets Funding Passes

We’re excited to share some big news: the City is now dedicating 1% of its annual general fund revenue to Complete Streets projects. That’s more than $230,000 every year invested directly into making our streets safer and more accessible for people walking, biking, and rolling.

Why It Matters

For the first time, Traverse City has a consistent funding stream that prioritizes safety and connectivity. Instead of competing year to year, projects like crosswalk upgrades, sidewalk infill, and bike lanes now have a reliable source of support. Even better, this funding can be leveraged with grants and matching programs to stretch dollars further and maximize impact across the community.

Our Role

We were proud to advocate for this dedicated funding and to work alongside community partners who helped make it a reality. The passing of the 1% policy shows what’s possible when residents speak up for safer, more people-friendly streets.

What’s Next

One of the first projects supported by this new funding will be Carver Street, which will be striped with new, buffered bike lanes from Garfield to Woodmere this fall And this is only the beginning: each year, the 1% will continue to grow into more improvements, stronger connections, and safer streets across the city.

Additionally, the city is in the process of forming a Complete Streets Citizens Advisory Committee that will help guide which projects should be prioritized with this funding.

This is a major win, and we’re grateful to everyone who voiced support. Step by step, and street by street, we’re building a Traverse City that works better for all of us.