Darryl V Nelson - Grand Traverse County Commissioner - District 6

08/25/2026

08/18/2026

Great idea, thank you East Bay Township.

08/13/2026

Sayler Sunset Time - with a great addition.
I have to add the video to the comments.
But check out what we thought were baby hummingbirds, but they may be hummingbird moths?!

08/08/2026

We’re thrilled to announce that the fundraising goal for the proposed Ridge Nature Preserve—or as we’ve come to call it, “The Ridge”—has been met, and this incredible property is now permanently protected!

Not long ago, this 306-acre property in East Bay Township faced a proposal for more than 1,100 homes that would have damaged its forested ridge, home to an active Bald Eagle nest, 7,100 feet of stream frontage and 64 acres of water-filtering wetlands that are critical to our region’s drinking water.

This monumental achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of East Bay Charter Township, which secured an impressive $4.8 million grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to purchase a conservation and public use easement on the property. And of course, people like you, whose dedication to our lands and waters made the difference when it mattered most.

When this community understands what’s at stake, you show up, and together we’ve made a lasting impact.

While the preserve is not yet open to the public, our stewardship team and volunteers are already on site, laying the groundwork for an outstanding trail system we can’t wait to share with you. In the meantime, please join us for weekly trail-building workdays on Fridays—find details and sign-up information on our website.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support, which makes all of this possible. Stay tuned for an update on the preserve’s opening in 2027.

We look forward to seeing you there soon!

Project Information: https://www.gtrlc.org/activeprojects/the-ridge/

Sign up for trail-building workdays: https://www.gtrlc.org/recreation-events/events/

08/08/2026

TVC: Gates to the Future is Taking Shape in Real Time! 👀

Want a front-row seat to the future of Cherry Capital Airport? Now you can watch TVC: Gates to the Future unfold day by day through our live EarthCam!

Since breaking ground on the new second terminal on April 24, 2026, crews have been hard at work building the next chapter of air travel in Northern Michigan. From moving earth and raising steel to the finishing touches that will welcome travelers for years to come, every day brings exciting progress.

*Watch construction happen in real time
*Follow the journey of our largest addition project ever
*Check back often to catch new milestones and big changes

This is more than a construction project. It's TVC: Gates to the Future, a vision coming to life and creating a stronger, more connected future for our region.

Tune in anytime and see the future of TVC taking shape, one milestone at a time: https://tvcairport.com/tvc-gates-to-the-future/

08/07/2026

08/03/2026

I am pleased to support TC USCG Air Station becoming the location for the Coast Guard drone testing program.

Good things coming from that program in suspect.

The bipartisan effort would establish Traverse City as a premier testing site for autonomous maritime technologies, creating new research opportunities while strengthening search and rescue capabilities across all five Great Lakes.

07/22/2026

Grand Traverse County Receives Another AA+ Bond Rating with Stable Outlook from S&P Global Ratings

Grand Traverse County has again received a AA+ long-term bond rating with a Stable Outlook from S&P Global Ratings in advance of the County's 2026 Limited Tax General Obligation bond issuance. The rating reflects the County's strong financial position, prudent fiscal management, and continued economic growth.

In its report, S&P highlighted several factors supporting the County's strong credit profile, including:

-Eight consecutive years of positive General Fund operations.

-Healthy reserve levels and balanced budgeting practices.

-Continued growth in taxable value and a diversified local economy.

-Low debt burden and well-funded pension systems.

-A stable outlook, reflecting confidence that the County will continue maintaining sound financial management practices.

"This rating affirms the County's long-standing commitment to responsible financial stewardship," said County Administrator Nate Alger. "Receiving another AA+ rating from S&P demonstrates the confidence independent analysts have in our financial management, disciplined budgeting, and our ability to responsibly invest in the infrastructure and public facilities our community needs."

Bond proceeds will help finance several capital improvement projects across the County, including construction of new facilities at the LaFranier campus.

S&P also noted Grand Traverse County's growing economy, increasing property values, affordable debt profile, and strong financial reserves as key strengths. The agency indicated that maintaining these practices will support the County's financial stability well into the future.

07/17/2026

WEEKEND SCHEDULE UPDATESATURDAY & SUNDAY, JULY 18–19

Following this week’s air quality disruptions and resulting schedule adjustments, all FEI competition scheduled for Saturday and Sunday has been canceled, including Saturday’s $116,000 World Wide Technology CSI3* Grand Prix.

The Traverse City Open Sales Auction remains scheduled for Saturday. It is currently expected to begin at approximately 3 PM, one hour after the final class in the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel International Ring. Announcements regarding the auction start time will also be made in the International Ring.

Revised schedules for remaining competition are available on the TCHS website, Equestrian Digital, and the official TCHS mobile app.

We appreciate the continued patience and understanding of our competitors, partners, and guests as we respond to this week’s changing conditions.