Grand Traverse County

09/01/2026

Join us this Wednesday, Sept. 2 for Recess at Camp Greilick and get a glimpse of what this historic gem has to offer as our newest county park! Enjoy Peegeo's pizza, Short's Brewing Company beverages, s'mores around the firepit, music, disc golf, and raffle prizes you won't find anywhere else! Bonus raffle tickets for anyone who carpools! ;)

08/31/2026

Please be extra alert while driving throughout Grand Traverse County as kids head back to school in the weeks to come 🚸📚⬇️

Back to School: The American Red Cross offers some great ways to help keep your students safe as they go back to school.

08/25/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 25, 2026

Public Health Alert: No-Body Contact Advisory for Boardman Lake and Boardman River

Issued: August 25, 2026
Issued by: Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD)

On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the Grand Traverse County Health Department (GTCHD) was made aware of an
apparent sewage force main failure that resulted in raw sewage entering the Boardman River near South Airport
Road.

In response, and out of an abundance of caution, GTCHD has issued a Level 4 no-body contact advisory for surface
waters in the following areas:

Affected Areas

• Boardman Lake: The entirety of Boardman Lake beginning at South Airport Road
• Boardman/Ottaway River: From Boardman Lake downstream to East Grandview Parkway

Advisory Details

Residents and visitors are strongly advised to avoid all body contact with water in the affected areas, including
swimming, wading, and paddling, until further notice. Contact with water contaminated by untreated sewage may
pose serious health risks, including gastrointestinal illness, skin irritation, and infections.

The advisory will remain in effect until water quality testing confirms that the affected waters meet Michigan
Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) standards for safe recreational use.

Water sampling will be conducted tomorrow, August 26, with results expected to be available by August 27. EGLE
has been contacted and is aware of the situation

08/25/2026

Recently the Grand Traverse Land Bank Authority (GTCLBA) and the Kingsley DDA announced a major demolition project will be starting this week. Beginning Wednesday, August 26, the GTCLBA will begin demolition of several properties it owns in
Downtown Kingsley.

More than two years ago, the GTCLBA began acquiring properties in Downtown Kingsley, including the former John’s Auto site at 103–111 W. Main Street and the former Autotech property at 115 W. Main Street. In partnership with the Village of Kingsley and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the GTCLBA acquired these properties to create an opportunity for future redevelopment of this important downtown location.

In 2025, the GTCLBA applied to the State Land Bank Authority for funding to support demolition and site preparation activities. The GTCLBA was subsequently awarded $500,000 to support site readiness work, including demolition.

James Callahn, Grand Traverse County Treasurer and GTCLBA Chair comments: “This project is a great example of what can be accomplished through strong local partnerships. We are proud to work alongside the Village of Kingsley and leverage the Land Bank’s ability to acquire and prepare these strategically important properties for future development that will benefit the community.”

Demolition activities will be performed by Dore & Associates, a qualified demolition contractor. Work is scheduled to begin August 26 and, weather permitting, is anticipated to be completed no later than September 22. Creating Development Opportunities in Downtown Kingsley the demolition marks an important milestone in a broader effort to transform the properties into a new development opportunity in the heart of Downtown Kingsley. In addition to preparing the site, the GTCLBA has been working closely with the Village of Kingsley and DDA on a long-term vision for redevelopment.

“The work you will see happening over the next few weeks is the culmination of more than two years of planning and collaboration between the Village, DDA, and Land Bank,” said Charlie Jetter, Village Manager for Kingsley. “We are excited to see this next phase begin and look forward to what this investment can bring to Downtown Kingsley.”

Later this month, the DDA plans to release a Request for Qualifications and Proposals (RFQP) seeking a development partner to transform the site into a high-quality, mixed-use project that complements Downtown Kingsley and supports the community’s long-term goals.

The demolition and site preparation work represents a significant step toward creating new development opportunities in Downtown Kingsley and advancing the community’s vision for a vibrant, walkable, and economically thriving downtown.

About the Grand Traverse County Land Bank Authority

The Grand Traverse County Land Bank Authority is dedicated to revitalizing vacant, abandoned, and underutilized properties to support community growth and investment. Through strategic property acquisition, redevelopment, and partnerships with local governments, nonprofits, and private developers, the Land Bank works to return properties to productive use. Our goal is to reduce blight, strengthen neighborhoods, expand housing opportunities, and create long-term value for the Grand Traverse County community.

About the Kingsley DDA

The Kingsley Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is dedicated to strengthening and revitalizing downtown Kingsley as a vibrant place to live, work, shop, and visit. Through partnerships with local businesses, residents, community organizations, and public agencies, the DDA supports economic development, placemaking, beautification, and community
improvement initiatives. Our goal is to preserve the character of downtown Kingsley while creating opportunities for continued growth and investment.

08/21/2026

08/04/2026

We are experiencing phone issues due to a provider outage. Calls from Verizon phones and to our toll-free numbers may fail or drop.

911 is NOT affected and our emergency services remain fully operational.

Please see below for alternative ways of calling us! Sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we get this resolved.

07/31/2026

Project Alpha Update!

Project Alpha continues to move forward, and we're excited to share the latest update from Grand Traverse County Administrator Nate Alger.

Construction is making steady progress on the County's new 911 & Emergency Operations Center and Central Operations Building.

Get an inside look at the progress being made, what's happening on the construction site, and why these new facilities are so important to the future of our community.

07/30/2026

Please note: Our phone lines have been intermittently down due to storm damage affecting our provider's network. Repair crews are working to resolve the issue, but no restoration time has been given yet. We apologize for the inconvenience and will share updates as we receive them.

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.