TRAVERSE CITY— Voters are welcoming three new members to the city commission and bringing Amy Shamroe back to the mayor’s office.
Two of the new commissioners tell 9&10 News they want to hit the ground running when they begin their terms.
“It feels pretty humbling, said newly elected commissioner Kenneth Funk. “It really does. I’ve carried the weight of a lot of trust with our residents as a firefighter, and to carry it further. ”
“I ran because I believe in leading with your heart,” said commissioner-elect Lance Boehmer. “I believe that every neighbor’s voice counts. When they live in the city. And really, that’s how I plan to serve the community.”
Funk says one of his biggest day-one priorities will be examining the current city tax incentive plan.
" I want to make sure that a decision on the future of T.I.F97 is on the 2026 ballot,” Funk said. “Our residents’ voices need to be heard, and I want to. That is a priority for me. So we need to get somewhere on that.”
He also wants voters to get an update on the ambulance millage that was passed in 2023
“We need to know when that service is going to start coming for our community,” Funk said. What is it going to take to provide that service? That’s not already in existence? And, when can we see it? "
Both candidates say housing is a top issue for them, and they are coming to the commission with objectives to fix the problem.
“One goal is to either create a program centered around the Michigan Attainable Housing Facilities Act,” Bohmer said. “Where can we incentivize long-term, attainable, affordable housing for folks who actually work in our community, so that they can actually live in our community. ”
“We know that’s an issue coming up in the future,” Funk said. “Are we going to be able to replace all the employees that we’re losing to retirement? And, are we to be able to retain the ones that we have? So those are priorities for me.”
Boehmer has also been working on an effort to redesign city streets--- and he’s excited to present that to the commission in December.
“Complete streets is about building streets that are for everyone,” Bohmer said. “Whether you’re in a car or you’re on the bus, you’re walking, have a disability, or you’re riding a bike. And all ages. And so that policy will really guide how we look at our future, like street construction, in the city of Traverse City. ”
The new commissioners will be sworn in at the city commission meeting next Monday. We will keep you updated on their efforts on-air and on the 9&10 News website.