What is your name, and current position/ title if available:
Laura Ness, candidate for City Commission
How long have you lived in Traverse City?
26 years
How do you spend your free time?
In my free time, I like to keep things simple and connected to home. I’m a daily Wordle player (it’s the first thing I do when I wake up!) and an avid reader—I always have a book or two going. I love to cook, especially with fresh produce from our local markets. My dog makes sure I get outside every day; we love to explore the City’s many neighborhoods, parks, and green spaces. Our daily walks remind me why I’m passionate about protecting and enhancing the places that make Traverse City such a wonderful place to live.
What are your favorite things about the area (geography)?
One of the things I love most about Traverse City is how our natural beauty and community character are intertwined. Our neighborhoods and tree-lined streets create a sense of place for families, kids, and seniors alike. I love our beaches, trails, parks, vibrant downtown, and the Farmers Market that connects the community to our local growers, bakeries, and unique artisans. And of course, Hickory Hills holds a special place in my heart—a cherished City park and ski hill that reflects our shared love of the outdoors and the spirit of volunteerism and collaboration that makes Traverse City so unique.
What are your favorite things about the community (people)?
One of my favorite things about our community is the incredible civic spirit of our residents. Traverse City is fortunate to have such engaged, thoughtful residents who care deeply about our city and actively participate in our local government, nonprofits, and community initiatives. I am constantly in awe of how many people generously give their time and energy to strengthening our community. Whether or not I agree with someone on a specific issue, I have tremendous respect and admiration for all those who work tirelessly to make Traverse City the best it can be.
Are you a part of any community organizations, if yes, please list them.
- City of Traverse City and Charter Township of Garfield Recreational Authority, Chair.
- Hickory Hills Advisory Committee (advisory to City Commission), Chair.
- Great Lakes Sports Commission, Board Member & Grant Committee Chair.
- Preserve Hickory, President & Co-Founder.
- The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, Capital Campaign Committee.
- 100 Women Who Care, Member.
- Grand Traverse Ski Club, Past President & board member, and Hall of Fame Inductee.
- City Academy, 2025 graduate.
What are the biggest issues facing Traverse City right now (pick 3)?
Throughout my campaign, I’ve listened to hundreds of community members who consistently identify the following three issues:
- Housing: Implementing innovative solutions to meet our needs for affordable, attainable housing.
- Infrastructure: Maintaining and improving our streets, sidewalks, parks, water, sewer, and stormwater systems to ensure safety, reliability, mobility, accessibility, and sustainability.
- Environmental Stewardship: Managing growth responsibly while protecting our natural resources and beauty for future generations.
- Addressing these issues will require regional collaboration and proactive leadership by the next City Commission, guided by public input, fiscal responsibility to taxpayers, and the long-term goals outlined in the City’s Strategic Plan.
Why do you want to get involved with local politics?
I want to be involved in local politics because the decisions made by local government directly shape our daily quality of life and our future. From supporting first responders to protecting our water quality and tree canopy, improving parks and green spaces, and guiding growth intentionally—these choices matter. For more than 25 years, I’ve supported many local organizations and initiatives, earning trust through collaboration and results. People know I listen, lead with integrity, and care deeply about our community. I’ll bring that same commitment and experience to the City Commission to thoughtfully address Traverse City’s challenges and opportunities.
Please list all relevant experience you have for the Commission.
My professional background, leadership experience, and decades of community involvement uniquely qualify me to serve on the City Commission. As Chair of the Joint Recreational Authority and the Hickory Hills Advisory Committee, and as a board member of the Great Lakes Sports Commission, I’ve built partnerships that work across municipalities and the region. I co-founded Preserve Hickory and co-chaired a TCAPS millage renewal, reflecting my commitment to kids, families, and parks. A 2025 graduate of City Academy, I understand City operations. With executive experience in planning and business development, I’ll bring fiscal accountability and strategic focus to city governance.
Why do you want the job?
I’m running for City Commission because Traverse City is my home. It’s where I’ve raised my family and spent more than 25 years supporting our schools, parks, nonprofits, and local government. I’m ready to bring that experience and leadership to the City Commission. Why? Because the next Commission will make decisions that shape Traverse City for generations, and we need proactive, practical leadership that’s responsive, transparent, and focused. My track record of public service in this community clearly demonstrates my commitment to creating a future for Traverse City that reflects the values and voices of city residents.
What is your vision for Traverse City?
My vision for Traverse City aligns with the shared vision and input of over 1500 community members outlined in the City’s Strategic Plan — a sustainable and equitable future. That means thoughtful growth that supports attainable housing, provides year-round economic opportunities, and ensures all residents can thrive. It means investing in infrastructure, parks, and public spaces while safeguarding the natural resources that define us. I believe in collaborative, transparent decision-making that reflects the values of our residents. Through effective, focused leadership, we can strengthen the foundation of what makes Traverse City special while planning responsibly for the generations to come.
List three measurable goals you have for your term, if elected.
- Hire and retain a Permanent City Manager: The process for selecting the next City Manager must be transparent and rooted in public trust. Additionally, the selected individual must be provided with the support they need to succeed and stay.
- Implement the Strategic Plan: Traverse City’s first-ever Strategic Plan outlines the shared priorities of over 1500 community members. City policy and budgeting must align with its core pillars to achieve measurable progress.
- Improve Public Engagement: Strengthen transparency by investing in tools and processes that make it easier for residents to access information and participate in City decisions.
