The Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners has approved sweeping technology upgrades, including a new partnership with Tyler Technologies and a $297,000 renewal of Microsoft 365 for over 550 employees. With a focus on cloud migration, cybersecurity, and modernized communication tools like Microsoft Copilot, the county aims to enhance internal operations and protect sensitive data following past security breaches.

Five months after a devastating ice storm swept through Northern Michigan, recovery efforts continue as local lawmakers advocate for an additional $100 million in state funding. Representative Parker Fairbairn has already secured $14 million, but communities and nonprofits like the Otsego County United Way stress that more support is needed to sustain long-term recovery.

The federal government shutdown is impacting Sleeping Bear Dunes, leading to the closure of Glen Haven Historic Village while Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and Dune Climb remain open.

Housing North has created a new zoning atlas for Northern Michigan to identify opportunities to expand in rural communities and provide more diverse housing options. The atlas maps out existing zoning ordinances throughout the ten-county region, which is mostly single-family zoned. The initiative aims to cut costs and make zoning ordinances easier to understand and accessible.

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The Traverse City Commission will meet on Sept. 22 to discuss extending the purchase agreement for city-owned property, giving Homestretch more time to secure funding for affordable housing.

Traverse City Area Public Schools is urging households to fill out the Free & Reduced Meal Application that will help fund vital programs for all TCAPS students prior to the October 1st deadline.

City officials in Traverse City are taking steps to create a strategic action plan aimed at guiding growth and development. The plan seeks to align city programs with community priorities.