City Manager Talks Building 'A Consortium Of Communities' To Advocate For New Tourism Tax
By Craig Manning | Aug. 20, 2026
A year after a citizen-led petition ignited conversations about a new type of visitor lodging tax in Traverse City, City Manager Benjamin Marentette is taking up the cause in a big way. Marentette recently told city commissioners he was putting together a statewide coalition to lobby legislators for a tourist tax that could help fund public safety services, infrastructure improvements, and more. The Ticker sat down with Marentette for an inside look at his efforts so far.
Ticker: How long has this idea been percolating in your brain?
Marentette: I've worked for the city for over two decades, and I've been thinking about this concept for at least the last …
Read More >>Interlochen Announces 2026-27 Arts Academy Events Lineup
With only a few concerts left on its summer schedule, Interlochen Center for the Arts is turning …
Read More >>‘Nighttime Detour’ Announced For US-31 Next Week
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced a “nighttime detour” for US-31 in Traverse City next …
Read More >>
Child and Family Services Announces New Director
Lisa Drake will sart as the executive director of Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan on …
Read More >>FishPass Enters Final Construction Stretch
FishPass crews have started work on removing the temporary sheet pile from the Boardman River construction site. …
Read More >>Today Thursday, August 20, 2026
9:00 AM
Leland Farmers Market
Held on Thursdays through Sept. 3. More Info >>9:00 AM
Long Lake Farmers Market
Kicks off June 4 & runs every Thurs. through Oct. 1. Held near the bocce ball courts. More Info >>9:30 AM
"For the Birds" Art Exhibition
Featuring local & international artists whose work explores diversity among birds, & their importance to our shared ecosystem. … More Info >>10:00 AM
AIR Presentation - Rachel Mentzer
Ohio artist Rachel Mentzer finds inspiration in the Leelanau Peninsula. During her Glen Arbor Arts Center artist residency, … More Info >>10:00 AM
Cherry State of Mind
Runs July 17 – Aug. 22. This exhibit celebrates the 100th anniversary of the National Cherry Festival & … More Info >>10:00 AM
Container
This exhibit explores the many meanings of containment through both sculptural & two-dimensional works. Runs July 17-Aug. 22. … More Info >>10:00 AM
My Michigan
Michigan artists Rick Koehler & Stan Myers capture that Up North feeling with contemporary works in oil & … More Info >>10:00 AM
Paint Grand Traverse: Extended Exhibit
Experience the beauty of northern Michigan through the eyes of 31 acclaimed plein air artists from across the … More Info >>10:00 AM
Traverse City Food & Wine
Aug. 19-23. Today features From Mill to Table: Baking with Whole & Stone-Ground Grains with Martin Sorge; Brew … More Info >>12:00 PM
2026 - Harbor of Creativity Invitational
The Northport Arts Association presents the 2026 Northport Harbor of Creativity Invitational Exhibit, launching Aug. 15 with a … More Info >>1:00 PM
Highlands & Broadswords
Presented by the Swordsmanship Museum and Academy. First a presentation by educator & founder, Jerry Berg, on the … More Info >>1:00 PM
Movie Matinee: "The Good Dinosaur"
More Info >>2:00 PM
East Bay Corners Farmers Market
Shop fresh local produce, baked goods, handmade items & more while connecting with neighbors & supporting regional farmers … More Info >>2:00 PM
Thursday Afternoon Interlochen Farm Market
More Info >>6:00 PM
More Girls On Bikes - Smoothie Run
This opportunity is designed to empower girls (4th grade & up), young women, & women of all ages. More Info >>6:00 PM
Music Under the Pines Outdoor Concert
Featuring the music of Benjamin Furman, international jazz, & Bob Streit, Americana. Bring lawn chairs & picnics. More Info >>7:00 PM
Concerts On the Lawn: K. Jones & the Benzie Playboys
More Info >>7:00 PM
Eagles with Dr. Carl Palozzolo
Carl has been a wildlife veterinarian for over 48 years, & will discuss his new book "The Comeback … More Info >>Driver Killed in Peninsula Township Crash
Read More >>TC Food & Wine, Dirt to Glass Kick Off This Week
Read More >>NMC Approves $13.5 Million Budget For Long-Gestating Student Services Hub
Read More >>Marina Assessment, Childcare Resolution, Eighth Street Rezoning on City Agenda
Read More >>
Naturally Sparkling: The Science Behind Pet-Nat Wine
Read More >>'We're Staying Grounded in Who We Are:' A Conversation With GTACS' New Leader
Read More >>Crooked Tree Plans 2028 Exit from Carnegie Building, TADL Slated to Take Over
Read More >>Boardman River Closed to to Recreational Users Near Beitner
Read More >>Federal, State Funds Approved For TVC Upgrades
Read More >>Three Mile/Hammond Intersection to Stay Closed Until Wednesday
Read More >>
