What this millage stands for
A dedicated funding source for the non-motorized trail network across Grand Traverse County.
The millage is a leveraging piece designed to unlock and stretch the grants, partnerships, and volunteer support that already invest in this network.
Safety
Separated facilities that keep people walking, rolling, and biking safely apart from traffic.
Maintenance
Taking care of what we have and what we create, so today’s investment lasts for decades.
Future Generations
Making a place where families and people of all ages want to live and invest, contributing to our vibrant future.
Conservation
Trails are part of what make this place so special by providing access to nature with thoughtful planning.
Why it matters
(even if you never set foot on a trail)
Same reason you’re glad the library, the roads, and the parks are there even on weeks you don’t use them. Public infrastructure works for everyone, not just the people using it that day.
More Trails = Less Traffic
The choice to walk, ride, or roll on a trail is a car trip that doesn’t happen, easing traffic and parking pressure on our roads.
Higher Property Values
Homes near well maintained trails consistently see stronger property values, which supports the whole county’s tax base.
Lower Healthcare Costs
$4.64 in medical savings for every $1 invested in trails. These are savings that show up in county health costs.
A Stronger Local Economy
Half of trail users spend $10.55 per outing, supporting local businesses.
We already love these trails
Residents already walk, hike, and bike this network, and they want to continue to maintain and grow it.
Why a County Millage?
Trails don’t know city and township borders. A countywide approach means we’re all better connected, no matter what side of a line we live on.
Many of our trails already run throughout the county, but there are real gaps to fill, and no dedicated budget to close them.
The highest use came from residents of Grand Traverse County. With zero dedicated, recurring funding from the county, the trails run entirely on grants and volunteer support.
The millage will change that.
The tax rate voters are being asked to approve, dedicated entirely to the trail network.
How long the levy runs before it expires and would need to go back to voters.
*Estimated cost on the county’s median home value ($400,000). Applies to all property types.
Generated countywide for trail construction, maintenance, and upkeep through 2031.
Vote Yes, November 3, 2026
Here’s exactly what this will fund:
New Trail Construction
New miles built where the network has real gaps today.
Planning & Engineering
Groundwork every new segment needs before a shovel goes in.
Capital Replacement
Boardwalks and bridges replaced on predictable schedule.
Land Acquisition
Buying the parcels that close gaps between trails that almost connect.
Ongoing Maintenance
Regular mowing, grading, and storm cleanup.
Program Administration
Staff time to coordinate a countywide network.
New trail connections waiting for funding
These are real, ready-to-go projects across the county.
Three Mile Trail Extension East Bay Township ▾
Extends the existing trail further into East Bay Township, closing a key gap in the network and connecting neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and natural areas to the trail system.
Learn more →Nakwema Trailway Acme ▾
A generational investment in our region to connect Traverse City and Charlevoix.
Learn more →Bayfront / Peninsula Drive Traverse City ▾
Improved and expanded trail access along Traverse City’s bayfront and Peninsula Drive.
Learn more →Buffalo Ridge Trail Extension Garfield Township ▾
Extends the Buffalo Ridge corridor along Silver Lake Road further into Garfield Township, linking more residential areas to the broader trail network.
Learn more →Interlochen Community Art Trail Interlochen ▾
Creates a trail along J Maddy Parkway to connect homes, parks, campgrounds, and the Interlochen Center for the Arts.
Learn more →+ More Countywide ▾
These are just some of the projects ready to go. There are always more opportunities to connect the county’s trails, neighborhoods, and region, and this funding is what will make it possible bring more trails to life.
Every dollar, tracked and public
Millage spending moves through three layers of review, from approval to independent audit, so anyone can see where the money went before the next dollar is committed.
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Governance
The Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners approves the annual trail spending plan and holds final budget authority.
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Guidance
A Trails Advisory Committee of local government, staff and partner representatives recommends project priorities across townships.
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Oversight
Funds are subject to an independent annual audit, with results published for public review.
Vote YES for Trails
November 3, 2026
Reliable funding to build, connect and maintain the trails our community already loves.
