Downtown Traverse City thrives because of the hardworking employees who keep it running—servers, bartenders, retail workers, custodial staff, kitchen crews, and countless others. Whether they work morning, day, or night shifts, they all face the same issue: the high cost and limited availability of parking. At $1.90 per hour, parking fees add up quickly, taking a real toll on workers' earnings. Some turn to monthly parking passes for garages, but these come at a cost and don’t guarantee a spot. Others park further away, adding time to their commute and requiring them to walk through busy, dimly lit areas—especially tough for those working late or carrying gear.

If this problem continues, it risks pushing local talent away from downtown jobs. Many workers are already juggling multiple responsibilities—school, family, or second jobs. For them, every extra dollar and minute matters. The stress of unreliable parking, the safety concerns of walking long distances at night, and the financial burden of daily fees make it harder to justify staying in downtown roles. This affects not just workers, but the entire downtown experience that residents and tourists love.

As Traverse City continues to grow and attract more visitors, the demand on downtown workers is greater than ever. Supporting the people behind the storefronts means making their daily lives more manageable and secure. Creating free or guaranteed low-cost parking options specifically for employees—such as designated zones, permits, or secure access to garages—is a simple but powerful way to show that this city values its workforce. Now is the time to invest in the people who make downtown possible.

Please sign this petition to support free, accessible parking for downtown Traverse City workers. Let’s make our city fairer, safer, and more livable for those who serve it every day.