Local leaders are seeking feedback from residents on three separate topics through community surveys: priorities for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending in Grand Traverse County, a planned new community garden in East Bay Township, and tourism impacts in the Traverse City region.

Grand Traverse County administrators are seeking community input on how to spend $18 million in ARPA funding coming to the county to address the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey, estimated to take five minutes to complete, is available to take online here. Paper surveys are also available at the county administration offices on the third floor of the Governmental Center. 

East Bay Township is seeking public feedback on a planned community garden next to the East Bay District Library near the Hammond Road and Three Mile Road intersection. The East Bay Township Parks Commission "wants to establish a community garden at this location to provide shared space for healthy and sustainable food cultivation and education for East Bay Township residents, kids, and community partners," according to the survey introduction. "This survey is for individuals of all ages who live, work, and/or play in or near East Bay Township. This survey aims to identify what types of activities and facilities you would like to access in a community garden and what benefits you think you may experience by using it." The survey is available to take online here. 

Finally, Traverse City Tourism is gathering public feedback on "tourism, community, and the local economy in the Traverse City region and beyond." Survey participants must be at least 18 years old and reside in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, or Kalkaska counties. Five randomly selected survey participants will receive a $200 Traverse City Tourism gift certificate, which can be used at any TCT member lodging property, dining, attractions, and other offerings. The survey is available to take online here.