Nominating packets for individuals wishing to run for the office of mayor or city commissioner in the City of Traverse City are now available at the city clerk's office at the Governmental Center.

The office of mayor is a two-year term ending November 8, 2027. Amy Shamroe is currently the mayor of Traverse City. Three city commission seats - currently held by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Wilson and Commissioners Mi Stanley and Tim Werner - are available for four-year terms ending November 12, 2029.

Candidates must file nominating petitions and other required documentation with the city clerk by July 22 at 4pm. An all-day operational tour will be provided for all candidates on July 30. Following the election, an orientation for representatives will be provided by the city manager, city attorney, and city clerk.

Broadly speaking, the functions of the city commission are to:

> Set public policy for the city through ordinances and other official actions.
> Allocate public funds under the city's control and responsibility, including adoption of the city budget.
> Exercise policy oversight of the city's resources.
> Appoint the city manager and city attorney; and in order to maintain a system of checks and balances, to provide for appropriate separation of duties and autonomy in conducting and performing official and corporate functions, the city commission approves the city manager's indefinite appointment and removal of the city clerk and the city treasurer.
> Appoint individuals to various board and commissions.
> Exercise other authority and powers granted to it by the Michigan constitution, Michigan law, Michigan promulgated rules, the city charter, and other authorities.

The city commission consists of six members and the mayor, all elected at-large (all members of the city commission represent the entire city, as the city is not broken into "wards" or "districts"). All offices on the city commission are non-partisan. Cty commission terms are arranged so that no more than four terms (or "seats") expire every two years. City commission elections are held in November of odd years.

Members of the city commission are provided with compensation in the following amounts: Mayor: $12,180.00 annually in 2025, Mayor Pro Tem: $10,056.00 annually in 2025, with the remaining members compensated $7,932.00 annually. The city splits the annual compensation into biweekly checks. Rates may be adjusted upward in 2025. For more information, click here.