Alpena, Michigan Development News
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Alpena, MI City Council Meeting, July 20, 2026
Published: Jul 20, 2026
Thunder Bay Transportation Authority Expands Services and Sees Increased Ridership
Angie Fox, Executive Director of the Thunder Bay Transportation Authority (TBTA), provided an overview of TBTA's services. The city millage funds transportation for city residents at a discounted rate. TBTA operates a dial-a-ride service seven days a week. A new 'Rides to Wellness' program, launched in February, serves residents across Alpena County five days a week for $15 one-way, with increased ridership. Contracted services are available throughout Michigan, often funded by insurance or DHS for medical appointments. The fleet has 33 vehicles, serving over 10,000 passengers monthly across all services. Grant funding provides free rides for children to the Boys and Girls Club and for senior citizens without funds. TBTA also provides transportation for the NEPA Head Start program and a new PACE program.
Target Reports on Grant Initiatives, Including Small Business Hub and Home Rehabilitation Funds
Mike Mer, from Target, provided an update on various grant initiatives. The Small Business Hub grant, awarded $2.2 million, is winding down in September, with approximately $158,000 remaining, a portion of which is committed to supporting entrepreneurship and small business development. Target has applied for the next iteration of this grant. A child care initiative, funded through the same grant, is also ongoing and expected to continue if the hub grant is renewed. Additionally, a $1.5 million state budget appropriation for housing, workforce, and economic capacity is pending clearer guidelines from the state. A federal request for $2.5 million for a small business incubator hub is also in progress. Target also facilitated two CDBG grants totaling $3 million for home rehabilitation in Alpena and Charter Township of Alpena.
Thunder Bay Transportation Authority Proposes Amendments to Articles of Incorporation
Angie Fox, Executive Director of the Thunder Bay Transportation Authority (TBTA), presented proposed changes to the TBTA's Articles of Incorporation. The main changes include updating the title from 'General Manager' to 'Executive Director', modifying language regarding board member appointments, and omitting a clause that stated the authority could not be dissolved without an act of Congress. These amendments have received approval from Alpena County, Montmorency County, and Alpena County. The council is asked to approve these amended articles.
Visitor Use Study Reveals High Satisfaction and Economic Impact in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Region
Nick Schuli, a researcher with the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, presented findings from a visitor use monitoring project in the Great Lakes National Marine Sanctuaries, focusing on Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS). The project, conducted in partnership with West Virginia University and NOAA, surveyed recreational and tourism activities, user values, and economic impacts. In Thunder Bay, 667 surveys were completed, primarily at coastal locations. In Alpena specifically, 137 surveys were conducted at city properties like the marina, Bay View Park, and Starlight Beach. Key findings for Alpena indicated that 86% of surveyed visitors were repeat visitors, and the presence of TBNMS, the Maritime Heritage Center, and shipwreck tours influenced travel plans to varying degrees. Most visitors were part of groups, and the majority were on day trips, spending an average of 3 hours. Top activities included beach recreation, attending festivals, and sightseeing. Satisfaction levels were high, with almost nine out of ten reporting being very or extremely satisfied. The majority of surveyed individuals in Alpena (84%) lived in the 49707 zip code, but visitors also traveled from other parts of Michigan. The study aims to expand to other national marine sanctuaries.
City Council Reviews Zoning Ordinance Amendments for Transient Businesses
The city council is considering amendments to the zoning ordinance concerning definitions, district regulations, and supplemental development regulations. These amendments aim to replace 'food trucks' and 'food truck parks' with 'transient businesses' and 'transient business parks'. The changes will affect permitted uses, special land use requirements, and standards for transient businesses, potentially allowing non-food items to be sold by transient businesses on private property. The ordinance also modifies home occupation and home office regulations. This is the first reading of the ordinance, with further discussion and potential adoption to follow.
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The Alpena News archive
Alpena, MI City Council Meeting, July 6, 2026
Alpena, MI City Council Meeting, June 15, 2026
Alpena, MI City Council Meeting, June 1, 2026
Alpena, MI City Council Meeting, May 18, 2026
Harbor Advisory Committee Meeting, May 7, 2026
Alpena, MI City Council Meeting, May 4, 2026
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