Supervisor.“It’s a place where you can raise a family, send your kids to school, go to church, enjoy the outdoors, and age in place. We’re seeing people choose to stay here for life—and that says something.” Claire Karner, Director of Planning and Zoning, highlights the complexity of the East Bay’s role in the broader regional context. “We’re not Traverse City, but we’re part of its ecosystem. That proximity shapes our identity, but we’ve got our own mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors, schools, and parks. It’s diverse, and that creates both opportunity and challenge.” While closely connected to Traverse City, East Bay Township stands apart with its own strong identity and expansive footprint. It’s home to six schools, a district branch library, a network of churches, and a wide array of essential amenities.The township also boasts the largest amount of state-owned land in Grand Traverse County, nearly 3,000 acres, along with its own growing park system. Over the last five years, more than 1,000 acres of land have been added to preserved areas through the efforts of townships and partnerships. “We’ve had growth, yes—but it’s been balanced,” says Friend.“Economic development happens in the right places, and conservation happens where it matters. You can’t stop change, but you can shape it.” CHALLENGES MET WITH INNOVATION Like communities across the country, East Bay faced pandemic-related challenges. But unlike private businesses, townships can’t pause. “People still needed to vote, pay taxes, have their properties assessed, and receive emergency services,” Friend explains. Compounding those demands was a lean staffing model that’s been stretched thin by the community’s rapid growth. The solution? Strategic partnerships, internships, fellowships, and an aggressive pursuit of grants. “In the last five years, we’ve brought in fellows and interns who’ve helped us move key initiatives forward,” Friend says. “And we’ve been relentless in pursuing funding—federal, state, private. That’s 89 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 EAST BAY TOWNSHIP, MI
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