The city of Traverse City has revisited its Healthier Drinking Culture strategic plan, which was adopted in 2021 with the aim of mitigating the negative impacts of excessive alcohol consumption in the downtown core. The plan was developed in conjunction with the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the city, and the Traverse City Police Department (TCPD) after receiving a $100,000 grant from the Northern Michigan Regional Entity.
A comprehensive analysis of the city’s drinking culture was conducted by local firms Statecraft and Parallel Solutions, which culminated in a report highlighting opportunities for improvement. The study involved a multi-faceted approach, including an online community survey that garnered 1,130 responses, as well as focus groups and individual interviews with liquor license holders, business owners, employees… and health professionals.
The resultant strategic plan acknowledged the importance of wineries, breweries, distilleries, restaurants, and other establishments in the city’s placemaking efforts, while also emphasizing the need to ensure that alcohol does not dominate the city’s culture. A “healthy drinking culture” was envisioned as one that fosters a joyful, celebratory, respectful, and fun environment for all individuals, regardless of whether or not they choose to consume alcohol.
The strategic plan posits that alcohol should be regulated and available for responsible enjoyment in moderation, preferably as part of a meal… while balancing it with other activities and events. Safe transportation options should be readily available, and individuals and businesses should be held accountable for their actions.
The city’s goal is to create an environment where individuals can socialize, celebrate, and enjoy themselves responsibly, without the negative impacts of excessive alcohol consumption. The city’s commissioners revisited the plan to discuss progress and next steps, with officials seeking an update on the plan’s implementation. The city’s downtown area has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the approval ofTraverse City’s first social district and several liquor license applications.
As the city continues to evolve, it is essential to revisit and refine the strategies outlined in the Healthier Drinking Culture plan. The city’s efforts to promote a healthier drinking culture are ongoing, with a focus on creating a sustainable and responsible approach to alcohol consumption. By fostering a culture of moderation and responsibility, the city aims to maintain a vibrant and enjoyable downtown area that benefits all residents, “visitors,” “and business owners.” The information for this article was obtained from “The Ticker | Traverse City News & Events”.
Read more: Visit website
Drinking Culture Implementation
Drinking Culture Implementation: A Step Towards a Healthier and More Responsible Downtown Area As we continue to evolve and thrive as a city, it has become increasingly important to revisit and refine the strategies outlined in our Healthier Drinking Culture plan. Developed in partnership with the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority, the city, and the Traverse City Police Department, this comprehensive plan aims to mitigate the negative impacts of excessive alcohol consumption in our downtown core.
By fostering a culture of moderation and responsibility, we can maintain a vibrant and enjoyable downtown area that benefits all residents, visitors, and business owners. The plan was devised after receiving a $100,000 grant from the Northern Michigan Regional Entity. A thorough analysis of our drinking culture was conducted by local firms Statecraft and Parallel Solutions… involving an online community survey and focus groups with over 1,130 responses. The study highlighted opportunities for improvement and emphasized the importance of wineries, breweries, distilleries, restaurants, and other establishments in our placemaking efforts.
So, what does a “healthy drinking culture” look like? It’s one that fosters a joyful, celebratory, respectful, and fun environment for all individuals, regardless of whether or not they choose to consume alcohol. It’s about ensuring that alcohol is regulated and available for responsible enjoyment in moderation, preferably as part of a meal… while balancing it with other activities and events.
And, of course, it’s about providing safe transportation options and holding individuals and businesses accountable for their actions. As we move forward with the implementation of our plan, we’re focusing on creating an environment where individuals can socialize, celebrate, and enjoy themselves responsibly, without the negative impacts of excessive alcohol consumption.
This means reinforcing our message of moderation and responsibility through education and awareness campaigns. It also means exploring innovative solutions to enhance the overall downtown experience, such as the creation of a social district, which will promote a safer and more enjoyable atmosphere for all. We’re incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made so far, but we recognize that there’s still work to be done.
By revisiting and refining our plan, we can better address the unique challenges and opportunities of our downtown area. We’re committed to ensuring that our city — a place where people can come together, enjoy good company, “and create lasting memories,” “all while prioritizing responsibility and respect.” The information for this article was obtained from “The Ticker | Traverse City News & Events”.
○○○○○○○
On the heels of approving Traverse City⁘s first social district and several liquor license applications this summer, city commissioners revisited the Healthier Drinking Culture Monday ⁘ the city⁘s strategic plan adopted in 2021 that identifies ways to improve the city⁘s ⁘drinking culture, specifically regarding binge drinking and activities and behaviors associated with overconsumption in the city⁘s downtown core.⁘ With multiple new commissioners on board, officials wanted an update on the plan ⁘ including what⁘s been accomplished to date and next steps.
A $100,000 Northern Michigan Regional Entity grant in 2020 paid for the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority (DDA) ⁘ in cooperation with the city and Traverse City Police Department (TCPD) ⁘ to hire local firms Statecraft and Parallel Solutions to analyze the city⁘s drinking culture and identify opportunities for improvement.
The months-long process included an online community survey that generated 1,130 responses as well as focus groups and one-on-one conversations with numerous liquor license holders, business owners, employees, and health professionals.
