Harbor advisory committee begins planning Venetian night as part of revived Thunder Bay Maritime Festival; cruise visits slated for early summer At its recent meeting the Harbor Advisory Committee discussed reviving the Thunder Bay Maritime Festival in August with a nighttime Venetian boat parade, educational programming led by Inland Seas Education and visits from two tall ships; staff said a packet for American Cruise Lines will go to city council for an April 6 meeting.

Get ready for a dazzling revival of the Thunder Bay Maritime Festival, featuring a spectacular evening Venetian boat parade and exciting activities led by Inland Seas this August!

Click to read more!

#AlpenaAlpenaCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #WaterfrontDevelopment #CulturalFestivals #AlpenaMaritime

Council authorizes Huron Pines agreement to advance downtown green stormwater infrastructure The council authorized an independent contractor agreement with Huron Pines to design and implement green stormwater infrastructure projects including River Street parking lot improvements and a bump-out on Washington/Chisholm; the agreement was approved and the city manager authorized to execute it.

Alpena is set to transform its downtown with eco-friendly stormwater projects that promise to protect Lake Huron and enhance public spaces!

Click to read more!

#AlpenaAlpenaCounty #MI #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal #SustainabilityInitiatives #AlpenaGreenInfrastructure #WaterQuality

Staff warns cruise visits and federal dredging will complicate Alpena harbor season City staff told the marina committee an expected American cruise line visit and federal dredging of the South Riverfront shipping channel will affect staging, anchoring and tender operations; staff set an immediate paperwork deadline and said contractors and the Coast Guard must review plans.

This summer, Alpena Harbor is set to be a hub of activity with cruise ship visits and a major dredging project, but city officials warn that careful coordination is essential for a smooth sailing season.

Read the full story

#AlpenaAlpenaCounty #MI #MaritimeSafety #CruiseOperations #CitizenPortal

Regional economic development group outlines $2.1M grant program, kiosks and housing targets Target’s executive director told the council of a $2.1 million MEDC grant creating a Small Business Support Hub, direct $5,000 grants to local firms, a 60-business mentorship, and plans for roughly $271,000 in kiosks and housing projects to spur investment in Alpena.

Target's new leadership just unveiled a bold $2.1 million plan to boost local businesses, enhance housing, and drive economic growth in Alpena!

Click to read more!

#AlpenaAlpenaCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #HousingInvestment #AlpenaSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessSupport

Votes at a glance: Alpena City Council actions on Feb. 2, 2026 Council approved the consent agenda, received semiannual reports from Huron Humane Society and Target, approved a Huron Pines contract for green stormwater infrastructure, adopted Resolution 2026-01 to form a semiquincentennial commission, and voted to adjourn to closed session to discuss litigation.

Alpena City Council took significant steps on February 2, 2026, from approving a fireworks permit to forming a new commission for the community's 250th celebration.

Get the details!

#AlpenaAlpenaCounty #MI #EnvironmentalInitiatives #AlpenaCityCouncil #CommunityCelebration #CitizenPortal

Alpena council approves up to $10,000 for emergency warming shelter and $5,000 for transport aid The Alpena City Council approved up to $10,000 to support an emergency warming shelter operated by Saint Vincent de Paul at the county fairgrounds and authorized a one‑time 'Finding Your Way Home' transportation fund of up to $5,000 to help verified nonlocal individuals return home.

Alpena City Council steps up to support the community with a new emergency warming shelter and transportation aid for those in need!

Click to read more!

#AlpenaAlpenaCounty #MI #CommunitySupport #PublicSafety #AlpenaEmergencyShelter #CitizenPortal #TransportationAid

Council accepts conceptual lakeside restoration plan for Michiquis Lakeside Park Council approved a conceptual restoration plan for the city‑owned lakeside park that includes dune grasses, native shrubs and trees, ADA trails, parking improvements and a central pavilion; staff said funding for phase 1 has been secured and implementation could span multiple years.

Exciting changes are coming to Michiquis Lakeside Park with a new restoration plan that promises to enhance the natural beauty of the Lake Huron shoreline while adding community-friendly amenities!

Learn more here

#AlpenaAlpenaCounty #MI #SustainableDevelopment #AlpenaLakesidePark

Alpena council postpones second reading of feral-cat ordinance after residents urge more study After public commenters and local TNR advocates urged humane, science-based approaches, the Alpena City Council voted to postpone the second reading of Ordinance 25-5-14 (amending Chapter 10, Animals) to Dec. 15 to gather more information and consult county animal-control officials.

The Alpena City Council has hit the pause button on a controversial feral-cat ordinance after residents demanded a more humane approach to address the growing issue of overpopulation.

Get the details!

#AlpenaAlpenaCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #AnimalControl #CommunityInvolvement #AlpenaAnimals

Alpena approves economic development agreement for Gardens of Alpena senior living project with financing proof requirement Council approved an economic development agreement among the US‑23 North Corridor Improvement Authority, the city and Gardens of Alpena LLC to support a senior living project estimated at more than $47 million and added language requiring a construction lender commitment letter before tree clearing.

Alpena City Council has greenlit a $47 million senior living project, but tree clearing won’t start until the developer proves they have financing in place!

Click to read more!

#AlpenaAlpenaCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #ConstructionFinancing #CivicAccountability #AlpenaSeniorLiving

Votes at a glance: Alpena City Council (selected actions) Summary of formal votes taken at the Alpena City Council meeting: agenda approval, consent agenda, rejection of a zoning change, approval of the Gardens of Alpena economic development agreement (with financing proof clause), and approval of the Alpena Marina restrictive covenant.

Alpena City Council just made pivotal decisions on zoning, economic development, and more—are you in the loop?

Click to read more!

#AlpenaAlpenaCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #ZoningRegulations #AlpenaCityCouncil #PublicAccountability

Alpena City Council Approves Consent Agenda and Budget Amendments Council approves budget amendments, cemetery deeds, and sets trick-or-treat hours.

Alpena City Council's recent meeting tackled vital community issues, from budget amendments to noise ordinances, all shaping the future of the city!

Learn more here

#AlpenaAlpenaCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #PublicFacilities #AlpenaCommunity #LocalGovAI

Alpena City Council Approves $25,000 Fireworks Agreement for July 3, 2026 Celebration City signs contract with Small Town Saturday Night Fireworks for annual display.

Get ready to light up the sky as Alpena gears up for a spectacular fireworks display on July 3, 2026, after securing $25,000 in funding and a new partnership with Small Town Saturday Night Fireworks!

Click to read more!

#AlpenaAlpenaCounty #MI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CivicParticipation