County Commissioners to Recognize DTCA, Enabling Raffle License for Fundraiser

Downtown Traverse City's merchant association can now run a raffle at its June 5 City Opera House fundraiser, after commissioners voted Monday to formally recognize the group and satisfy a state law requirement standing between the DTCA and a Michigan Lottery raffle license.

Under Michigan law, the state's Charitable Gaming Division cannot issue raffle licenses to civic organizations without prior recognition from a local governing body. Monday night's vote at the Governmental Center on Boardman Avenue fulfilled that requirement, allowing the Downtown Traverse City Association to complete its application to the Michigan Lottery.

The raffle is planned for Toast to Downtown 2.0, scheduled for Thursday, June 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the City Opera House on West Grandview Parkway. Themed "It's All Fun and Games," the event marks the second iteration of the DTCA's fundraising night, with proceeds earmarked for merchant support, event development, and district operations.

Sara Klebba, director of events and engagement for the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority, filed the raffle license application on behalf of the DTCA. "By supporting these initiatives, the funds raised through this raffle will directly contribute to the stability and promotion of our business members and the broader community," Klebba said. She noted the association currently runs on membership dues and vendor fees, making the raffle a new source of supplemental revenue.

City Clerk Sarah Lutz reviewed the DTCA's IRS recognition letter and articles of incorporation before the vote. "My office has reviewed this documentation and determined compliance," Lutz said in a staff report, providing formal clearance ahead of Monday's resolution.

The DTCA holds federal recognition as a 501(c)(6) organization, a designation used for business leagues and trade associations rather than charitable groups. Its board is led by President Karen Roofe, Vice President Hunter Eagle, and Treasurer Gary Jonas. The voluntary merchant association is open to any business in the downtown district and focuses its mission on advancing the commercial and financial interests of Downtown Traverse City.

Day-to-day programming runs through a management services contract with the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority, a city component unit established in 1978. The DDA markets the downtown district and produces recurring events including Street Sale, Friday Night Live, Shop Your Community Day, and Traverse City Restaurant Week under that arrangement.