Village News & Announcements
Invitation to Bid: Elk Rapids Well #3 Proposal
📍 Project Location: Village of Elk Rapids Well #3, 117 Lake Street, Elk Rapids, MI 49629
📅 Bid Deadline and Opening: May 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. EDT
🏛 Location of Bid Opening: Village Government Center, 315 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids, MI 49629
📄 Submission: Sealed bids must be clearly labeled and delivered to the Village Government Center, Attn: DPW Superintendent Alex Pray
🔗 Full bid details and requirements: https://www.elkrapids.org/bid-opportunities
For questions, please contact: 📧 apray@elkrapids.org
Village of Elk Rapids Waste & Recycling Updates
The Village of Elk Rapids is taking exciting steps toward a cleaner, greener, and more efficient future - focusing on smarter systems, cost efficiency, and reducing what goes to the landfill. │ CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION
2026 Elk Rapids Water Safety Lessons
🌊 2026 Elk Rapids Water Safety Lessons Registration
We’re excited to announce that registration for this year’s Water Safety Lessons is just around the corner!
🗓️ Registration opens Monday, May 4, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
🛑 Registration closes Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. — or until spots are full.
After May 4, you may register via this Water Safety Lessons Registration form, or stop by the Elk Rapids Government Center, 315 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids, to complete a paper form.
There is a $75 per student, per session, fee payable to “The Village of Elk Rapids” PRIOR to the first class.
Space is limited and priority will be given to Village Residents, so don’t wait!
You may only sign up for ONE session per summer, unless space becomes available.
Lessons take place at the River and are held rain or shine, unless there is thunder or lightning.
🗂️ Session dates:
Session 1: June 30 & July 1, 2, 7, 8, 9
Session 2: July 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23
Session 3: July 28, 29, 30 & August 5, 6, 7
Questions or need accommodations? Email Carol Heles at cheles@elkrapids.org
Let’s make a splash this summer — safely! 🏊♀️🏖️
Spring Leaf Pickup
Village of Elk Rapids 2026 Spring leaf pickup starts the week of April 20th. CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION
Village of Elk Rapids Police Officer
The Village of Elk Rapids Police Department is seeking dedicated, community-minded individuals to join our team. APPLY TODAY │ CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION
DDA MEETING CHANGE TO APRIL 15TH
MEETING CHANGE: The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) meeting originally scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, is rescheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Government Center, 315 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids, MI 49629
Invitation to Bid: Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor Underground Storage Tank Petroleum Proposal
📍 Project Location: Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor, 129 N. Cedar St., Elk Rapids, MI 49629
📅 Bid Deadline and Opening: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. EDT
🏛 Location of Bid Opening: Village Government Center, 315 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids, MI 49629
📄 Submission: Sealed bids must be clearly labeled and delivered to the Village Government Center, Attn: Harbormaster Mike Singleton.
🔗 Full bid details and requirements: https://www.elkrapids.org/bid-opportunities
For questions, please contact: 📧 harbormaster@elkrapids.org 📞 231-264-9274
PUBLIC INPUT SESSIONS
We’re building a better community - together. Join us March 25th or March 28th at the Village of Elk Rapids Government Center, 315 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids. CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION
MARCH 26-COMPOSTING AND RECYCLING CLASS
Plan to attend the next composting/recycling class on Thursday, March 26, 2026, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Elk Rapids Government Center, 315 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
2026 MONTHLY BRUSH PICKUP
Brush pickup starting on the 1st Monday of each month. Beginning April 6, 2026.
CLICK FOR MORE INFO
Questions?
Contact the Department of Public Works at 231-264-9971
Email Alex Pray at apray@elkrapids.org
NOW ACCEPTING BOARD & COMMISSION APPLICATIONS
Inviting all community members to apply! Applications due March 27, 2026. See additional information on the website under Boards & Commissions. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - 2026-2027 BUDGET
VILLAGE OF ELK RAPIDS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Elk Rapids Village Council at their regular meeting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Government Center, 315 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids, MI 49629, will conduct a public hearing to receive citizen input on the proposed 2026-2027 fiscal year budget.
On February 3, 2026, a draft copy of the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 will be posted to the Village website. (www.elkrapids.org). A paper copy of the budget may be reviewed during business hours at the Government Center. Citizens are invited to attend the hearing on February 17th, 2026 hearing should they wish to comment on the budget. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. Written comments must be submitted by Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Please direct all written comments to the Village Treasurer, either by email at kdavis@elkrapids.org or by mail to Village of Elk Rapids, PO Box 398, Elk Rapids, MI 49629.
-Kristine Davis, Village Treasurer
Invitation to Bid: Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor Project
The Village of Elk Rapids is seeking qualified contractors for excavation, construction of a temporary dewatering trench, and full restoration work at Veterans Memorial Beach.
📍 Project Location: Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor, 129 N. Cedar St., Elk Rapids, MI 49629
📅 Bid Deadline and Opening:
Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. EST
🏛 Location of Bid Opening: Village Government Center, 315 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids, MI 49629
📄 Submission: Sealed bids must be clearly labeled and delivered to the Village Government Center, Attn: Harbormaster Mike Singleton.
This project includes trench excavation, temporary berm construction, installation of silt fencing, safe upland disposal of excavated materials, and full site restoration in compliance with all permit requirements.
🔗 Full bid details and requirements: https://www.elkrapids.org/bid-opportunities
For questions, please contact:
📧 harbormaster@elkrapids.org
📞 231-264-9274
We look forward to partnering with a qualified contractor to support safe harbor operations and protect our shoreline resources.
Notice of Bid Opportunity - Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor Hydraulic Dredging Project
The Village of Elk Rapids is now accepting sealed bids for hydraulic dredging of the main fairway entrance to the Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor. This project involves removing approximately 5,000 cubic yards of sand and silt to maintain safe navigation conditions and relocating the dredged material to designated upland areas for approved beach nourishment.
Bid Deadline:
Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time
Bids received by the deadline will be publicly opened and read aloud.
Submission Details:
Bids must be submitted in sealed envelopes clearly labeled Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor bid for Hydraulic Dredging and delivered to the Village of Elk Rapids, Attn: Harbormaster Mike Singleton, 315 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids, MI 49629.
There is no mandatory pre bid meeting. Contractors are responsible for reviewing the plans and specifications and familiarizing themselves with existing site conditions. Access may be coordinated through the Harbormaster.
The Village reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids.
Full RFP and documents are available at:
https://www.elkrapids.org/bid-opportunities
Elk Rapids DDA Awarded 2025 Elk Rapids Area Community Endowment Grant
ELK RAPIDS, MI — The Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is thrilled to announce the receipt of an Elk Rapids Area Community Endowment grant from the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation (GTRCF) to support a landscaping project to enhance Elk Rapids’ new gateway signs. The hope is that the project will encourages visitors to discover the “hidden gem” of our Village and support conscientious community growth. The grant, totaling $5,000 will help strengthen the sense of place for residents and visitors and have lasting ecological benefits by supporting pollinators and wildlife.
The Elk Rapids Area Community Endowment was established in 1996 by an anonymous Elk Rapids woman who enjoyed the quality of life in the area. The Endowment supports projects that enhance the beauty of the Elk Rapids community," said Torey Caviston, Youth and Community Impact Coordinator for the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation. "We're excited to support the Elk Rapids Downtown Development Authority in advancing the goals of this endowment through its wayfinding project, which will enhance both the beauty and character of Elk Rapids."
The landscaping design will have a consistent design aesthetic that includes native plants, colorful flowers, ornamental grasses, and hardscape elements, reinforcing Elk Rapids’ unique character. A coordinated design palette at entry points and around signs will create a sense of arrival and pride and a positive first impression. This visual message of a caring community signals a welcoming destination.
“By combining thoughtful design with environmental stewardship, this project will reinforce the Village’s identity and help draw attention to the village, business districts, and surrounding natural areas,” said Janet Rentsch, Elk Rapids DDA Grant Administrator. “This funding will allow the DDA to create a visual aesthetic that helps the signs stand out from the surrounding scenery, creates continuity between the two areas of the business district, and makes entrances more visible for drivers and pedestrians.”
The project was partially supported by a Community Funds grant from the GTRCF, designed to be flexible and responsive to a variety of community needs and causes. The DDA will match the grant funding for the project, which is slated to start in Spring 2026.
“Gateway improvements like this send a clear message about who we are and where we’re headed,” added John Mach, Elk Rapids DDA Executive Director. “This project strengthens our identity, enhances the visitor experience, and reflects the pride our community has in Elk Rapids. We’re grateful for the Foundation’s support as we continue building a vibrant, welcoming Village for all.”
About the Elk Rapids DDA
The mission of the Elk Rapids DDA is to promote the overall health of the business community, while supporting commerce and strengthening the brand of Elk Rapids.
For more information about the Elk Rapids DDA and its ongoing projects, visit www.elkrapids.org/downtowndevelopment-authority.
About the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation
The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation stewards community assets for lasting impact by investing in the people and places of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties as well as the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, a federally recognized tribe. Established in 1992, the Community Foundation works to support healthy, resilient, thriving communities for all across the region by serving donor partners, awarding meaningful grants and scholarships, and participating in collaborative leadership efforts on important community issues. For more information, please visit GTRCF.org.
December 2, 2025 RCM - Short Term Rental Licensing Ordinance
CLICK HERE to view the Draft Ordinance
PUBLIC NOTICE 2026 Elk Rapids Harbor Days – Schedule Change
Due to contract negotiations between the Elk Rapids Lions Club and Arnold’s Amusements—an agreement entirely separate from the Harbor Days Association—the 2026 Harbor Days Festival will occur one week later than the traditional schedule.
Revised 2026 Dates
• Opening Ceremony: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
• Festival Conclusion & Zambelli Fireworks: Saturday, August 8, 2026
We recognize that many residents, visitors, and long-time supporters plan vacations and annual gatherings around the historic Harbor Days schedule. This notice is being issued so the public can plan accordingly.