“In everything you do, work to make the community around you better”
Lance is driven by his mission of getting people places, both physically and professionally. He helps motivated people grow their businesses, reduce wasted ad spend, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Supporting Local Businesses, Strengthening Our Community
I know the hard work it takes to run a small business. I grew up in Harbor Beach in the thumb before moving to TC - a little tourist town surrounded by farmland - working in my family’s 1950s diner. That’s where I learned how much local businesses can shape a community.
Today, I carry that experience into my work in automotive software, helping car dealerships across the U.S. and Canada grow their digital presence. I’ve seen how the right support can make a huge difference.
I believe mom-and-pop shops are the backbone of our local economy. When they thrive, so does Traverse City - and I’m committed to helping them succeed, year-round.
Smart Growth & Affordable Housing
I believe growth should be smart and thoughtful - focused on creating more affordable places to live while protecting what makes Traverse City special.
Right now, we’re short at least 2700 rental homes and units in our region. That’s a serious gap, and it’s pushing out families, workers, and even retirees who’ve spent their lives here.
I support using tools like voter-approved TIF and rethinking how we use underutilized properties. We can build what’s needed, and protect the character of our neighborhoods and the beauty that surrounds us.
Equity in Getting People Places
For me, it all comes down to helping people get where they need to go - whether that’s to work, a doctor’s appointment, school, or just out to enjoy a trail on the weekend.
Serving on the BATA Board and volunteering with TART Trails are both ways I get to support that mission. They’re about building a more connected Traverse City, where transit, safe streets, and trails all work together to keep people moving.
I’ve found real purpose in helping create systems that make life easier, more independent, and more accessible for everyone in our community. That’s what it’s all about.
Collaboration for Community Success
I believe the best ideas come from listening to neighbors, business owners, and everyone who calls this community home.
I’ve led over 150 community engagement meetings across the country, working with neighborhood associations, nonprofits, city departments, and more. My goal has always been the same: bring people together to solve problems in a way that actually sticks.
Here in Traverse City, I want to use that same experience to help roll out local initiatives that truly reflect what our community wants and needs, with buy-in, not backlash. When residents, government, and businesses work together, we build stronger, more connected neighborhoods.
