In this episode, Christal sits down with Alison Metiva, the incoming President and CEO of the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, an organization that has quietly but powerfully shaped northern Michigan for more than 30 years.

With nearly two decades inside the Foundation, Alison reflects on her journey from grantmaking to operations to the top leadership role, and what that path has taught her about partnership, collaboration, and the evolving needs of our region. Together, she and Christal unpack the rapidly changing funding landscape—from federal and state cuts to shrinking support for housing, childcare, infrastructure, and environmental programs—and what those shifts mean for local nonprofits that rely on those dollars.

Alison shares how the Foundation is adapting its approach to both fundraising and grantmaking, stepping further into its role as a community convener and connector. From distributing over $330,000 in recent Community Funds grants to navigating emerging priorities such as housing, workforce challenges, and mental health, she outlines a vision for a more resilient and responsive future.

It's a thoughtful conversation about leadership, trust, and what it takes to keep northern Michigan strong, especially in a moment when the safety net is being stretched thinner than ever.

This week on "Currently," Christal and Beth Milligan (Traverse City Ticker) are joined by reporter Art Bukowski to dive into three big local stories.

Support for "Currently" comes from West Shore Bank, committed to the well-being of our community, along with Old Town Playhouse, where community comes together in downtown Traverse City. Support also comes from The Coin Slot Arcade Bar in Traverse City — a chill spot to unwind with pinball, drinks, and friends.

Art brings us the latest on Sugarloaf, where the Leelanau Conservancy has officially raised the $8 million needed to begin site planning — a major step toward eventually opening the iconic mountain to the public. He also explains why the property's anonymous donation is one of the most remarkable preservation moves our region has seen.

Beth updates us on Boardman Lake developments, including the Mill District groundbreaking, Brick Wheels' future headquarters, new public access, and the latest on the TCAPS Administration Building's transformation into workforce housing, office space, and condos.

We wrap with downtown project updates from the DDA: the new Farmers Market Pavilion design, a recommendation to keep State, Pine, and Boardman two-way, and the next phase of Rotary Square.

"Currently" is a Compass Local podcast produced by Pancake Boy Productions.

Christal sits down with Kevin Klein, Executive Director of Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), to unpack the rapid growth transforming northern Michigan's hometown airport. Kevin explains what's driving record-breaking passenger numbers, how TVC is adapting to a surge in local and visitor travel, and why this moment reflects Traverse City's evolution as a regional hub.

They discuss the airport's upcoming major terminal expansion, new parking additions, and the challenges of operating a facility built for far fewer passengers than it now serves. Kevin also breaks down funding details, community feedback, and how TVC plans to maintain Traverse City's small-town feel while preparing for the future.

It's a concise, forward-looking discussion with the leader guiding one of the region's most important assets.