Providing resources for communities and entrepreneurs to create and retain jobs in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan & Emmet Counties.

Is your community ready for what’s next?

Boyne City downtown in January One thing COVID-19 has thought us is we cannot be too prepared, is your community prepared for what is next? Michigan communities can participate in the Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) program. This is a free state-wide certification program that supports local units of government to become development ready and competitive in today’s economy. It encourages communities to adopt innovative redevelopment strategies and efficient processes that integrate transparency, predictability and efficiency into their daily practices building confidence among business and developers.

Through this program, the municipality will evaluate themselves in six key areas including: Community Plans and Public Outreach, Zoning Regulations, Development Review Process, Education and Recruitment, Redevelopment Ready Sites, and Community Prosperity to see what improvements can be made and what barriers may be impeding on growth. The RRC certification is a formal recognition that a community has a vision for the future and the fundamental practices in place to get there. The City of Boyne City was one of the first RRC Certified Communities in the state and is the 2020 Great American Main Street Award winner check out this YouTube video showcasing the community .

Once the community completes the self-evaluations, passes a resolution, and attends a mandatory training they will be eligible to submit an application and become formally engaged in the program. Communities accepted into RRC will receive services and assistance from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in identifying and marketing their most important redevelopment properties. Ultimately these sites are appealing because they are located within a community that has effective policies, efficient processes, and broad community support. The program also provides real estate development feasibility studies on focus areas identified by the community.

It is evident that certified communities signal they have effective development practices such as well-defined development procedures, a community supported vision, an open and predictable review process and enticing sites for developers.

To learn more about RRC and the process to complete the program visit the MEDC website

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