MEDC announces first communities to receive certification through statewide Redevelopment Ready Communities program

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced the cities of Allegan and Roseville are the first communities in the state to receive Redevelopment Ready Communities® (RRC) certification.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced the cities of Allegan and Roseville are the first communities in the state to receive Redevelopment Ready Communities® (RRC) certification. RRC is a voluntary, no-cost program that assists local municipalities in establishing a sound foundation for development and investment to occur in their communities.

“These communities have removed unnecessary hurdles to development, while preserving their vision and goals for a successful future,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “We congratulate Allegan and Roseville for working to make their communities vibrant places where business and talent want to be.”

RRC Program participants receive a comprehensive assessment measuring their community and economic development practices to the RRC best practice standards. The program evaluates and then certifies communities that integrate transparency, predictability and efficiency into their daily development practices. Certification signals that a community has removed development barriers and streamlined processes to be more competitive in today’s economy.

“We are excited about being named one of the first cities in Michigan to receive the Redevelopment Ready Communities certification, knowing full well that this external review of our planning and development policies is an important differentiator, especially when communities are vying for businesses and talent to locate within its borders,” said K. William Knox, chair of the Roseville Planning Commission.

“The Redevelopment Ready Communities program allowed the City to step back and see how we are viewed from outside the community. It provided valuable insight into our training needs, not only to the elected officials but to our appointed officials,” said Allegan City Manager Robert Hillard. “As a result, I believe because of the Redevelopment Ready Communities program we have built a solid development team which can address the needs of Allegan and prospective development well into the future.”

The MEDC will hold celebration ceremonies for both communities in recognition of their accomplishments. The Roseville celebration will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. on Sept. 17 at Roseville City Hall; the Allegan event will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. on Sept. 19 at Griswold Auditorium in Allegan.

For more information on the Redevelopment Ready Communities Program, visit here: http://www.michiganbusiness.org/community/development-assistance/#rrc.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.