City of Lapeer receives certification as Redevelopment Ready Community

Designation facilitates private investment, improves economic development opportunities

LANSING, Mich. – For its efforts in establishing a solid foundation to attract private investment and further build on municipality assets, the city of Lapeer has been awarded the Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) certification, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today.

MEDC formally recognizes the city of Lapeer as a Certified Redevelopment Ready Community in Michigan. Lapeer is among more than 50 Michigan communities in all corners of the state that have qualified as “thoroughly prepared” when it comes to planning and zoning to remove traditional barriers and promote opportunities for prospective investors. To see the entire list of Redevelopment Ready Communities, visit here.

“Our mission at MEDC is to support Michigan’s strong economic momentum and empower communities to establish a strong planning, zoning and economic development foundation,” said MEDC Senior Vice President Michele Wildman. “The city of Lapeer is well-positioned to continue to implement their vision for the future and further improve the quality of life for its residents. We look forward to building upon our relationship with the city and supporting local economic development efforts.”

As an RRC participant, the city of Lapeer received a comprehensive assessment that measured current community and economic development practices compared to RRC best practice standards. The program evaluates and certifies communities that integrate transparency, predictability, and efficiency into economic development practices. Certification status is a compelling indicator that a community has removed development barriers and streamlined processes to be more competitive and attractive to investors.

“Lapeer made it a goal to become an RRC certified community and is pleased to celebrate this milestone achievement,” said City Manager Dale Kerbyson. “It has been through the diligent work of several city employees, consultants, and the help of our region’s RRC planner that we made it to this point, building on our existing strengths and incorporating new practices to fully meet the RRC standards. The city of Lapeer values its long-standing relationship with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and believes the RRC certification will improve and expand that relationship moving forward.”

“Reflecting on the city’s progress from when we first engaged with the RRC program, the RRC Program has enhanced the city’s process and efficiency,” said Lapeer Planning Consultant Caitlyn Habben. “The city, through the program, has more tools and resources available to staff to provide to potential and current applicants, so they know what to anticipate. The city will continue to make improvements and adopt best practices as the program continues to evolve.”

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.