City of Kentwood 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 Kentwood has been awarded the Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) certification, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today.

The MEDC formally recognizes the city of Kentwood as the 55th Certified Redevelopment Ready Community in Michigan. Kentwood joins 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 Kentwood 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 Kentwood 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.

“The city of Kentwood is pleased to be a Redevelopment Ready Community, which demonstrates our commitment to being open – and eager – for business,” said Mayor Stephen Kepley. “We are proud to have aligned our policies and processes with Redevelopment Ready Community best practices and to have completed the program’s rigorous assessment.

“Our continued efforts to bring economic development, investment and job growth to Kentwood have received a significant boost from the MEDC through this certification, and we are very grateful.”

“We look forward to working with the MEDC to carry out the master plan’s community-driven vision for growth, land use, development and open space conservation in Kentwood,” said Community Development Director Terry Schweitzer. “As a Redevelopment Ready Community, we can leverage critical tools and resources as we continue to work to attract and support investment and businesses and engage community members along the way.”

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.