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

The MEDC formally presented the award today in downtown Holland at a special event to recognize the city’s new designation.

“Congratulations to the city of Holland for achieving the Redevelopment Ready Communities certification. This designation is yet another sign of how Holland is truly a collaborative community that understands the dynamic partnership between private investors and the public sector in attracting investment, fostering economic opportunity, and creating an attractive place where people want live, work and play,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “This achievement will help further communicate externally Holland’s sense of place. The vibrancy in its downtown, engaged residents and businesses will drive even greater economic growth in the community.”

MEDC formally recognizes the city of Holland as a Certified Redevelopment Ready Community in Michigan. The city of Holland joins an elite group of 63 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 Executive Vice President of Economic Development Incentives Michele Wildman. “The city of Holland is well-positioned to continue to implement its 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 Holland 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 Holland is very pleased to be named a Redevelopment Ready Community by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation,” said Mayor Nathan Bocks.” This is one more indication of the growth opportunities we are experiencing, our future continues to be bright!”

The city of Holland worked with MEDC’s RRC team to develop a public participation plan that identified key stakeholders to engage and developed methods for engagement and processes that need public participation. The city also updated its Strategic Plan which serves as the economic development strategy with the mission, “Maximize Livability.” The city’s vision is “a vibrant, world-class community in a beautiful lakefront environment where people work together, celebrate community and realize dreams.”

“Congratulations to our staff for all the dedicated work that went into receiving this designation,” said City Manager Keith Van Beek. “The Redevelopment Ready Community designation denotes that we have in place best practices to partner and support those that want to invest and expand in our community, we say ‘welcome’.”

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.