Tawas City achieves “Essentials” status in MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities program

Designation signals communities have identified redevelopment goals, created a master plan for the future

LANSING, Mich. – For its efforts in establishing a more streamlined development process and overall community development vision, Tawas City achieved the Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) Essentials designation under the new RRC 2.0 framework, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today.

Redevelopment Ready Communities is a voluntary initiative that empowers communities to shape their future as they strive to become RRC Certified by building a foundation of planning, zoning, and economic development best practices and integrating them into their everyday functions and was launched statewide in 2013. RRC promotes communities to be development ready and competitive in today’s economy by actively engaging stakeholders and proactively planning, making them more attractive for projects that create places where people want to live, work, and invest.

Based on feedback from communities and other stakeholders, MEDC evolved the RRC toolkit in February 2021 to include two different designations: “Essentials” and “Certified.” Communities can now determine which path is most appropriate for their needs based on capacity, community goals, and other local factors. Reaching the RRC Essentials designation is a formal recognition that a community has a vision for the future and the fundamental practices in place to get there.

“We applaud Tawas City for achieving Essentials status,” said MEDC Executive Vice President of Economic Development Incentives Michele Wildman. “Tawas City has identified its desired direction for the future and has a plan to achieve its goals for the community. We look forward to building upon our relationship with the city and supporting its continued economic development efforts.”

To achieve the Essentials designation, Tawas City worked to incorporate all the key documents and practices to provide a predictable development experience and meet local planning and zoning responsibilities under Michigan law. The city’s efforts have produced high-quality documents and processes that will continue to generate value.

“Tawas City leaders and our residents appreciate the efforts of the MEDC and the process it developed that now supports and recognizes our achievement as an Essentials Redevelopment Ready Community,” said Tawas City Mayor Brian McMurray. “We continue to strive to improve our community, attract permanent residents, and promote tourism. As an Essentials community, we look forward to providing our community with strategic development opportunities through a fiscally responsible and proactive approach.”

“Receiving the RRC Essentials status through MEDC is an immense honor and achievement for Tawas City. Tawas City’s motto is, ‘Proud of our past. Confident in our future.’ With this designation we’ve positioned our community for a great future as we’re ready to grow and provide confidence to others to invest in and become a part of our community.” said Tawas City Manager Annge Horning. “We’re looking forward to working with MEDC staff and taking advantage of the additional resources available to us as an Essentials community as we work to welcome new development and implement our community’s vision for Tawas City as identified in our master plan.”

To date, the MEDC has formally recognized 12 Michigan communities in all corners of the state at the Essentials level. These communities have qualified as “thoroughly prepared” when it comes to planning and zoning, to remove traditional barriers and promote opportunities for prospective investors. See the entire list of Redevelopment Ready Communities here.

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.