West Branch Township Receives Certification as Redevelopment Ready Community

Designation faciliates 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, West Branch Township has been awarded the Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) certification designation, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced on Aug. 19.

MEDC formally recognizes West Branch Township as a Certified Redevelopment Ready Community in Michigan. West Branch Township joins an elite group of 73 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 Chief Place Officer Michele Wildman. “West Branch Township 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 township and supporting local economic development efforts.”

As an RRC participant, West Branch Township received a comprehensive assessment that measured current community and economic development practices compared to RRC best practice standards. The toolkit evaluates and certifies communities which 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.

“It’s really something for us as a community to be proud of! The efforts and work we all have put into the program over the past 3.5 years has helped us to compete with communities three to four times our size and positioned West Branch Township as a leader in Ogemaw County for the future,” said Zoning Administrator, Township Clerk and DDA Secretary, Jeremy Hickmott. “It’s one of those transformative accomplishments and something 32 years ago, when the Township Water Tower was being built, we never pictured for our future but it’s greatly exciting!”

As a certified community, West Branch Township will have access to new tools to implement its community development goals as well as ongoing support and technical assistance from the Redevelopment Ready Communities team. Annual check-ins and updates will help ensure the township continues implementing the best practices over time. Certification is active for five years before needing to be renewed.

“As a lifelong West Branch resident, the township’s certification is just another step in the right direction for making sure our community is on solid footing for the future,” said Township Supervisor James Morris. “West Branch Township has always been a leader in the future growth of Ogemaw County and being RRC Certified will only help to make sure the township is the economic leader the citizens and visitor anticipate while preserving our community's business, farming, and natural assets. Our township’s future is bright, and certification only makes it brighter!”

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.