Parchment achieves MEDC's Redevelopment Ready Communities "Essentials" status

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

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

RRC is a voluntary initiative which 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 the City of Parchment for achieving Essentials status,” said MEDC Chief Place Officer of Place, Programs, & Services Michele Wildman. “Parchment 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, Parchment 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 efforts have produced high-quality documents and processes that will continue to generate value.

“We are excited for the City of Parchment to receive the Redevelopment Ready Community status as an Essentials Community,” said City Manager Nancy Stoddard. “Our thanks to all of those at the RRC and the City’s staff that helped us acquire this designation. Our community looks forward to the support from the MEDC and other state partners to redevelop our former mill site.”

To date, the MEDC has formally recognized 76 Michigan communities in all corners of the state at the Certified level and 25 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. To see the entire list of Redevelopment Ready Communities, visit here.

“Receiving this designation from the MEDC is a milestone accomplishment for our city. It favorably positions us for future development and signifies that the City of Parchment is open for business!” said City Mayor Robert D Britigan III.

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.