Partner up! The Michigan Economic Development Corporation wants to be your partner in community development and they have just the tool to accomplish that goal – the Redevelopment Ready Communities® program. Although a few Michigan communities have already gone through the RRC process, Katharine Czarnecki, vice president of community development for MEDC, said it’s now essential to get priority status in the eyes of the MEDC.

In the traditional approach to community development, communities wait for a developer to propose a project, then they react to it. The RRC approach is more proactive. The community seeks input to identify potential sites and establish a development vision. Then they actively market those opportunities to developers. MEDC suggests keeping the RRC priorities in mind throughout this process: compact activities, inter-connected networks, a wide range of housing, appropriate neighborhood densities, and distinct or unique characteristics.

Starting Oct. 1, MEDC will be implementing a three-step process to get communities started in the RRC program. First, from October – February they will be offering free RRC Best Practice Training across the state. The second step is to complete a self-evaluation of your city. And the third step is to pass a resolution in support of your community’s participation. MEDC hopes to have the RRC program fully implemented by Oct. 1, 2017.

For more information on the RRC program or to find a training near you, click here.

To download Katharine Czarnecki’s Convention presentation, click here.