Title
Resolution to Authorize City of Ann Arbor Participation in the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Redevelopment Ready Communities Certification Program
Memorandum
Approval of this resolution will authorize City participation in the Redevelopment Communities certification program, offered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
City Council has identified economic development as one of its five priorities. At its budget planning session late last year, City Council articulated a need for the City to improve its tax base and to increase and diversify private sector employment. Council felt that success in this area would be a resilient, diverse local economy which increases private sector employment levels and an earned reputation as an attractive place to retain, create and relocate businesses. Just as important, these changes would maintain and improve the City’s quality of life.
City staff was charged with developing a work plan for addressing economic development priorities. As a starting point, staff explored the resources being offered through the State of Michigan’s placemaking and redevelopment initiatives. The City’s experience with the Reimagine Washtenaw redevelopment initiative has demonstrated that proactive planning and clear processes result in private development that supports the community’s goals.
Earlier this year, Planning staff applied to MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) certification program, which offers evaluation and technical assistance in best practices (see attached overview). In March, MEDC announced that the City of Ann Arbor was selected as one of eight communities to participate in the first round of the RRC certification program.
As part of the Redevelopment Ready Communities program, MEDC staff will conduct an evaluation of the City’s redevelopment readiness and provide recommendations and technical assistance for improving the city’s processes and marketing. There is no ...
Click here for full text