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 charge to the City for participation in this program, and staff involvement in assembling materials and participating in interviews can be accommodated within the current workload. To define roles and expectations for this program, the MEDC requires the local unit of government to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, the draft of which is attached.
Staff recommends approval of this resolution and the RRC Memorandum of Understanding.
Attachments: Redevelopment Ready Communities Summary and Draft Memorandum of Understanding
Staff
Prepared by: Wendy Rampson, Planning Manager
Reviewed by: Sumedh Bahl, Community Services Area Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Ann Arbor City Council has identified economic development as a community priority, in particular the need to expand the City's tax base and increase and diversify private sector employment in the economy;
Whereas, The Ann Arbor City Council and City Planning Commission have adopted sustainability goals as part of the City Master Plan, including a goal for economic vitality that calls for developing a prosperous, resilient local economy that provides opportunity by creating jobs, retaining and attracting talent, supporting a diversity of businesses across all sectors, and rewarding investment in our community;
Whereas, Identification and implementation of "redevelopment ready" practices are important strategies to support placemaking investments that benefit the economic vitality of the community;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor seeks certification as a Redevelopment Ready Community to demonstrate its commitment to economic vitality and sustainable development;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor has been selected for participation in the Redevelopment Ready Communities certification program of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC);
Whereas, The MEDC Redevelopment Ready Communities certification program will provide the City a no-cost, comprehensive assessment, report of findings and recommended strategies and support for implementation; and
Whereas, The MEDC requires entry into a Memorandum of Understanding to identify roles and responsibilities for the Redevelopment Ready Communities certification program;
RESOLVED, The City Council hereby approves the Redevelopment Ready Communities Joint Memorandum of Understanding with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, substantially in the form of that attached; and
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized and directed to sign the Memorandum of Understanding after approval as to substance by the City Administrator and approval as to form by the City Attorney.