City of Detroit joins Redevelopment Ready Communities program

Michigan’s largest city partners with state to facilitate private investment; city’s participation another positive sign of Detroit’s continued growth

LANSING, Mich. – The city of Detroit has joined the statewide Redevelopment Ready Communities program ® (RRC), the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today.

RRC is Michigan’s voluntary, no cost program that assists local municipalities around the state in establishing a sound foundation for redevelopment and investment to occur in their communities.

“By becoming an RRC community, Detroit will further build on its positive momentum and demonstrate it has a vision for the future and the practices in place to get there,” said MEDC CEO Jeff Mason. “Partnering with our largest city to improve the development process not only makes Detroit stronger, it also makes Michigan stronger and more competitive at the national level.”

As an RRC participant, the city of Detroit will receive a comprehensive assessment that measures current community and economic development practices compared to RRC best practice standards. Further, the program evaluates and certifies communities that integrate transparency, predictability and efficiency into economic development practices.

“The City of Detroit is going through an incredible transformation in terms of economic development,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “We are pleased to engage in the RRC program and work toward certification in Detroit. We’re adding another tool to our toolbox as we work on an equitable recovery for all Detroiters.”

RRC certification status provides a compelling sign that a community has removed development barriers and streamlined processes to be more competitive and attractive to investors. For Detroit, participation in RRC will not only make the city more attractive for outside development, but it will also make development in the city more accessible for all.

“Michigan is at the forefront of the nation in taking a comprehensive, holistic approach to assisting communities so they can proactively shape their future, a future built on a solid foundation of retaining and attracting business investment and talent,” said MEDC Executive Vice President and Chief Community Development and Marketing Officer Greg Tedder. “Detroit is already committed to process improvement and is working to implement effective redevelopment strategies, but by taking part in RRC, the city will receive formal recognition that it has a vision for its future and the fundamental practices in place to get there.”

More than 190 Michigan communities are currently active in the RRC program. To date, 16 Michigan communities have qualified as “thoroughly prepared” when it comes to planning, zoning along with other key features that remove traditional barriers and promote opportunities for prospective investors. Other certified RRC communities include Allegan, Boyne City, Dearborn, Eastpointe, Escanaba, Ferndale, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Lathrup Village, Manistee, Marshall, Middleville, Muskegon, Roseville, Southfield and Ypsilanti.

For more information on RRC, visit https://www.miplace.org/communities/rrc/.

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.