Newaygo achieves “Essentials” status in MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities program

Designation signals communities have identified redevelopment goals, created a 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 Newaygo achieved the Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) Essentials designation under the new RRC 2.0 framework, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced today.

The RRC Program was launched statewide by the MEDC in 2013. RRC is a voluntary initiative that 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. 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.

“We applaud the city of Newaygo for achieving Essentials status,” said MEDC Executive Vice President of Economic Development Incentives Michele Wildman. “Newaygo 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.”

Based on feedback from communities and other stakeholders, MEDC evolved the RRC program 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.

To achieve the Essentials designation, Newaygo 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. This includes an updated Master Plan, Public Participation Plan, and a robust development review process. The city’s efforts have produced high-quality documents and processes that will continue to generate value.

“The city of Newaygo is excited to achieve the Essentials status under the MEDC Redevelopment Ready Communities program. Our community is ready to grow, and we will help guide developers on proposed commercial, industrial, or housing developments,” said Newaygo City Manager Jon Schneider.

To date, the MEDC has formally recognized 66 Michigan communities in all corners of the state at the Certified level and nine 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.

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.