Van Buren Charter Township receives Certification as Redevelopment Ready Community

Designation facilitates private investment, improves economic development opportunities

LANSING, Mich. – For its efforts in establishing a solid foundation to attract private investment and further build on municipal assets, Van Buren Charter Township has been awarded the Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) certification, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced today.

MEDC officially designates Van Buren Charter Township as a Certified Redevelopment Ready Community in Michigan. Van Buren Charter Township now joins a distinguished group of 81 Michigan communities from all regions of the state that have qualified as “thoroughly prepared” in their planning and zoning efforts. This designation aims to eliminate traditional barriers and foster opportunities for potential investment. For a complete list of Redevelopment Ready Communities, visit https://www.miplace.org/programs/redevelopment-ready-communities/.

“Our mission at MEDC is to support Michigan’s strong economic momentum and empower communities to establish a strong planning, zoning and economic development foundation,” said MEDC Chief Place Officer Michele Wildman. “Van Buren Charter Township is well positioned to continue to implement their vision for the future and further improve the quality of life for its residents. We look forward to building upon our relationship with Van Buren Charter Township and supporting local economic development efforts.”

As an RRC participant, Van Buren Charter Township received a comprehensive assessment that measured current community and economic development practices compared to RRC best practice standards. Communities leverage the RRC toolkit to integrate transparency, predictability, and efficiency into local economic development practices. Certification is a compelling indicator that a community has removed development barriers and streamlined processes to be more competitive and attractive for investment.

“Van Buren Charter Township has been involved in this program since 2017, and our team has been diligently working to achieve all of the goals set by the RRC,” said Director of Municipal Services Ron Akers. “The dedication and efforts of our Township Board of Trustees, VBT DDA, Planning Commissioners, and many current and former staff members and consultants who have contributed to this initiative have been exceptional. We are excited to utilize these tools to strengthen our relationships with stakeholders and attract new investment in Van Buren Charter Township."

As a certified community, Van Buren Charter Township will have access to new tools to implement its community development goals as well as ongoing support and technical assistance from the Redevelopment Ready Communities team. Annual check-ins and updates will help ensure the Township continues implementing the best practices over time. Certification is active for five years before needing to be renewed.

"Van Buren Charter Township is proud to achieve full Redevelopment Ready Communities certification from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation,” said Van Buren Charter Township Supervisor Kevin McNamara. “This achievement reflects our commitment to transparent and efficient development practices, making Van Buren Charter Township an attractive destination for investment. As the only certified RRC Township in the tri-county area, we set a standard for economic development and foster a vibrant community for residents and stakeholders."

  

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.