City of Wakefield achieves MEDC’s Redevelopment Ready Communities “Essentials” status

LANSING, Mich. – For its efforts in establishing a more streamlined development process and overall community development vision, the City of Wakefield achieved the Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) Essentials designation, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced today. As part of the RRC program, Wakefield joins fellow Gogebic County communities Bessemer and Ironwood – both RRC Certified – in contributing toward vibrancy and economic growth in the Western Upper Peninsula.  
 
RRC is a voluntary initiative which 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 and was launched statewide in 2013. 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.
 
After engaging communities and other partners for feedback, MEDC evolved the RRC toolkit to introduce two designations: “Essentials” and “Certified.” This allows communities to choose the path that best suits their needs, considering their capacity, goals, and local factors. Achieving the RRC Essentials designation formally acknowledges that a community has a clear vision for the future and the essential practices to realize that vision.
 
“We applaud the City of Wakefield for achieving Essentials status,” said MEDC’s SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness Michele Wildman. “The City of Wakefield 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.”
 
To achieve the Essentials designation, the City of Wakefield 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 updating their master plan, adopting bylaws and zoning ordinance updates. The city’s efforts have produced high-quality documents and processes that will continue to generate value. 
 
“As a community, we are proud to announce that the City of Wakefield has officially achieved Redevelopment Ready Communities Essentials Designation through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation,” said City Manager Robert A. Brown Jr. “This accomplishment reflects years of sustained effort by our staff, boards, commissions and City Council to modernize our policies, strengthen public engagement and position Wakefield for long-term investment and growth. RRC Essentials is more than recognition, it is a commitment to transparency, responsible planning, and creating a welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and developers. I am grateful for the dedication of our team and the continued support of our community as we work together to build Wakefield’s future.”

To date, the MEDC has formally recognized 88 Michigan communities in all corners of the state at the Certified level and 37 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 RRCs, visit here.

“Securing Redevelopment Ready Communities Essentials Designation through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation is a major achievement for the City of Wakefield. The MEDC’s RRC program sets a high standard for community planning, transparency and development readiness, and our designation demonstrates that Wakefield not only meets those expectations but is fully committed to fostering a strong, investment-ready environment,” said Mayor Dale White. “I want to thank the MEDC for its guidance and partnership, and I extend my appreciation to our staff, boards, and residents whose dedication made this milestone possible. This designation positions Wakefield to compete for new opportunities and strengthen our community’s future.”

“Congratulations to the City of Wakefield on achieving the Essentials Designation through the Redevelopment Ready Communities Toolkit,” said Thomas Bergman, community development director for the City of Ironwood. “This is not only a significant economic development milestone for Wakefield, but also an important achievement for the entire region. With this designation, all three cities in Gogebic County are now RRC designated communities. A true testament to the power of regional collaboration and shared commitment to growth. By leveraging new opportunities and working together, our communities are paving the way toward an economically prosperous future. The work completed through the RRC Toolkit demonstrates a strong dedication to creating a business-friendly environment that attracts talent and supports future housing opportunities in the area.”

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.