Village of Ellsworth 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 Village of Ellsworth achieved the Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) Essentials designation, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced today.

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, the 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 Village of Ellsworth for achieving Essentials status,” said MEDC SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness Michele Wildman. “The Village of Ellsworth 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 Village and supporting its continued economic development efforts.”

To achieve the Essentials designation, The Village of Ellsworth 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 the master plan, adoption of the capital improvements plan and zoning ordinance updates. The Village’s efforts have produced high-quality documents and processes that will continue to generate value.

“As a small northern Michigan community, we don’t have endless resources, but we do have a lot of promise,” said Village President Jerry Rasmussen. “We’re looking forward to welcoming investors who want to get to know our village, and with the MEDC team behind us, we’re ready to support projects and investments that truly fit what our community cares about.”

To date, the MEDC has formally recognized 94 Michigan communities in all corners of the state at the Certified level and 39 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.

“We appreciate the support provided by the MEDC Technical Assistance Team throughout the Essentials designation process,” said Tina Sundelius, Deputy Clerk. “The team was responsive and helpful every step of the way, and I am excited to see how this achievement helps move the Village of Ellsworth forward.”

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.