For establishing a solid foundation to attract private investment and further build on municipality assets, the city of Marshall has been awarded Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) certification, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced.
The MEDC will hold a formal presentation 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2 at the Franke Center for the Arts to recognize the city of Marshall’s new designation. Franke Center for the Arts is located at 214 East Mansion Street, Marshall.
The southwest Michigan city joins seven other Michigan communities that have qualified as “thoroughly prepared” when it comes to planning and zoning along with other key features that remove traditional barriers and promote opportunities for prospective private investors. Other certified RRC’s include Allegan, Boyne City, Eastpointe, Lathrup Village, Roseville, Ypsilanti and Muskegon.
“Our mission at MEDC is to empower 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 Senior Vice President Katharine Czarnecki.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with city of Marshall officials to create a vibrant community where businesses thrive and those employed find opportunities and a sense of place, and where a strong sense of community flourishes,” she said.
As a RRC participant, the city of Marshall received 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. Certification status provides a compelling sign that a community has removed development barriers and streamlined processes to be more competitive and attractive to investors.
“When we first enrolled in the RRC program, the city of Marshall discovered that we were already using many of the practices and policies suggested for the RRC certification,” said Natalie Dean, Marshall Assistant City Manager and Director of Community Services. “We got together as a team and worked hard to implement the other strategies outlined in the program.
“With Marshall receiving RRC certification, we are sending a strong message to developers that we welcome their business, that we have laid the groundwork for a good process, and that our community is fully supportive and values their project,” said Dean. “The certification lays the groundwork for developers to know that we offer a small town atmosphere, and are a progressive community.”
On behalf of the Michigan Strategic Fund, the MEDC administers programs and performs due diligence on business and community development programs. The MEDC is the state’s chief marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.
Source: MEDC