Southfield has become the ninth Michigan city to earn ReDevelopment Ready certification by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MDEC). Certification is a program supporting community revitalization and the attraction and retention of businesses.
The City went through an 18month process to review and align its procedures with best practices in planning and zoning. In addition to a new Master Plan, public participation, site plan review policies and procedures, training of elected and appointed officials, an economic development strategy and marketing and promotion were required in order to gain state certification. In granting certification the MDEC said, “Southfield has positioned itself to strengthen local quality of life in difficult
economic times. Achieving RRC certification is a statement to the private sector that the city has a vision for the future and the development process is streamlines, predicable, efficient, transparent and user-friendly.” Certification was bestowed on the city in December in a ceremony hosted by the Southfield Chamber of Commerce and Arbor Lofts. Business Development Manager Shelly Freeman and City Planner Terry Croad were primarily responsible for applying and completing the process for Southfield to become state certified. This designation is important to a city like Southfield that needs new investment and renewal of its commercial properties and housing stock in order to maintain its viability.
Source: City of Southfield
Click here to be introduced to City of Southfield