The City of Madison Heights receives its Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) certification.
The City of Lathrup Village receives its Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) certification.
(Photos courtesy of MEDC)
For their efforts in establishing a solid foundation to attract private investment and further build on municipal assets, the City of Madison Heights and the City of Lathrup Village have been awarded the Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) certification, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced Tuesday.
MEDC officially designates Madison Heights and Lathrup VIllage as a Certified RRC in Michigan. They now join a distinguished group of 89 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.
“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 SVP of Community Planning & Development Readiness Michele Wildman.
As an RRC participant, the City of Madison Heights and the Cirty of Lathrup Village received comprehensive assessments 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.
“Recognition as a Certified Redevelopment Ready Community signals that Madison Heights is open for opportunity,” said Madison Heights Mayor Corey Haines. “By adopting proven best practices and strengthening our development process, we are demonstrating a clear commitment to intentional growth, investment readiness, and a strong economic future. This milestone reflects the dedication, collaboration, and pride our staff bring to their work every day. We extend our heartfelt thanks for their hard work and continued commitment to moving Madison Heights forward.”
City Manager Melissa Marsh highlighted the tremendous collaboration that supported the community’s achievement. “This designation is the result of tremendous work by our staff and strong collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation,” she said. “Updating our zoning ordinance, economic development plan, and internal processes took time and discipline, and I’m proud of the team for delivering. We appreciate MEDC’s guidance in achieving this distinction and look forward to ongoing partnership with our community to help attract high quality redevelopment.”
As a certified community, Madison Heights will have access to new tools to implement its community development goals as well as ongoing support and technical assistance from the RRC team. Annual check-ins and updates will help ensure the city continues implementing the best practices over time. Certification is active for five years before needing to be renewed.
“Becoming Redevelopment Ready certified for us means that we have a clearer, development-friendly Zoning Ordinance, better plans that reflect the vision of our residents, and a more predictable development process,” said Community & Economic Development Director Giles Tucker. “These improvements reduce uncertainty for developers and ensure higher quality projects that align with our long-term vision for the community. These improvements will help attract new investment, support local businesses, and strengthen our tax base.”
Lathrup Village’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Director Austin Colson shared, "Regaining our Redevelopment Ready Communities certification helps remove uncertainty, streamline development timelines, and gives entrepreneurs confidence that the City is a strong partner in redevelopment and long-term growth."
Integral to the municipal team charged with attaining RRC designation, DDA Project Coordinator Thomas Kennedy expanded that, "Reacquiring Redevelopment Ready Communities certification is the culmination of years' worth of hard work that will greatly benefit the city, its businesses and its residents. This achievement will drive the city's business and professional development forward, and support redevelopment efforts as the city moves towards the future."
As a certified community, Lathrup Village will have access to new tools to implement its community development goals as well as ongoing support and technical assistance from the RRC team. Annual check-ins and updates will help ensure the city continues implementing the best practices over time. Certification is active for five years before needing to be renewed.
Continuing with celebratory remarks, City Administrator Mike Greene stated, “Being recognized as an MEDC Redevelopment Ready Community affirms Lathrup Village’s commitment to thoughtful planning, transparency, and partnership. This designation strengthens our ability to attract investment, support responsible redevelopment, and ensure that growth aligns with our community’s long-term vision and values.”
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
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