Designation facilitates private investment, improves economic development opportunities

LANSING, Mich. – For its efforts in establishing a solid foundation to attract private investment and further build on municipality assets, Buena Vista Charter Township has been awarded the Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) certification, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced Tuesday.

MEDC formally recognizes Buena Vista Charter Township as a Certified Redevelopment Ready Community in Michigan. Buena Vista joins an elite group of 71 Michigan communities in all corners of the state that have qualified as “thoroughly prepared” when it comes to planning and zoning to remove traditional barriers and promote opportunities for prospective investors. See the entire list of Redevelopment Ready Communities here.

“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 Executive Vice President of Economic Development Incentives and Services Michele Wildman. “Buena Vista Charter Township is well positioned to continue to implement its vision for the future and further improve the quality of life for its residents. We look forward to building upon our relationship with the township and supporting local economic development efforts.”

As an RRC participant, Buena Vista received a comprehensive assessment that measured current community and economic development practices compared to RRC best practice standards. The toolkit evaluates and certifies communities that integrate transparency, predictability, and efficiency into economic development practices. Certification status is a compelling indicator that a community has removed development barriers and streamlined processes to be more competitive and attractive to investors.

“The future is bright for Buena Vista Charter Township, and we are excited to receive the Redevelopment Ready Community designation from MEDC,” said Buena Vista Charter Township Superintendent Torrie Lee. “This designation reaffirms the mission of the township to prioritize investment opportunities and reconfirms the goal to attract more economic development in the township. I’m extremely grateful and thankful for the support of the board of trustees, commissioners, staff and residents who all continue to strive toward excellence. It took five years to reach this goal and we are extremely grateful.”

As a certified community, Buena Vista will have access to new tools to implement its community development goals as well as ongoing support and technical assistance from the Redevelopment Ready Communities team. Annual check-ins and updates will help ensure the Township continues implementing the best practices over time. Certification is active for five years before needing to be renewed.

“Attaining RRC Certified Designation grants Buena Vista a great opportunity to proactively engage township stakeholders in the prosperity of our community through best practices and policies,” said Buena Vista Charter Township Supervisor Dr. Christina L. Dillard. “With our focused commitment to restore, rebuild, and renew our beloved community, the RRC certification gives us the capacity, as well as the support, to effectively plan for the dynamic development of our township.”

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.