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, the city of Negaunee has been awarded the Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) certification, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced today.

MEDC formally recognizes the city of Negaunee as a Certified Redevelopment Ready Community in Michigan. Negaunee joins an elite group of 69 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. “The city of Negaunee 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 city and supporting local economic development efforts.”

As an RRC participant, the city of Negaunee 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.

”RRC brings together best practices that will lead to economic development all under one program, all by community choice,” said City Manager Nate Heffron. “Negaunee chose the RRC path as an investment in our community, we are now ready to forge our future thanks to the MEDC.”

“Negaunee is extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in the RRC program,” said Negaunee Mayor Dave Kangas. “Our journey has been long, but well worth it.”

As a certified community, the city of Negaunee 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 City of Negaunee continues implementing the best practices over time. Certification is active for five years before needing to be renewed.

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.