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LANSING, Mich. – For its efforts in establishing a solid foundation to attract private investment and further build on municipal assets, the City of Lathrup Village has been awarded the Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) certification, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced today.
MEDC officially designates the City of Lathrup Village as a Certified RRC in Michigan. Lathrup Village now joins 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. For a complete list of Redevelopment Ready Communities, visit www.miplace.org/programs/redevelopment-ready-communities/.
“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. “The City of Lathrup Village is well-positioned to continue to implement their 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 Lathrup Village received a comprehensive assessment 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.
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.”
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 X.
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