By Journal Staff

ISHPEMING — For its efforts in establishing a more streamlined development process and overall community development vision, the city of Ishpeming achieved the Redevelopment Ready Communities Essentials designation, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced recently.

Redevelopment Ready Communities is a voluntary initiative which empowers communities to shape their future as they strive to become RRC Certified by building a foundation of planning, zoning and economic development best practices and integrating them into their everyday functions.

It was launched statewide in 2013. RRC promotes communities to be development ready and competitive in today’s economy by actively engaging stakeholders and proactively planning, making them more attractive for projects that create places where people want to live, work and invest.

Based on feedback from communities and other stakeholders, MEDC evolved the RRC toolkit in February 2021 to include two designations: “Essentials” and “Certified.”

Communities can now determine which path is most appropriate for their needs based on capacity, community goals and other local factors.

Reaching the RRC Essentials designation is a formal recognition that a community has a vision for the future and the fundamental practices in place to get there.

“We applaud the city of Ishpeming for achieving Essentials status,” said Michele Wildman, MEDC senior vice president of economic development incentives and service. “Ishpeming has identified its desired direction for the future and has a plan to achieve its goals for the community. We look forward to building upon our relationship with the city and supporting its continued economic development efforts.”

To achieve the Essentials designation, Ishpeming worked to incorporate all the key documents and practices to provide a predictable development experience and meet local planning and zoning responsibilities under Michigan law. The city’s efforts have produced high-quality documents and processes that will continue to generate value.

The city of Ishpeming has future plans to pursue full RRC certification now that they have reached the Essentials designation.

“Reaching Essentials status under the MEDC Redevelopment Ready Communities Program is an accomplishment that everyone in the city of Ishpeming can be proud of,” said Ishpeming city manager Craig Cugini. “Being a Redevelopment Ready Community will open up new funding avenues and allow us to continue improving our infrastructure and city services as well as highlight Ishpeming as the perfect place to live, work and play.”

Currently, the MEDC has 73 formally recognized Michigan communities at the Certified level and 21 at the Essentials level. These communities have qualified as “thoroughly prepared” when it comes to planning and zoning, to remove traditional barriers and promote opportunities for prospective investors.

“The city council, administration and countless stakeholders been working tirelessly to update our planning and zoning policies, revitalize our downtown and develop best practices to spur economic growth,” said Ishpeming Mayor Jason Chapman. “Ishpeming’s status as a Essentials Redevelopment Ready Community will allow us to better attract and serve our businesses, stakeholders and residents.”