Sturgis gains access to development tools under Redevelopment Ready certification – WWMT

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by Katie Sergent | News Channel 3
STURGIS, Mich. — Sturgis is now poised for development after receiving its Redevelopment Ready Community certification from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, or MEDC, Tuesday.
Being known as a Redevelopment Ready Community means those certified as RRC's are "thoroughly prepared" when it comes to planning and zoning to remove barriers and promote opportunities for potential investors, according to the MEDC.
"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,” MEDC Executive Vice President of Economic Development Incentives and Services Michele Wildman said. “The City of Sturgis is well positioned to continue to implement their vision for the future and further improve the quality of life for its residents.”

To become an RRC, Sturgis underwent an assessment that looked to measure community and economic practices compared to RRC best practice standards officials said.
This includes whether or not the community integrates transparency, predictability and efficiency into economic development practices, according to the MEDC.
“Consistent, clearly defined steps, coupled with easily accessible resources, while also making contact information readily available, all play major roles when aligning with RRC Certified standards,” Sturgis’ Community Development Specialist Jeff Coney said. “This level of transparency not only helps those investigating our community for their next location of expansion, but also empowers our local residents as they consider future opportunities within the city they call home.”

Now a certified RRC, Sturgis is set to gain access to tools to help implement community goals, and will receive support from the RRC team, officials said.
Annual check-ins and updates are also anticipated to help Sturgis implement best practices over time, and certification is good for five years before needing renewal, according to the MEDC.
"Being a Redevelopment Ready Community is huge for Sturgis. If we want to be competitive, we must be ready for development and open to investment. This proactive step makes us attractive for new projects that will ultimately improve our quality of life,” Sturgis Mayor Jeff Mullins said.
More information about the MEDC Redevelopment Ready Communities certification can be found online.

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