The Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) Program is a Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) initiative that certifies a community as “development ready” and competitive in today’s economy. The program has been owned and operated by the MEDC since 2011. 

However, the program was initiated in 2003 by the Michigan Suburbs Alliance (MSA), with assistance by staff members of Carlisle | Wortman Associates (CWA).  MSA and CWA staff worked together to author the best practices, vet the practices through Washington D.C. think tanks, and field-assess twelve Michigan communities. Since MEDC assumed ownership, CWA’s role has been to provide staff guidance as part of the state-wide advisory council.

During a typical field assessment of a community’s development ready status, six best practices are tested:

1. Community Plans and Public Outreach

2. Zoning Policy and Regulations

3. Development Review Process

4. Education and Training

5. Redevelopment Ready Sites

6. Community Prosperity

After the assessment, a final report is developed for the community, providing  a tool with recommendations on how to strengthen daily practices, which lead to better opportunities for development. RRC Certification of the community is awarded when the level of integration, predictability, and efficiency used during daily operations meets the best practices. CWA currently serves on the MEDC RRC Advisory Board. 

The following link provides complete program information: https://www.miplace.org/programs/redevelopment-ready-communities/.

You can also contact David Scurto of Carlisle | Wortman Associates at (734) 662-2200 or dscurto@cwaplan.com.  

CWA Staff has conducted Field Assessments for the Following Communities:

• Benton Harbor

• Eastpointe

• Ferndale

• Grosse Pointe Woods

• Hamtramck

• Hazel Park

• Mount Clemens

• Pontiac

• River Rouge

• Roseville

• Southfield

• Ypsilanti