For its efforts in establishing a solid foundation to attract private investment and further build on municipal assets, the city of Sterling Heights has been awarded the Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) certification from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). The announcement was made at the regular meeting of Sterling Heights City Council on Aug. 6.
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 and 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.
Sterling Heights’ will be the 83rd Michigan community to reach RRC Certified designation. It is the fourth to do so in Macomb County.
“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 Chief Place Officer Michele Wildman. “Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights and supporting local economic development efforts.”
As an RRC participant, the city of Sterling Heights 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.
“In Sterling Heights, we’re committed to smart growth, transparency and resident engagement, and becoming an MEDC Certified Redevelopment Ready Community validates that commitment,” said Sterling Heights City Planner Dr. Jake Parcell. “This certification positions us to attract quality investment while preserving our community’s character – the secret sauce that makes Sterling Heights a great place to live, work and innovate."
As a certified community, Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights continues implementing the best practices over time. Certification is active for five years before needing to be renewed.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our incredible city staff whose dedication, expertise and daily commitment to excellence made this certification possible,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael C. Taylor. Their hard work behind the scenes is what drives our community forward and allows us to remain a community where progress and opportunity thrive.”