The
Redevelopment Ready Communities Program is a state-wide certification effort led by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) that supports communities in their efforts to be competitive in today's economy. Ann Arbor was one of eight communities selected by the MEDC in 2103 to receive a no-cost, comprehensive assessment and a report with recommended strategies for enhancing the city’s economic vitality.
MEDC started the assessment process in May 2014, working with Planning staff to obtain documentation of the city’s development processes and interviewing local developers about their experiences. MEDC staff evaluated the City processes using six best practices:
- Community plans and public outreach
- Zoning regulations
- Development review process
- Recruitment and education of boards and commissions
- Assembly of "redevelopment-ready" sites
- Community prosperity initiatives
The Community Assessment Evaluation Findings Report was completed in October and is provided in the link below:
Redevelopment Ready Communities Finding Report - October 2014
The color-coded report shows the city’s attainment for each of the 43 best practices. A green result indicates the best practice is currently being met. A yellow result indicates the practice is partially met, but additional action is required. A red result indicates the practice is not being met.
The report concludes that Ann Arbor is achieving 32 best practices (74%); is partially meeting 9 best practices (21%); and currently is not meeting 2 best practices (5%).
Policy makers and city staff currently are reviewing the report's recommendations. Next steps will include a meeting with MEDC staff and developing implementation strategies.
