Establish a statewide Redevelopment Readiness Certification Program
Action
Many older communities have lost so many people and jobs that they're now considered underdeveloped. Efforts at redevelopment often are complicated by outdated zoning regulations and building codes, inadequate infrastructure, lack of coordinated planning, and an unpredictable and time-intensive development review process. Such problems often deter developers because they raise costs and increase risks.
Older communities can increase the likelihood of redevelopment by updating codes and development regulations, streamlining their development review process and making their planning process more predictable. States can support older communities that reform their development process by certifying them as "Redevelopment Ready"; the stamp of approval can sooth the concerns of developers.
Process
Economic development agencies can take the lead in certifying communities. Alternatively, they can provide grants to other agencies or universities to establish a "Redevelopment Ready Certification Program." In any case, the state planning agency should be involved in the program's development and implementation. One of the first steps should be to establish standards that can be used to evaluate a community's development process and regulations.
Many communities won't be able to meet Redevelopment Readiness standards upon initial evaluation, and are likely to require technical and financial assistance. The certification process can be used to educate local elected officials about how changing codes and development processes can stimulate investment.
To encourage communities to modernize their codes and development programs, the State could include criteria in grant and loan programs that give points to communities that are certified or are in the process of becoming certified. Points can be awarded as communities hit designated milestones.
Example
- Michigan's Redevelopment Readiness Program
The nation's first Redevelopment Readiness Program was established by the Michigan Suburbs Alliance in 2005. The program is partially funded by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth. Seven local governments have been certified to date, with 15 more in process.
To be certified, cities must pass through an eight-step process that includes community visioning, training for public officials, evaluation and streamlining of development regulations and tools, marketing, and plan review processes. State support has increased interest in the program and has enhanced the value of the certification to communities.
