State Certifies Battle Creek as 'Redevelopment Ready Community'

The State of Michigan has recognized Battle Creek’s ability to bring in new businesses, with an award.

The City of Battle Creek says that at the City Commission meeting Tuesday night, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation presented the award to Battle Creek, designating the city as a Redevelopment Ready Community; that makes Battle Creek one of 17 in the state, including Marshall and Kalamazoo. Other RRCs include Allegan, Boyne City, Dearborn, Eastpointe, Escanaba, Ferndale, Lansing, Lathrup Village, Manistee, Middleville, Muskegon, Roseville, Southfield, and Ypsilanti.

According to the state, an RRC is one that is “thoroughly prepared” to promote potential investors, and that has removed barriers to business, in areas like planning and zoning. In order to receive the certification, the city had their community and economic development practices compared to "best practice standards" the MEDC sets.

Battle Creek Planning Manager Christine Zuzga says that this certification shows the city “has a unified vision” and is “primed with opportunity”.

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