Holland receives redevelopment-ready certification from MEDC

Holland receives redevelopment-ready certification from MEDC
<strong>Courtesy Downtown Holland</strong>

A recent designation places Holland among a group of Michigan communities acknowledged for redevelopment readiness.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) on Monday, Aug. 22, recognized Holland with the Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) certification.

The city received the certification for its efforts to attract private investment and further build on municipality assets, according to the MEDC.

“This designation is yet another sign of how Holland is truly a collaborative community that understands the dynamic partnership between private investors and the public sector in attracting investment, fostering economic opportunity and creating an attractive place where people want live, work and play,” said Quentin Messer Jr., CEO of the MEDC.

As an RRC participant, Holland received a comprehensive assessment to measure current community and economic development practices compared to RRC standards. The program evaluates and certifies communities in terms of transparency, predictability and efficiency with economic development practices.

Certification status indicates a community has removed barriers and streamlined processes to be more competitive and attractive to investors.

City leaders worked with MEDC’s RRC team to develop a public participation plan to identify key stakeholders, develop methods for engagement and determine processes with a need for public participation. The city also updated its strategic plan, which serves as its economic development strategy.

“The city of Holland is very pleased to be named a Redevelopment Ready Community by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation,” said Holland Mayor Nathan Bocks. “This is one more indication of the growth opportunities we are experiencing, (and) our future continues to be bright.”

The city now is one of 63 communities in Michigan to have received the certification. A full list and map are here.