Gov. Whitmer Expands Brownfield Development Program, Growing Michigan’s Economy and Boosting Neighborhood Revitalization

"Together, we're making communities across Michigan even better places to live, work, and invest," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "I'm proud to sign these bipartisan bills that will expand our ability to transform abandoned or blighted sites into affordable homes and thriving commercial spaces, all while creating new, good-paying jobs and boosting our economy. These renewed spaces will attract new investments that keep our state competitive. These bills are just one of the many tools we have that make Michigan the best place to invest. I'm proud of the work we've done to develop Michigan neighborhoods and open doors for businesses. Let's keep working together to help people 'make it' in Michigan."

Senate Bill 723, sponsored by state Senator Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), expands the transformational brownfield program, increases transparency and reporting requirements, and requires approved projects to include annual milestones. The bill also emphasizes affordable housing projects in residential developments while streamlining the entire redevelopment process.

Senate Bill 721 and 722, sponsored by state Senator Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield), extend the sunsets on the Commercial Redevelopment and Commercial Rehabilitation acts to allow both important programs to continue to operate. Both bills incentivize the refurbishing and development of commercial properties at local discretion.

"I am thankful for the leadership of Governor Whitmer, Majority Leader Brinks, Speaker Hall, our own Detroit Caucus, and the entire legislature in passing and signing this package of economic development bills that will assist in the continued growth of Detroit." said Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield. "As our city continues to "Rise Higher", these pieces of legislation restore and help provide Detroit and other cities and municipalities across the state with the tools that are vital for creating more jobs, fostering more development, and improving the quality of life for Detroit residents and all Michiganders. I look forward to the continued partnership between our great City and leaders in Lansing to accomplish greater initiatives."

"The state's development incentives have been integral to the City of Muskegon's economic resurgence," said Muskegon Mayor Kenneth Johnson. "In particular, redevelopment of a massive industrial facility - at one time the world's largest office furniture manufacturer - is now underway due to the Transformational Brownfield program. This decades-defunct complex will soon feature more than 500 new housing units and commercial space for several small businesses. Meanwhile, overcoming the expense to redevelop a separate 100+ acre industrial legacy site, where a paper mill operated for more than a century, would not be financially possible without assistance from the State of Michigan. With adoption of SB 721, SB 722, and SB 723, several critically important economic development tools remain available to support the ongoing revitalization of Muskegon and other communities across the state. We greatly appreciate these support mechanisms and the corresponding private sector investment of local project partners."

"These new redevelopment tools are an investment in Michigan workers," said Tom Lutz, Executive Secretary-Treasurer for the Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters. "Turning blighted properties into thriving businesses and community assets means more good-paying union jobs in construction today and stronger local economies for years to come. When we invest in rebuilding our communities, we create opportunities for working families and ensure Michigan's economic growth is built to last."

"Every underused or vacant property is a missed opportunity-a place that could expand housing, grow jobs or become the heart of a thriving neighborhood," said Jeff Donofrio, President and CEO of Business Leaders For Michigan. "Expanding the transformational brownfield program gives communities an important tool to bring those places back to life while strengthening the tax base that supports investments in better schools, stronger infrastructure and a higher quality of life."

"Maintaining and growing Michigan's economic development toolbox is critically important for our state to continue competing for jobs, investment, and talent," said Jennifer Owens, President, Lakeshore Advantage. "The signing of the transformational brownfield bill package reinforces Michigan's commitment to revitalizing communities and advancing catalytic redevelopment. These bipartisan bills will help communities leverage private investment, redevelop blighted properties, create housing, and advance projects that strengthen Michigan's economy and quality of place."

Developing Thriving Communities

Since taking office, the Whitmer Administration has worked hard to make Michigan neighborhoods the best places to work, live, and raise a family. Governor Whitmer has taken action to develop strong cities and vibrant communities, such as:

• Secured record, sustainable funds for community revitalization and placemaking projects that build housing and make downtowns and main streets safer and more fun.

• Secured the largest investments to build housing in Michigan history four years in a row and expanded financing options for housing development.

• Made investments to create and retain jobs in Michigan, get sites ready for development, and support vibrant neighborhoods and downtowns.

• Launched innovative new financing programs like the Housing Accelerator Fund and created new options for local housing development like Transformational Brownfields, local land bank authorities, and tax incremental financing.

• Grew Michigan's population with more people moving into Michigan from other states than out for the first time since the 1990s.

• Ranked #1 for fastest foreign direct investment job growth over past 5 years.

• Ranked top 5 in country for workforce, opportunity.

• Ushered in fastest small business growth in 23 years and a 24% increase in revenue, making Michigan one of the Top 10 states for business.

• Streamlined Renaissance Zones, cutting red tape and incentivizing job growth.

• Signed an executive directive to increase state procurement and contracts with small and geographically disadvantaged businesses.

• Signed an executive directive to review ways state government can speed up state permitting, making Michigan more competitive.

• Established the Michigan R&D tax credit, lowering costs for businesses, supporting investors and research, and creating good-paying jobs.

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