MEDC - Michigan Economic Development Corporation

01/08/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/08/2025 12:46

Village of Shelby receives Certification as Redevelopment Ready Community

Designation facilitates private investment, improves economic development opportunities

LANSING, Mich. - For its efforts in establishing a solid foundation to attract private investment and further build on municipal assets, the Village of Shelby has been awarded the Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) Certification, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced today.

MEDC officially designates the Village of Shelby as a Certified Redevelopment Ready Community in Michigan. Shelby now joins a distinguished group of 78 Michigan communities from all regions of the state that have qualified as "thoroughly prepared" in their planning and zoning efforts. This designation aims to eliminate traditional barriers and foster opportunities for potential investment. For a complete list of Redevelopment Ready Communities, visit Miplace.org.

"Our mission at MEDC is to support Michigan's strong economic momentum and empower communities to establish a strong planning, zoning and economic development foundation," said MEDC Chief Place Officer Michele Wildman. "The Village of Shelby is well positioned to continue to implement their vision for the future and further improve the quality of life for its residents. We look forward to building upon our relationship with the Village of Shelby and supporting local economic development efforts."

As an RRC participant, the Village of Shelby received a comprehensive assessment that measured current community and economic development practices compared to RRC best practice standards. Communities leverage the RRC toolkit to integrate transparency, predictability, and efficiency into local economic development practices. Certification is a compelling indicator that a community has removed development barriers and streamlined processes to be more competitive and attractive for investment.

"I was extremely pleased to receive the news that the Village of Shelby has been certified by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation as a Redevelopment Ready Community, a certification program that supports the revitalization of the Shelby downtown area and the attraction and retention of businesses to the Village and encourages innovative and creative talent to invest in the community," said former Shelby Village President Paul E. Inglis. "To be development ready will entitle the Shelby Village Council and Village stakeholders to be competitive in the current economic environment and to proactively plan. I want to express my sincere gratitude to all the members of the Shelby Village Council, former Village Administrator Brady Selner and current Village Administrator Phil Morse for their faith in the RRC planning process and for all the time and effort they put forth to ensure the successful outcome of that process."

As a certified community, Shelby will have access to new tools to implement its community development goals as well as ongoing support and technical assistance from the RRC team. Annual check-ins and updates will help ensure the Village continues implementing the best practices over time. Certification is active for five years before needing to be renewed.

"The RRC Certification is one sign of the many that shows that Shelby is on the move. The RRC designation is going to provide tools and resources that will advance our vision of a safe and appealing Shelby," said Shelby Village Administrator Phil Morse. "I'm looking forward to rolling up my shirt sleeves and utilizing the mechanisms available to us that will stimulate economic growth. I'd like to express my appreciation to my predecessors, Jae Guetschow and Brady Selner, for getting the ball rolling on the certification."

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan's economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.