Ishpeming celebrates Redevelopment Ready Community status
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ISHPEMING -- The city of Ishpeming on Wednesday celebrated its recent designation as a Redevelopment Ready Community at the Ishpeming Senior Center. The event featured an appearance by Lt. Gov. Garland Gilchrist.
"This designation recognizes Ishpeming’s commitment to implementing best practices that encourage investment, support redevelopment, and strengthen the local economy," said Diana Sundberg, West End Outreach and Services specialist for the Lake Superior Community Partnership. "Achieving RRC Certification is the result of collaboration among city leadership, staff, the Downtown Development Authority, community partners, businesses, and residents."
"This certification is not the end of the story, but the beginning of a story," said Ishpeming City Manager Randy Scholz. "It gives the city a strong framework for redevelopment, clearer expectations for developers and improves tools to support responsible investment in our community -- and also demonstrates that Ishpeming is prepared to work closely with those looking to invest in our community."
The RRC designation is awarded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation through a technical assistance initiative in which communities can receive advising on planning, zoning and economic development. The end goal is for communities to become more attractive for development projects and investments.
"I think it's important to recognize that the certification isn't just about checking boxes or receiving a designation," said Kelly Milano from the Ishpeming DDA. "It's about showing that we are serious about the future of our community.
"I think something really special is happening in Ishpeming right now. We're seeing it in our community members, who are beginning to rally behind the town in a way that just feels different. There's a buzz happening. It's not just in Ishpeming, it's across the county and across the region.
"…We need people who want to come to our town and shop here. We need people who want to create businesses here. We need people who want to raise families, and ultimately be proud to call Ishpeming their home.
"And that's what I love about this path. We have so much history, but we also have people who are starting to look forward. They are starting to dream again."
"Economic development really is a team sport," said Nathalie Chimiko, CEO of the Lake Superior Community Partnership. "It's strongest when communities and businesses and regional organizations all work together. Strengthening Ishpeming really just strengthens not only the whole West End, but also Marquette County, the region and the state."
Gilchrist attended the event as part of a larger trip across the Upper Peninsula he is currently undertaking.
"In order to get to this point, everyone has a role to play," said Gilchrist. "Everyone in the community. Not only elected leaders, but many members and entrepreneurs and stakeholders, everyone was part of this process to make sure that Ishpeming was putting its best and most complete foot forwards.
"… This certification is a declaration to not only the surrounding area, but the declaration of anyone who's ready to invest and build the future. That this community is ready ... More is possible in this community because that work is in place."
Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.