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Planning department proposes economic-development strategy, priority sites and reduced consulting budget

3210863 · May 2, 2025

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Summary

Planning staff asked council to fund an economic-development strategy and said the department will lower consulting line items while continuing targeted assistance for zoning and site reviews; staff said completing the strategy will make Berkley eligible for additional state programs and help identify priority redevelopment sites.

Planning Director (name not recorded) and staff told the council they are requesting funding for an economic-development strategy to help attract businesses and identify priority redevelopment sites.

Staff said the strategy would include a marketing/branding element, a community survey (staff estimated roughly $20,000 for a statistically valid survey), an implementation matrix linked to the city—conomic goals, and an inventory of priority development parcels to promote to potential developers and state partners. Staff said the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and county partners could assist with implementation and that the strategy should position Berkley to access certain Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) resources when the city can demonstrate readiness.

Planning staff also said they would reduce the consulting budget for routine plan amendments after completing several outstanding tasks (master-plan implementation items and a development guide). For larger zoning changes or complex site reviews staff recommended keeping a modest contractual-services allowance. No formal action was taken; staff requested the funding to be included in the FY2025–26 proposed budget for council consideration.