MEDC planner outlines Readiness Redevelopment Community benefits to City of Milan

Blake Newman, a community planner with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, presented a slide deck to the Milan City Council at a July 16 work session outlining how designation as a Readiness Redevelopment Community (RRC) could help the City of Milan strengthen local economic development.

Jill Tewsley, the city’s community engagement director, introduced Newman before the presentation. Newman described “many benefits and impacts” of belonging to an RRC and explained how the MEDC and the RRC designation could assist the city in building stronger community economic development. Slides shown at the meeting are attached to the minutes.

The council did not take formal action on the RRC designation during the work session. The agenda also noted a general item for “any matters that may legally come before council,” but no additional actions are recorded in the minutes. The work session was called to order by Mayor Ed Kolar at 6:00 p.m. and adjourned at 6:44 p.m. after a motion to adjourn by Councilmember Kerkes, seconded by Councilmember Stafford, which carried unanimously.

Present at the session were Mayor Ed Kolar; Pro-Tem Wayne; Councilmembers Kerkes, Kofflin, Snyder and Stafford. Thompson was recorded as excused. City staff listed in the minutes include City Administrator James Lancaster, City Clerk Lavonna Wenzel, City Treasurer Sarah Finch, Police Chief Donald Tillery, IT Director Massouh, and Community Engagement Director Jill Tewsley. Others present included Carrie Ritchie and Blake Newman of the MEDC.

Next steps are not specified in the minutes. The record shows a presentation and discussion; any formal consideration of RRC designation or follow-up steps would require placement on a future agenda.