Communities and revitalization of urban areas scored a big victory this week when the House of Representatives passed the bills creating the Community Revitalization Program.  After elimination of the Brownfield and Historic credits, the Legislature created a $100 million fund to replace those credits.  The Community Revitalization Program, along with the Business Development Program, will tap that $100 million for projects that would have used the Brownfield, Historic, and MEGA credits. The League worked closely developing these bills in workgroups with the Legislature and Governor. The Senate passed them, but they hit a roadblock in the House when an amendment was added to the bills that would severely limit the use of this money for blighted and obsolete properties.  That amendment was removed this week, though, when new language was added to ensure the MEDC has more transparency. The League worked closely with legislators, the MEDC, the Governor’s office, developers, and other interested parties to have this amendment removed and to get these bills moving. They are expected to be signed into law by the end of the year (when the credits officially are repealed). Click here to read the complete Issue Advisory with background.

Andy Schor is the Assistant Director of State Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. Contact him at (517) 908-0300 or by email at aschor@mml.org.

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