Brownfield Redevelopment Authority

Brownfield Redevelopment Authorities are resources created by municipalities to develop and build brownfield projects – initiatives to redevelop land previously used for industrial or commercial purposes but now designated as underutilized. BRAs use tax increment financing, or TIF, dollars as a funding mechanism.

TIF captures the incremental increase in property taxes generated from increased property values due to redevelopment. This captured increment is then used to reimburse developers for the project. TIF funding allows municipalities to support redevelopment without losing existing tax revenue. 

At its Oct. 21 meeting, the City Commission approved attorney Fred Schubkegel of Varnum LLP and Susan Wenzlick of Fishbeck civil engineering to assist with the potential establishment of a BRA for the City. A public hearing to consider creating a BRA is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6 at the Community Center, 750 Lakeside Drive SE. 

Community members can also provide their feedback by emailing input@eastgrmi.gov and sign up to receive email and text updates. 

BRA establishment timeline

The process of creating a BRA consists of multiple steps, incorporating public feedback and instituting bylaws, officer elections and more. Below is the general process to establish a BRA in which the municipality:

  1. Passes a resolution of intent to create a BRA and schedules a public hearing. Completed Dec. 16, 2024. 
  2. Publishes a notice of public hearing on intent to create a BRA. Completed Dec. 21, 2024. 
  3. Holds a public hearing. Completed Jan. 6, 2025. 
  4. Passes a resolution creating the BRA no more than 30 days after the public hearing. Completed Jan. 6, 2025. 
  5. Files a copy of the resolution creating the BRA with the Michigan Department of State. Completed Jan. 14, 2025. 
  6. Names BRA members. 
  7. Holds an organizational meeting where it passes bylaws, which are approved by the municipality, and elects officers.

Documents

Oct. 21, 2024: Fishbeck presentation: An Old Tool with a New Use: Using Brownfield TIF for Workforce Housing

Jan. 2, 2025: BRA Public Hearing Memo from City Manager Shea Charles

Jan. 6, 2025: Fishbeck presentation

Housing TIF FAQs