Developers
Whether you’re a seasoned developer or new to the field, we’re looking forward to working with you to meet our housing goals together. This page includes resources to help you get off the ground (if you’re new) or quick access to key information on incentives and local codes that you’ll need to know as you scope out your next project. If you’re looking for sites, be sure to visit the available sites page.
Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC)
Establishing common-sense, streamlined regulatory processes is a critical component of unlocking new housing opportunities. Thanks to efforts from our local government partners, all three cities in Marquette County have achieved a designation from the Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) program, which signifies that they have removed regulatory and policy barriers to new investment. This includes a focus on housing-related zoning provisions and development review processes. Below are resources from those communities to help facilitate your next project in their jurisdiction.
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The LSCP can help connect you with the appropriate contact(s) within each local government to learn more.
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City of Ishpeming
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City of Marquette​
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City of Negaunee​
Become Part of the Solution - Add 'Developer' to your Resume
Ultimately, it will take a comprehensive approach to building new units, rehabbing old units, adding single-family homes, missing middle housing options, and large-scale workforce housing developments to move the needle. We’ll need to work together to align capital, materials, labor, land, local permitting, and more. To do that, we’ll need existing developers – large and small – and new ones! If you’ve ever considered improving the value of your existing home or vacant property, you’re on the cusp of being a developer. Below are some resources to help you make the leap.
Pro Forma ResourcesA pro forma is a financial document used in development projects of all sizes to forecast future revenues, expenses, and overall financial viability. It serves as a detailed financial model that estimates costs, expected income, and return on investment, helping developers, investors, and lenders assess the feasibility of a project before committing resources. By outlining key financial assumptions, such as construction costs, financing terms, lease rates, and operating expenses, a pro forma helps stakeholders identify potential risks and make informed decisions. Its importance lies in providing a clear roadmap for budgeting, securing funding, and ensuring the project's financial success, whether for a small-scale renovation or a large commercial development.
The MEDC has created a helpful online resource to understand pro formas overall as well as their specific template.
Available State and Local Incentives
There are countless tools now available to help close financial gaps in building new or rehabbed housing. Below is a list of the most commonly used state and local incentives. Consider these public sector investments in our collective goal of adding new housing. The LSCP and our partners can assist with navigating these tools and connecting you to the right contacts for more information. This list is not exhaustive.
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Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
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Website: www.miplace.org | www.michiganbusiness.org
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Community Revitalization Program (commonly mixed-use, downtown-focused)
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Build MI Community (focused on emerging developers)
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State Brownfield Incentives and Programs (variety of uses)
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Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)
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Website: www.michigan.gov/mshda
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Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)
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Michigan Opportunity Zones
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Website: https://miopportunityzones.com/
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Established in the 2017 U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Opportunity Zones offer incentives for patient (long-term) capital investments all over the nation in low-income communities in which investment has been sparse and growth of businesses has been minimal. There are three types of tax incentives that relate to the treatment of capital gains. Each of the incentives is connected to the longevity of an investor’s stake in a qualified Opportunity Fund for 10 years or more.
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Build U.P. Housing Development Fund
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Website
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Build U.P. as a long-term, sustainable fund to provide impact in addressing the UP-wide lack of housing. The program, run locally in the Upper Peninsula, provides two options to help new projects come to reality: a cash collateral program and a residential infrastructure loan program.
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Marquette County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
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The MCBRA provides various tools to assist with removing barriers to the redevelopment of brownfield sites.
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Marquette County Land Bank Authority
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The mission of the Marquette County Land Bank Authority is to collaborate with local governmental units and community organizations to determine the best way to return tax-foreclosed and undervalued properties to the tax roll while eliminating blight, providing attainable housing and economic development opportunities, and revitalizing communities.
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Local Government Tools and Opportunities​
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Local governments in Marquette County can offer a number of potential tools including Neighborhood Enterprise Zones, Housing Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) plans, Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements, brownfield TIF, reduced land prices, waived permitting fees, etc.