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History and Accomplishments of the WCBRA

History

 

The Act provides authorities multiple tools to encourage redevelopment, including tax increment financing, revolving loan funds, and single business tax credits.   The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners established a countywide BRA on May 19, 1999.  The institutional memory provides a detailed history of WCBRA activities from 1999 through today.

 

Main Accomplishments

  • Twenty-three municipalities have joined the Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (WCBRA) to date.
  • The Authority established a schedule to meet the second Friday of every month, developed bylaws (Addendum A), and elected officers in its first three meetings.
  • The Authority utilized the Washtenaw County Business Improvement Process to develop a strategic plan and begin work on its 2000-2001 work plan (Addendum B).
  • The Authority developed a timeline and issued a contract with the Traverse Group to develop the Brownfield Plan for Washtenaw County by the fall of 2000.
  • The County was awarded a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to do a Brownfield Assessment Demonstration Pilot Program for 2002/2003.
  • In 2003 the county receives notification from the EPA that the WCBRA will receive $1.5M grant to capitalize a Revolving Loan Fund Program.
  • The Authority and its achievements have continuously been highlighted in the media, including newspapers and talk shows (Addendum C).   In addition, Washtenaw County was noted at the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Association of Counties.
  • The Authority has successfully created eleven Brownfield Plans for the Cities of Ann Arbor, Saline and Ypsilanti, Village of Dexter, Superior Township, Charter Township of York and Charter Township of Ypsilanti.  Currently, eight of the eleven approved Brownfield Plans are active and/or completed.  Please click here for more information about these Brownfield projects.