Apply for Brownfield Plan

The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority helps revitalize contaminated or blighted properties in the city. Projects that are included in a Brownfield Plan can utilize tax increment financing (TIF) to offset the costs of cleaning up the property and returning it to a productive use. To qualify for incentives, a project must create new job opportunities or provide a clear community benefit. Brownfield Incentives Include: 

Tax Increment Financing: a portion of the additional property taxes collected after a property is redeveloped can be reimbursed to cover qualifying expenses.

State of Michigan EGLE Grants and Loans: the City can help qualifying projects access competitive grants and loans to address contaminated soils and other brownfield expenses.

Property Purchase Discount: there are property purchase discounts for properties owned by the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) for projects that create new affordable housing.

To be included in a Brownfield Plan, a project must be approved by the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board and the City Commission.

Online

Step 1.Before You Start

To qualify for a Brownfield Plan and incentives, a project must meet the following conditions:

  • The property must have soil or groundwater contamination, blight, or functional obsolete buildings
  • The project must have eligible expenses to clean up contamination, demolish buildings, remediate lead or asbestos, or other similar expenses
  • The project must create a significant increase in taxable value 

Prospective applicants are encouraged to discuss a project with staff before proceeding with an application. Please contact us to set up a pre-application meeting.

Step 2.Submit an Application

Click the link below to submit an application. We will ask for the project partners, site details, timeline, and other general information. Your application will be reviewed by City staff, who may follow up with you regarding your proposal. You'll need to include supporting documentation with your application, so be ready to provide things like the legal description, a statement of sources and uses of funds, vicinity maps, a site plan, and references.  

Apply for a Brownfield Plan

Step 3.Initial Review 

Your application will be reviewed by the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority's Projects & Finance Committee. If the committee determines that the project is eligible and aligned with the goals of the community, you will be invited to continue your application. 

Step 4.Detailed Proposal

To continue, staff will request that you provide much more detailed information about your proposal. We will be asking for plans, a pro forma, project budget, and other more specific information. City staff will also provide you with a Summary of Terms for Brownfield Support, which you will need to sign to continue. 

Step 5.Application Fee

A Brownfield Plan  fee is due before a draft plan and development agreement will be prepared and provided to you. The fee is 0.2% of the total capital investment, up to a maximum of $10,000.

Step 6.Review by BRA Board and City Commission

The BRA's consultant will draft a Brownfield Plan and the BRA will hold a public hearing. You will be required to attend this meeting to answer questions and discuss your project. If the BRA votes to approve the plan, it will go before the City Commission for final approval at one of its regular meetings. 

Step 7.Final Approval 

Once the City Commission has approved the Brownfield Plan , you can proceed with the project as outlined in the plan and development agreement. 

By Mail

Step 1.Before You Start

To qualify for a Brownfield Plan and incentives, a project must meet the following conditions:

  • The property must have soil or groundwater contamination, blight, or functional obsolete buildings
  • The project must have eligible expenses to clean up contamination, demolish buildings, remediate lead or asbestos, or other similar expenses
  • The project must create a significant increase in taxable value 

Prospective applicants are encouraged to discuss a project with staff before proceeding with an application. Please contact us to set up a pre-application meeting.

Step 2.Submit an Application

Print and complete the application below and return it by mail to the Community Planning & Economic Development Department:

City of Kalamazoo
Community Planning & Economic Development Department
245 N Rose Street Suite 100
Kalamazoo, MI 49007

You'll need to include supporting documentation with your application, so be ready to attach things like the legal description, a statement of sources and uses of funds, vicinity maps, a site plan, and references. Your application will be reviewed by City staff, who will follow up with you regarding your proposal.

Brownfield Plan Application(PDF, 209KB)

Step 3.Initial Review 

Your application will be reviewed by the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority's Projects & Finance Committee. If the committee determines that the project is eligible and aligned with the goals of the community, you will be invited to continue your application. 

Step 4.Detailed Proposal

To continue, staff will request that you provide much more detailed information about your proposal. We will be asking for plans, a pro forma, project budget, and other more specific information. City staff will also provide you with a Summary of Terms for Brownfield Support, which you will need to sign to continue. 

Step 5.Application Fee

A Brownfield Plan  fee is due before a draft plan and development agreement will be prepared and provided to you. The fee is 0.2% of the total capital investment, up to a maximum of $10,000.

Step 6.Review by BRA Board and City Commission

The BRA's consultant will draft a Brownfield Plan and the BRA will hold a public hearing. You will be required to attend this meeting to answer questions and discuss your project. If the BRA votes to approve the plan, it will go before the City Commission for final approval at one of its regular meetings. 

Step 7.Final Approval 

Once the City Commission has approved the Brownfield Plan, you can proceed with the project as outlined in the plan and development agreement. 

In Person

Step 1.Before You Start

To qualify for a Brownfield Plan and incentives, a project must meet the following conditions:

  • The property must have soil or groundwater contamination, blight, or functional obsolete buildings
  • The project must have eligible expenses to clean up contamination, demolish buildings, remediate lead or asbestos, or other similar expenses
  • The project must create a significant increase in taxable value 

Prospective applicants are encouraged to discuss a project with staff before proceeding with an application. Please contact us to set up a pre-application meeting.

Step 2.Submit an Application

Visit the City's Community Planning & Economic Development Department and pick up a copy of the application:

City of Kalamazoo
Community Planning & Economic Development Department
245 N Rose Street Suite 100
Kalamazoo, MI 49007

You'll need to include supporting documentation with your application, so be ready to attach things like the legal description, a statement of sources and uses of funds, vicinity maps, a site plan, and references. After its completed and your documentation is attached, return it to the office. Your application will be reviewed by City staff, who will follow up with you regarding your proposal. 

Brownfield Plan Application(PDF, 209KB)

Step 3.Initial Review 

Your application will be reviewed by the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority's Projects & Finance Committee. If the committee determines that the project is eligible and aligned with the goals of the community, you will be invited to continue your application. 

Step 4.Detailed Proposal

To continue, staff will request that you provide much more detailed information about your proposal. We will be asking for plans, a pro forma, project budget, and other more specific information. City staff will also provide you with a Summary of Terms for Brownfield Support, which you will need to sign to continue. 

Step 5.Application Fee

A Brownfield Plan  fee is due before a draft plan and development agreement will be prepared and provided to you. The fee is 0.2% of the total capital investment, up to a maximum of $10,000.

Step 6.Review by BRA Board and City Commission

The BRA's consultant will draft a Brownfield Plan and the BRA will hold a public hearing. You will be required to attend this meeting to answer questions and discuss your project. If the BRA votes to approve the plan, it will go before the City Commission for final approval at one of its regular meetings. 

Step 7.Final Approval 

Once the City Commission has approved the Brownfield Plan, you can proceed with the project as outlined in the plan and development agreement. 

By Phone

Since applying for a Brownfield Plan requires you to submit an application and supporting documents, we are not able to help with this over the phone. If you have questions or need help, call 311 or (269) 337-8000 and we will be happy to connect you with our Economic Development team.