Brownfields

Brownfields are previously developed land with real or perceived environmental challenges. Conversely, greenfields refers to land that has not been previously developed. Brownfield redevelopment programs have helped restore abandoned, obsolete, and vacant properties to productive use in communities throughout Michigan.

Bringing property back to productive use helps revitalize communities. Brownfield redevelopment helps local communities attract new businesses and jobs, improves the tax base, and protects natural resources.

It is more expensive to fund brownfield projects compared to greenfield projects. Therefore, there must be sufficient incentive to redevelop brownfields.

Redeveloping brownfields has several benefits to the region:

• redevelopment of older areas;
• efficient use of existing infrastructure; and
• clean-up of the environment.

Brownfield resources for local governments

Policy Issues and Advocacy
The Michigan Department of Environemental Quality (DEQ) convened a group of key stakeholders in 2006-2007 to review the state's Part 201 brownfield program. Four work groups addressed different aspects of the state brownfield program; complexity, program administration, liability, and brownfield redevelopment. The final report of recommendations was issued in April 2007.

Legislative initiatives are being considered in both the House and Senate for improvements to the Michigan brownfield program. SEMCOG supports legislation that provides resources and incentives to local communities.

Technical Assistance

Steps for establishing a Brownfield Redevelopment Authority  

Conferences & Workshops 

Brownfields 2008   — the national brownfields conference — will be held in Detroit at Cobo Center on May 5-7,  2008. This conference provides educational sessions, and also gives Southeast Michigan communities an opportunity to showcase projects and convey stories of successful brownfield redevelopment to a national audience. SEMCOG is a co-sponsor of Brownfields 2008 and will help illustrate the quality redevelopment occurring in member communities. More information is available at www.brownfields2008.org.  

SEMCOG Universities addressing brownfields

Redeveloping Brownfields and Greyfields 

Brownfield Redevelopment — Where from here?

Brownfield Resources

National and State of Michigan definitions for brownfields
Nationally, a brownfield site means real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. (HR 2869, Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act, 2002)

In Michigan a “facility” refers to any area, place, or property where a hazardous substance in excess of the residential cleanup criteria set under Part 201, or in Core Communities (i.e. qualified local units of government) where real property is blighted or functionally obsolete.

State of Michigan Brownfield Program Laws 
The Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act (PA 381 of 1996) provides for use of tax increment financing to finance eligible brownfield activities.

Additional Michigan Brownfield legislation.    

Brownfield Single Business Tax (SBT) Act (PA 382 of 1996) provides tax credits that offset the Single Business Tax.  

For more information on SEMCOG’s efforts in brownfield redevelopment, contact Kevin Johnson.