First Suburbs Working Groups

Planning Working Group

Take information from innovative zoning practices and incorporate into MARC's Creating Quality Places web site (done)
Host a forum with developers to discuss the issue of facilitating innovative development
Survey local governments on regulation of rental housing and host meeting. Report prepared and encouraging use of Crime Free Multi-Housing program. (done)
Work with the Housing Choices Coalition on new ways to engage neighborhoods and neighborhood leaders in a discussion about redevelopment and innovative types of development
Developing incentives to encourage remodeling of post-WW II homes

Develop research on new trends in retail development, new players in retail development, and particular opportunities for first suburbs. An grant application is pending.
Develop a joint initiative to identify and attract new retailers to first suburbs
Identify examples of successful redevelopments of underperforming or abandoned strip centers

Develop a housing remodeling finance program. The coalition and CommunityAmerica Credit Union began a low-interest loan program in February 2007. (done)
Invite banks specializing in rehabilitation financing to join a lenders consortium