Roadmap to Revitalization: Premire Brownfield Conference Comes to South East Michigan

By Barbara Merryfield
Marketing Intern

Southeastern Michigan will become a hub of  brownfield redevelopment activity during the 12th National Brownfields Conference held May 5-7 at the Cobo Center in Detroit.

The conference, Brownfields 2008: Roadmap to Revitalization, is considered the nation’s premier event in brownfield redevelopment bringing together community planners, leaders, realtors and investors from across the nation. Expected to draw over 6,000 participants, including over 1,000 investors with a net worth exceeding $50 billion, the event is free and will offer:

• Online networking forums prior to the conference
• Over 130 educational seminars
• Mobile workshops and walking tours highlighting successful brownfield redevelopment projects throughout the tri-county area
• An exhibition hall where participants can gather information about programs and initiatives focused on brownfield redevelopment 

Representatives from Oakland County’s Brownfield Initiative will have an exhibition booth with information about the program including properties that have been reclaimed throughout the county.

“The brownfield program is very complex and many times misunderstood,” said Bradley Hansen, Oakland County Environmental Program Coordinator. “The educational seminars at the conference will help the progress of the Brownfield Initiative throughout the county.”

In addition, the Brownfields Transaction Forum will be held on Monday, May 5 from 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Designed to bring property owners, developers, investors and financiers together, the forum serves as a catalyst for future brownfield redevelopment projects. 
“The transaction forum associated with the conference allows real estate deals to be brokered throughout the region,” said Hansen.  Participation in the forum is also free, but requires separate registration. 

Brownfields 2008: Roadmap to Revitalization is sponsored in part by the Oakland Brownfield Initiative, GM, Wayne County, BP and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.  Online registration and event information is available at www.brownfields2008.org.

For more information about Oakland County’s Brownfield Initiative, please contact Bradley Hansen at 248-858-8073.