Brownfield Redevelopment Authority

What We Do

The Auburn Hills Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) uses Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to clean up polluted properties (aka "Brownfields") within the city. The BRA, with approval from the City Council, captures TIF revenue to reimburse land developers for cleanup costs that they would not have otherwise incurred if they had developed a "Greenfield " site. This is done when cleanup costs cannot be recovered from the person or entity that caused the pollution. Michigan Public Act 381 controls this process.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) enforces Michigan regulations regarding the cleaning of contaminated properties. Developers must submit an analysis of the contaminants on the property and plans showing how a safe cleanup will be accomplished.

Redeveloping a brownfield causes a developer extra delays and added red tape. In return, a developer can sometimes find a property in a prime location, or a larger parcel than is available elsewhere in the city. For its part, the public receives a less-contaminated site that will not be hazardous to people who live near it; a "revolving fund" to help pay for other cleanups; and, after other costs are covered, increased tax revenues from a redeveloped site.

Meetings will take place at 6:00 PM the third Tuesday of each month in the City Hall Administrative Conference Room. The date, time and location may be modified from time to time, so please be sure to check the calendar.