# General plan documents — providence-rhode_island Assembled by OpenPublica from the documents it serves for this government. Each section below is a separate publication by the government; page anchors (``) refer to pages of that section's own source PDF, linked in its heading. **Contains 1 document.** OpenPublica has pinned these slots for this government: combined. That is what we have looked for, not a statement that the government publishes nothing else — a plan element absent here may simply not have been reviewed yet. Last reviewed 2026-10-17. --- ## Complete Plan — City of Providence Comprehensive Plan (adopted November 22, 2024; State approved January 29, 2026) - Source: https://www.providenceri.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/PVD-CompPlan2026-FINAL-With-Appendix.pdf - Pages: 203 - Covers: circulation, combined, conservation, ej, housing, land_use, noise, open_space, safety # CITY OF PROVIDENCE # COMPREHENSIVE # PLAN <
> ADOPTED NOVEMBER 22, 2024 APPROVED BY THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND JANUARY 29, 2026 MAYOR BRETT P. SMILEY CITY OF PROVIDENCE CITY OF PROVIDENCE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN # FOREWORD <
> In an era marked by many new challenges, a piece of time-tested wisdom remains true: there is great comfort in having a well-constructed plan. A solid plan lays a strong foundation for success and empowers us to confidently face and overcome unknown challenges with resilience and vision. Every ten years, the State of Rhode Island requires municipalities to submit an updated Comprehensive Plan, which serves as a land use guide for zoning ordinances, and in some cities and towns, also includes policies and goals for the coming decade. In Providence, our tradition includes both, and it is a great honor to present ours to you. As Mayor of Providence, I am deeply invested in the future of our city, ensuring it is a place where everyone can find a home, work and raise a family, build a successful life and reach their fullest potential. In the midst of a national housing crisis and global climate change, that goal can often feel out of reach. In a city full of engaged communities, innovative thinkers, and thoughtful civic leaders, my work always reminds me that when we come together, we can solve tough problems. Together with invaluable input from thousands of neighbors, businesses, civic leaders and stakeholders, my Administration has crafted a Comprehensive Plan that serves as a blueprint for a vibrant, resilient Providence, brimming with opportunities for all who reside and work here for years to come. Our vision is rooted in a deep understanding of what makes Providence such a unique and desirable place to live, work and visit. Providence is a city defined by its award-winning cuisine, diverse neighborhoods, historic streetscapes and creative, entrepreneurial spirit. Our Comprehensive Plan seeks to preserve and enhance these defining characteristics. Through its nine chapters, the Comprehensive Plan outlines a roadmap for achieving this goal. The plan focuses on several key areas, including housing, land use, economic development, mobility, city services, sustainability and resilience, tourism and culture and more. Each of these components is inextricably linked to the overall well-being of our city, and we are committed to addressing them in an equitable and sustainable manner. I am deeply appreciative of the years of work my Administration, the City Council and our community has dedicated to our Comprehensive Plan. We recognize that the challenges facing Providence are significant, but we are confident that with a strong vision and a cohesive plan, we can overcome them. The Comprehensive Plan provides a framework for collaboration and action, and we invite everyone invested in the future of Providence to join us in this endeavor. <
> BRETT P. SMILEY 39TH MAYOR, CITY OF PROVIDENCE # ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Mayor Brett P. Smiley **CITY COUNCIL** Council President Rachel Miller, Ward 13 John Goncalves, Ward 1 Helen Anthony, Ward 2 Sue AnderBois, Ward 3 Justin Roias, Ward 4 Jo-Ann Ryan, Ward 5 Miguel Sanchez, Ward 6 Ana Vargas, Ward 7 James Taylor, Ward 8 Juan Pichardo, Ward 9 Pedro Espinal, Ward 10 Mary Kay Harris, Ward 11 Althea Graves, Ward 12 Shelley Peterson, Ward 14 Oscar Vargas, Ward 15 June Rose, Chief of Staff Aaron Easter Gardner, Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of Policy **CITY PLAN COMMISSION** Michael Gazdacko, Chair Charlotte Lipschitz, Vice Chair Noel Sanchez, Secretary Miguel Quezada Will Sherry Dave Caldwell **DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT** Joseph I. Mulligan III, Director Robert Azar, AICP, Deputy Director Jess Lance, AICP, Director of Special Projects Tim Shea, Community Planning Manager Ryy Dickerson, Principal Planner Lev Simon, Planner David Everett, Principal Planner Choyon Manjrekar, Principal Planner Jason Martin, Principal Planner Chris Ise, Principal Planner Alex Ellis, AICP, Principal Planner Chris Martin, Principal Planner **SMILEY ADMINISTRATION** Courtney Hawkins, Chief Operating Officer Emily Crowell, Chief of Staff Sheila Dormody, Chief of Policy and Resiliency Michaela Antunes, Director of Communications for Economic Development David Santilli, Director of Digital Communications Michael Napolitano, Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs Norelys Consuegra, Director of City Services Anthony Aquino, Director of Community Relations Joe Wilson Jr., Director of Art, Culture and Tourism James C. Moore III, Director of Inspection and Standards Alexis Thompson, Zoning Official Ted Carr, Director of Economic Development Priscilla de la Cruz, Director of Sustainability Wendy Nilsson, Superintendent of Parks Emily A. Freedman, Director of Housing and Human Services Stephen Grace, Director of Recreation Patricia A. Coyne-Fague, Director of Public Works Thank you to the many residents, business owners, and community organizations that took time out of their schedules to shape this important plan. # CONTENTS Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Comprehensive Plan 101. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Community Participation Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Key Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 1. Sustainability, Resilience, and the Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 2. The Built Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 3. Economic Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 4. Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 5. Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 6. Arts and Cultural Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 7. People and Public Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 8. Community Services and Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 9. Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90 APPENDICES A. Existing Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 B. Maps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 C. Implementation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173 D. State Guide Plan Conformance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 E. Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196 INTRODUCTION # COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 101 As required by the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Act, at least once every ten years, municipalities must update and re-adopt a Comprehensive Plan. This “Comp Plan” (for short) is an urban planning policy document that guides Providence’s long-term growth and development. It is developed with community members, articulates a broad shared vision for Providence’s future, and outlines a roadmap of policies and proposals across a range of topics to achieve the vision. This roadmap is intended to ensure that as the city grows, we maintain a high quality of life and vibrant urban environment. TOPICS ADDRESSED IN THE PLAN INCLUDE: Sustainability, Resilience, and the Environment Built Environment Economic Development Housing Mobility Arts and Cultural Resources People and Public Spaces Community Services and Facilities Land Use The Providence Department of Planning and Development drafts the Comprehensive Plan on behalf of the City with robust community participation and an extensive public review and approval process led by the Providence City Plan Commission, City Council, and the Rhode Island Division of Statewide Planning. State law requires that the Comprehensive Plan is consistent with the State Guide Plan (SGP). References to consistency with the SGP may be found throughout this plan. Appendix D provides a more detailed narrative about this plan’s consistency with the SGP. The Comprehensive Plan is unique for both its wide-ranging content and impact. Instead of addressing a single topic area or a single neighborhood or corridor, the Comprehensive Plan looks at growth and change over decades, holistically across topics at a city-wide scale. The centerpiece of the plan, the land use chapter, is also legally binding on Providence’s zoning ordinance, which regulates what types of new development are allowed where. The land use chapter aims to answer the question of “Where and how Providence should grow?” Land use, combined with the vision and strategies of the other chapters, inform how Providence will look and feel in the future. Each chapter includes an overarching goal, an introductory narrative, and a set of objectives with supporting strategies. At the end of the plan are appendices that include a compilation of data and maps outlining how Providence has changed in recent decades, as well as an implementation matrix, which defines time frames and lead actors for achieving the strategies in every chapter. # COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PROCESS To inform the direction of the Comprehensive Plan update, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) led a two-year community participation process that included over 80 community events with engagement opportunities in every neighborhood in Providence. The process was designed to be accessible, iterative, and collaborative. <
> In 2022, a period of “listen and learn” engagement kicked off the process with goals of raising public awareness about the Comprehensive Plan, learning about how community members see and experience the City changing, and identifying the issues of highest importance. In 2023, expanding on the findings from the 2022 engagement, the process entered a “visioning and ideation” phase. During this phase, surveys, workshops, and outreach events were conducted in collaboration with community organizations and elected officials to brainstorm solutions to critical issues such as housing, transportation, and climate change. Methods of participation varied from interactive polling and small group discussions at workshops, to online surveys and tabling at neighborhood block parties. DPD’s analysis of the engagement results informed the internal drafting process. <
> Finally, in 2024, DPD published draft elements of the plan and solicited feedback. Methods included public comment at City Plan Commission meetings, online comment through the project website, and a tour of public feedback events at neighborhood libraries. The draft chapters were revised based on this feedback to best represent the community’s vision for Providence’s future growth and development. # VISION The vision set out in this plan aims to embrace and guide change toward a more prosperous, sustainable, and resilient Providence. <
> In the coming decades, the City of Providence will undergo dynamic, equitable growth informed by the vision and policies of this Comprehensive Plan. The plan is informed by the ideas and perspectives of thousands of community members that participated in its development from all of Providence’s neighborhoods. A clear vision for Providence’s future emerged from this collaborative process - a vision for a city that is vibrant, affordable, sustainable, healthy, safe, beautiful, and rich with economic opportunity. Residents and stakeholders envision a Providence that thrives because it supports and empowers the people, places, and quality of life that make it unique, while welcoming new communities, new forms of development and economic opportunity, and new ways of living that benefit all. ## How will Providence’s neighborhoods change because of this Comprehensive Plan? A neighborhood may see: * **A mix of beautiful, new and preserved housing types at a range of affordability.** Housing choice will be the foundation of stable communities, enable aging in place, and welcome newcomers. * **A lively commercial district with local retailers that are supported by a growing population, enhanced city services, and a flourishing tourism sector.** Flexible business space will showcase growing sectors like food and the green economy. * **A range of safe and sustainable transportation options that make it convenient to move around the city.** The transportation network will strengthen access to opportunity for all ages, abilities, and incomes. * **Vibrant parks and public spaces that facilitate community connection and serve many dynamic uses.** Parks will be well programmed with cultural and sporting events while showcasing biodiverse, green infrastructure that captures stormwater and cools temperatures. * **The Comprehensive Plan will realize this shared vision through a series of actionable steps outlined across nine areas of civic life.** # KEY POLICIES The following is a list of key policy changes in each chapter: **LAND USE:** Reforms land use strategies to make it easier to build new housing and mixed-use development in every neighborhood, while preserving the scale of buildings and quality of life. Building types to be allowed in different sections of the city include accessory dwelling units (ADUs), “missing middle” housing types (from two-family houses to small apartment buildings), and larger-scale mixed-used transit-oriented development, where appropriate. Changes to industrial land use encourage more clean, sustainable, and resilient industries, and transition away from carbon-intensive sectors. **SUSTAINABILITY, RESILIENCE & THE ENVIRONMENT:** Incorporates best practices and strategies from recent adopted plans aimed at reducing fossil fuel emissions, improving resilience to climate change through green infrastructure and other methods, improving environmental quality and conservation in targeted areas, and emphasizing equity and environmental justice. **BUILT ENVIRONMENT:** Commits to improving design standards and review of new development, encourages adaptive reuse of existing structures, encourages green building practices, and expands historic preservation efforts. **ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:** Aims to grow and adapt Providence’s economy through investments in key sectors like the blue economy, life sciences, and arts and culture, while supporting workforce and small business and micro business development and improved city infrastructure and services. **HOUSING:** Responds to the national housing crisis at the local level by encouraging increased production of new housing at all price points through various methods, with particular attention to expanding deed-restricted affordable housing, housing for populations with special needs, housing near public transit, and energy efficient and accessible housing design. **MOBILITY:** Outlines policies to transition to a safer, better-connected transportation system for all Providence residents and visitors, including strategies that aim to increase trips made via public transportation, walking, and biking in alignment with local and state plans and federal guidelines. **ARTS & CULTURAL RESOURCES:** Codifies goals and actions created by Providence’s creative community that center the wellbeing of artists and culture-bearers to foster a vibrant and equitable artistic and creative culture that benefits Providence’s civic life, neighborhoods, public realm, and much more. **PEOPLE & PUBLIC SPACES:** Plans for the continued investment in and expansion of Providence’s parks system with responsive programming, investments in climate resilience, improved green space access and linkages, and expanded community involvement opportunities. **COMMUNITY SERVICES & FACILITIES:** Establishes a diverse set of goals and strategies across topics ranging from utilities to schools and recreation centers that aim to improve the quality and coordination of city services and public facilities. # 1. SUSTAINABILITY, RESILIENCE, AND THE ENVIRONMENT <
> ## GOAL: Protect, preserve, and restore the natural environment; improve resilience to climate and environmental hazards; ensure equity in environmental policy; and mitigate the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions, air and water pollution, and contamination on residents’ health, safety, and quality of life. Providence is a historic coastal and riverine city with established road and land patterns and a relatively small amount of vacant land. The city’s built infrastructure, topography, and natural habitats are interconnected and vulnerable to a changing climate, historic and current environmental injustices, a growing population, and other external challenges. Antiquated infrastructure and deferred maintenance present challenges, particularly within the city’s stormwater infrastructure, which has been overwhelmed in recent storm events. Rising sea level and varying temperatures add to these challenges, with “frontline” neighborhoods bearing the brunt of the impact. Climate change impacts everyone, but the term frontline communities has emerged in recent years to refer to the primarily low-income, communities of color that endure a disproportionate risk of the adverse impacts of climate change, while already confronting interconnected environmental justice challenges. Sea level rise and storm surge threaten property and infrastructure in low-lying areas and along waterways. Increasingly frequent and intense rain events now cause flooding in areas that were previously able to withstand the deluge. Rising temperatures result in more high-heat days and impact air quality, particularly in areas with high percentages of impervious surface and sparse tree canopy. These issues continue to present new challenges to residents, businesses, infrastructure, and the environment, and have social, economic, and environmental impacts. In alignment with decarbonization mandates set by the Rhode Island Act on Climate (2021), the City must reach certain emissions benchmarks over the next 30 years. Specifically, these benchmarks include reaching 45% below 1990 emission levels by 2030, 80% below 1990 emission levels by 2040, and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Recognizing the urgency of the aforementioned climate and environmental justice issues in combination with state mandated climate action, the City of Providence will embark on incremental progress towards a net-zero future. In order to face these challenges, attention must be focused on restorative environmental practices, energy conservation, a rapid transition away from fossil fuels in all sectors including heating and transportation, and promotion of renewable energy sources, cleaner industrial operations, and steep emissions reductions. We must be prepared for and facilitate a transition to an equitable, post-fossil fuel existence. Particular attention to and investment in areas of the city that bear outsized burdens must be a priority. Frontline communities must be engaged and centered in the solutions to these challenges. PROMINENT NATURAL RESOURCES: Significant natural resources and features in Providence include several rivers, the most prominent of which are the Providence, Woonasquatucket, Moshassuck, and Seekonk, which converge in downtown Providence and contain both freshwater and brackish waters. The tidal parts of these rivers are under the jurisdiction of the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC); this effectively means all of the Seekonk and parts of the others. The West River is a tributary of the Moshassuck and, like the In 2019, the City of Providence, in partnership with the Racial Environmental Justice Committee and residents of Providence’s frontline communities, created the Climate Justice Plan. The plan provides a comprehensive and community-input driven analysis of seven primary strategies which aim to achieve climate and environmental justice for all Providence residents and for the natural environment. The Plan prioritizes solutions for low-income, communities of color who often bear the brunt of environmental hazards yet contribute the least to climate and environmental crises. others, played a significant role in the industrial history of the city. Other tributaries and streams are underground for stretches. Providence rivers provide habitat for a variety of flora and fauna, are increasingly flood-prone, and all have water quality impairments. The Woonasquatucket in particular is important for herring that require both fresh and salt water and migrate between the river and the bay. Over the past two decades several fish ladders have been constructed by the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) to help reestablish herring populations. Rhode Island Water Quality 2035, an element of the State Guide Plan calls for protecting and restoring the quality of Rhode Island’s waters and aquatic habitats. The city has been working diligently reduce contaminants and improve water quality in its surface waters with a focus on several ponds. Ponds of note include those at Roger Williams Park (called “lakes” but really manmade ponds) and Mashapaug Pond, to which they are connected. This connection is largely responsible for contamination of the park’s ponds, an ongoing issue being addressed through the work of the Parks Department and the Stormwater Innovation Center through filtering and treating incoming polluted water. The City is also working with RIDEM under a Residual Designation Authority stormwater permit to address the pollution challenges of Mashapaug Pond. Other ponds of note are Upper and Lower Canada Ponds, which provide habitat and some flood storage capacity. The City of Providence has been under a consent agreement with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to upgrade its stormwater management system to meet Clean Water Act standards. The City also works closely with, CRMC, and the Narragansett Bay Commission (NBC) to encourage development that applies best management practices for water and stormwater management. All development projects are required to comply with stormwater management regulations of the City, RIDEM, CRMC, and NBC. As a highly developed, urbanized city, Providence has few prominent wetlands in a natural state. Likewise, natural floodplains are largely things of the past. Instead, large public parks like Merino and Donigian serve as flood storage areas in times of excessive rainfall. The absence of floodplains for flood storage and absorption is one of the challenges facing the City, especially with measurable sea level rise and an increase in more intense storms. In the City of Providence and along the shores of its waterways, Neutaconkanut Hill, Blackstone Park and “River Road,” Roger Williams Park, India Point Park, Butler Hospital, Swan Point Cemetery, North Burial Grounds, Davis Park, Save The Bay, and Collier Point Park are important places for green space, urban forest and tree canopy, habitat, coastal access, and exposure to nature. ISSUES: Issues affecting natural systems and resources in Providence include the following: * Stormwater and flooding, as more intense storms, climate change, and sea level rise play an increasing role. Even “nuisance” flooding has been shown to have increasing impacts on natural systems. Contamination threats, particularly from flooding in industrial areas * Water Quality and Impaired Waters, though the Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) abatement project has resulted in great improvement, as have numerous green infrastructure projects citywide. Frequent and intense storms and flooding can exacerbate these issues. * Heat and drought are increasingly problematic and have impacts on the health of landscaping and trees, adding to the vulnerability of native species. These conditions can also exacerbate flood and erosion impacts. * Erosion is an increasing issue with more intense and frequent rainfall events. * Wildfire can result from drought conditions. * Animal habitat is affected by all of the above, as well as by increased impervious surface, and river and stream bank degradation. Existing plans and ongoing efforts such as the City of Providence Climate Justice Plan, the Providence Tree Plan, Providence Hazard Mitigation Plan, ProvPort Master Plan, the *MetroBay Special Area Management Plan (SAMP)*, as well as *Rhode Island Water Quality 2035*, an element of the State Guide Plan, have significant bearing on specific aspects of this section as well as strategies to reach climate mandates and should be referenced for details and implementation where applicable. # OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES ### OBJECTIVE SRE1: CLIMATE PROTECTION, STORMWATER and FLOODING Ensure the protection and resilience of the people, natural environment, built environment, and infrastructure of Providence to the effects of climate change and extreme weather. **Strategies:** A. Utilizing tools such as CRMC STORMTOOLS and CRMC Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model (SLAMM), assess stormwater and flood protection infrastructure, focusing on resiliency capacity, deferred maintenance and repair, particularly in flood-prone areas, with the intention of protecting water quality, preventing erosion and riverbank destabilization, and protecting human lives and property. B. Reduce impervious surface and investigate mechanisms to incentivize pavement reduction, use of permeable surface materials, and green infrastructure/nature-based stormwater solutions. C. Study and prioritize rivers, watersheds, and flood-prone areas for further analysis and funding (and explore funding sources and mechanisms). D. Coordinate inter-departmental efforts between Planning and Development, Parks, Sustainability, Public Works, and Emergency Management to maximize stormwater management and flood mitigation planning, funding, design, and implementation. E. Incorporate stormwater mitigation and management into all streetscape projects. F. Prioritize street projects that incorporate ancillary benefits including heat island mitigation, stormwater retention, traffic calming, complete streets configurations, and open space. G. Coordinate and incorporate plans and studies into multi-departmental decision-making, including the Hazard Mitigation Plan, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Woonasquatucket Flood project and recommendations, and Seekonk River/York Pond Watershed projects and plans. H. Coordinate with and assist community groups, residents, and businesses in their efforts to implement stormwater and flood reduction measures. I. Review and revise the City’s stormwater ordinance to ensure a balance between the desire for increased development and density in certain zones and the impacts of increased impervious area and stormwater to avoid exacerbating flooding. Consider including requirements to address pollutants of concern for specific watersheds. Also consider more stringent on-site stormwater management requirements for new development or substantial redevelopment projects. J. Identify the areas most impacted by flooding caused by heavy rain events, sea level rise, and storm surge. Design and implement regulatory measures to ensure development is safely sited and resilient to flooding. K. Identify locations and consider strategies to restore floodplains to reduce the incidence of flooding and lessen risk to health, safety, and the economy. L. Review and revise City floodplain management responsibilities and procedures including maintenance of elevation certificates and related recordkeeping. M. Incorporate phytoremediation and other natural solutions into stormwater and flood mitigation efforts where possible, mindful of the prevalence of contaminated land adjacent to water bodies and rivers. N. Encourage and assist in the use of nature based solutions and “greening” of flood-prone areas wherever possible. Avoid further hardening of the landscape in response to flooding. O. Build on the findings and recommendations of the Infrastructure Resilience Framework project and the ProvPort Master Plan to identify funding sources to develop and implement a plan for the Port of Providence to increase resilience to storm surge and to avoid the spread of hazardous materials and contamination that could result from significant flooding of the port area. P. Devote resources to the ongoing maintenance of the hurricane barrier. Q. Devote resources to the ongoing maintenance of nature-based solutions and stormwater management systems. **OBJECTIVE SRE2: CLIMATE PROTECTION, AIR QUALITY, and HEAT MITIGATION** Ensure resilience and the protection of public health to the effects of extreme heat and air pollution. **Strategies:** A. Support and help expand public and private air quality monitoring programs, particularly in areas with high rates of asthma, odor complaints, highway and truck traffic, and industrial activity. B. Work with the state to strengthen environmental monitoring and enforcement of violations, to ensure regulatory compliance by industrial operators. C. Support and implement actions to reduce the incidence of air quality odors, issues, and violations, working with state and federal regulators and industrial operators. D. Investigate ways to address the cumulative impacts of pollution sources in concentrated areas. E. Support enforcement of anti-idling regulations, particularly in the port area and other high-traffic industrial and commercial areas and investigate off-street options for truck queuing and temporary parking. F. Encourage, support, and implement best practices that reduce all types of harmful emissions from businesses and vehicle fleets in alignment with state mandates. G. Promote and encourage additional use of and membership in programs such as DERA (Diesel Emissions Reduction Act) and Green Marine. H. Plan for the elimination of fossil fuel imports, operations, and storage at ProvPort and in the port area overall, ensuring that there is no increase in fossil fuel infrastructure other than the City’s existing legal obligations, including, but not limited to, active tax stabilization agreements and active revenue sharing agreements. I. Promote expansion of renewable energy businesses and operations and other clean and “green” industrial uses throughout the region. J. Promote development practices that increase green space, landscaping, native plants and wildflowers, tree-planting, natural vegetation, and reduced impervious surface to mitigate the heat island effect. K. Support the implementation of the Providence Tree Plan and promote private and non-profit planting efforts that increase canopy coverage, especially in low-canopy neighborhoods. Partner across various municipal agencies to prevent disruptions to existing infrastructure (sidewalks, roads, etc) so that any trees planted can be sustained and grow, without causing mobility challenges for residents. L. Identify properties with large rooftops suitable for increased thermal emittance, or cool and reflective finishes, to offset heat island impacts, particularly in frontline communities and/or neighborhoods with high percentages of large buildings and roof coverage. M. Work with state and federal agencies to mitigate the cumulative impact of emissions and pollutants generated by industrial operations. N. Expand and facilitate use of non-carbon fuels and improve traffic circulation to reduce emissions and improve air quality. Prioritize development of non-car transportation options (biking, walking, scooting, etc) to eliminate emissions and improve air quality. O. Protect neighborhoods from the impacts of freight movement, particularly by truck, by promoting appropriate travel routes and temporary staging areas. P. Reduce VMT (Vehicle Miles Traveled), expand and prioritize public transit, bicycle, scooter, and pedestrian transportation and mobility through infrastructure investments. Support telecommuting and home-based employment. ### OBJECTIVE SRE3: NATURE AND THE CITY Protect and restore environmentally significant and sensitive areas and habitat including wetlands and wetland buffers, rivers and riverbanks, and the urban forest. **Strategies:** A. Promote and advocate for the restoration of all rivers and waterbodies to fishable and swimmable conditions. B. Enforce regulations relating to stormwater and water quality and ensuring compliance with state total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and water quality standards. C. Support and promote the implementation of the Providence Tree Plan and voluntary planting efforts, with particular focus on developing funding strategies and programs to support tree planting and maintenance on public and private property in low canopy neighborhoods. D. Support, promote, and implement naturalization of riverbanks, valleys and uplands where practicable. E. Protect habitat in and along rivers and other waterbodies as well as on land, particularly in conservation zones and in parks. F. Consider waterfront development and conservation standards such as WEDG (Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines) and the use of innovative materials to facilitate shoreline restoration. ### OBJECTIVE SRE4: RESOURCE CONSERVATION Conserve energy, reduce consumption of fossil fuels in alignment with local targets and state mandates, and develop and implement renewable energy sources. **Strategies:** A. Continue developing and implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across energy, transportation, waste and other sectors in line with city and state plans and mandates like the Climate Justice Plan, the RI Act on Climate, and the 2025 RI Climate Action Plan. B. Continue and expand investments in multi-modal transportation safety, efficiency, and electrification in line with the Great Streets Plan, RI Transit Master Plan, RI Long Range Transportation Plan, and the North Main Street Corridor Revitalization Study, to encourage mode shifts toward public transportation, walking, biking, carpooling, and electric vehicles. C. Continue to transition the City’s motor-vehicle fleet to low- or no-carbon vehicles by procuring fuel-efficient, hybrid technology and alternative energy vehicles. D. Support the transition of RIPTA’s bus fleet to zero-emissions vehicles, with an emphasis on transitioning routes in areas impacted by poor air quality. E. Reduce vehicle emissions caused by excessive idling by measures including public education, enforcement of anti-idling regulations, and enforcement of other existing regulations. F. Continue to pursue weatherization, energy efficiency, and electrification at City-owned facilities and work to comply with the City Ordinance requiring all municipal buildings to be carbon neutral by 2040. G. Reduce the City’s use of materials and increasing recycling rates, promoting the use of recycled materials, and encouraging source reduction in packaging. H. Promote and incentivize weatherization, energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy sources of commercial and residential buildings. I. Identify opportunities and locations for constructing local renewable energy sources including wind and solar locations such as schools, rooftops of large buildings, underutilized former gas-stations, and parking areas. ### OBJECTIVE SRE5: SUSTAINABILITY AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Ensure that buildings and infrastructure are environmentally sustainable and resilient to the effects of climate change. **Strategies:** A. In alignment with the City’s Green Building Ordinance, decarbonize City-owned buildings by 2040 through investments in weatherization, energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy. B. Promote the use of “green” technology and practices in industry, business and construction. C. Develop design criteria that maximize energy conservation and electrification and minimize the use of fossil fuels in buildings. D. Encourage the use of recycled materials in the construction of buildings. E. Encourage the reuse of existing buildings. F. Promote the long-term benefits of energy-efficient rehabilitation and new construction and consider the use of appropriate incentives. G. Promote the use of rain barrels to collect rainwater and prevent sewer overflow. H. Encourage “depaving” of properties through education, enforcement of existing paving limits, and incentives, where applicable. I. Utilize the institutional master plan review process to encourage institutional stakeholders to reduce excess pavement and develop more sustainable and resilient buildings and infrastructure. ### OBJECTIVE SRE6: BROWNFIELDS Prioritize the remediation of brownfields (land contaminated by hazardous substances and/or petroleum) to revitalize neighborhoods, remove health hazards, address community needs including open space, and improve the environment. **Strategies:** A. Continue to pursue US EPA Community Wide Assessment and Cleanup Grants, RIDEM Brownfields programs, and other resources for brownfields assessment, remediation, and redevelopment. B. Work with state, private, and non-profit entities to facilitate the assessment, remediation, and environmentally sustainable redevelopment of brownfield sites. C. Identify environmentally compromised land and establish strategies to mitigate impacts. D. Identify additional funding sources to encourage redevelopment of vacant, underused, and environmentally compromised lands such as brownfields. E. Identify and coordinate geographic-specific grant needs for brownfields assessment and cleanup and ensure sufficient staff and consulting resources to develop high-quality grant applications. ### OBJECTIVE SRE7: PUBLIC AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT Encourage and foster environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient practices. **Strategies:** A. Lead by example and reduce the City’s environmental footprint by adopting environmentally conscious practices and procurement processes for City government and in City facilities. B. Encourage and, when practicable, provide incentives to recycle, conserve water and energy, use renewable resources and alternative sources of energy, and use public transit and alternative modes of transportation. C. Support and incorporate community-led efforts and scientific findings to improve environmental conditions and public health in frontline neighborhoods. D. Synthesize and publicize the findings and recommendations of ongoing efforts such as the NOAA Shoreline project, National Science Foundation project, and ProvPort Master Plan to improve conditions for public health, access, wildlife habitat, and resiliency in the port area. *** ### OBJECTIVE SRE8: FRONTLINE NEIGHBORHOODS AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE Mitigate the disproportionate environmental and health impacts of pollution, climate impacts, and the degradation of natural systems on environmental justice neighborhoods. **Strategies:** A. Greatly reduce the impacts of pollution from industrial operations; fuel and materials storage; energy production; and freight movement, with attention to the health, safety, and quality of life impacts of emissions, pollutants, traffic, and nuisances on near-industry neighborhoods. B. Require the development and implementation of sustainable industrial practices. Strategies should include reducing emissions from truck traffic and idling, cargo-handling equipment, ships and vessels, building energy use, energy production, and industrial processes. C. Transition to clean and renewable energy sources for port and industrial activities. D. Work with industry stakeholders to identify and support development of cleaner alternatives to fuels and materials. E. Promote and plan for cleaner, “greener,” industrial operations and uses that balance economic, social, and environmental outcomes and improve resilience to sea level rise, storm surge, and environmental impacts. F. Ensure that the port provides meaningful economic benefit to near-port neighborhoods, including Upper and Lower South Providence and Washington Park. For example, develop and publicize job-training and employment opportunities for disadvantaged near-port neighborhood residents. G. Foster a transparent and collaborative relationship between the City, near-industry neighborhoods, industrial operators and landowners, and other stakeholders. H. Increase public access to and involvement in the port area and shoreline, especially for residents of port-area neighborhoods while avoiding conflict with and danger from commercial uses. I. Promote the improvement of environmental conditions of port properties, particularly those north of ProvPort, and encourage the establishment and growth of cleaner industry, such as offshore wind-related and other industry in the renewable energy sector. Prohibit and plan and prepare for the phase out of such businesses that will result from what is required to meet the science-based requirements of the Act on Climate, other than the City’s existing legal obligations, including, but not limited to, active tax stabilization agreements and active revenue sharing agreements. J. Position industrial areas to be prepared for a “post-carbon” future in alignment with state decarbonization mandates. K. In anticipation of federal and state legislation targeting investment in “green justice areas,” establish local green justice area designations to identify neighborhoods most affected by cumulative impacts and environmental justice issues. L. Prioritize green justice areas for resource allocation, ensuring that communities with historically disproportionate environmental burdens receive an equitable share of resources, such as the establishment of resilience hubs, energy efficiency, and electrification of homes, and workforce development. Ensure the implementation of required sustainability projects via the Sustainability Projects Reserve Account in accordance with ProvPort Master Plan requirements. M. Prioritize and implement recommendations of ongoing efforts such as the NOAA Shoreline project, National Science Foundation project, SNEP Opportunity to Advance Resilience (SOAR), and ProvPort Master Plan to improve conditions for public health, access, wildlife habitat, and resiliency in the port area. *** ### OBJECTIVE SRE9: THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE REGION Ensure coordination with other municipalities and the state to ensure mutually beneficial environmental outcomes. **Strategies:** A. Coordinate the review of state and federal government plans and projects with adjoining communities to ensure that the proposals will not adversely affect air and water quality and environmentally sensitive areas. B. Encourage and participate in regional and state-led efforts to meet state decarbonization mandates set forth in the Act on Climate. C. Coordinate with the neighboring municipalities of East Providence and Pawtucket on plans and projects with mutual benefits on and around the Seekonk and Providence rivers, including environmental protection (habitat, water quality), recreational boating, and shoreline access. D. Work with the state and neighboring municipalities to address the issue of water-borne debris and marine hazards. E. Pursue regional and/or watershed-level approaches to stormwater management and flood control, consistent with Element 731, an element of the State Guide Plan, *Rhode Island Water Quality 2035*. F. Encourage the state to lead by example by using alternative fuel vehicles for fleet and transit vehicles, decarbonizing state-owned buildings, and building infrastructure that will reduce VMT. G. Work with state and other municipalities to address regional sustainability through coordinated approaches to transit, air and water quality, brownfield remediation, flood zone protection, and provision of bike paths and recreational areas. H. Ensure that state projects meet or exceed local landscaping requirements. I. Encourage the state to consider ease of maintenance in its designs and identify long-term maintenance plans for all of its projects. # 2. THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT <
> ## GOAL: Protect, preserve and promote a high-quality built environment. An essential element of Providence’s quality of life is its urban design — how the city looks, feels, and functions. <
> “Urban design” refers to the basic structural forms on which the city is built — natural features such as waterways, landforms, and topography; the street grid, alleys, the open space system; the architecture of its buildings, infrastructure, and public spaces; and the relationships among all of these elements. Providence has achieved high-quality urban design consistently over time and people cherish the result. **Fortunately for Providence, at several critical points in its history, leaders recognized the value of the city’s special features and character and worked to preserve and restore the elements that make Providence unique.** These include the traditionally designed public buildings, road network, and open spaces that use Providence’s natural assets to the best advantage and create a unique civic identity. It also includes the land development patterns that feature compact, walkable neighborhoods and outstanding architecture. One of the oldest cities in the northeast, Providence has retained an unusual urban coherence, which combines exemplary 18th and 19th century residential neighborhoods with many high-quality industrial buildings and a central business district downtown. It also has a rich history of art, design, invention, and innovation. Sustaining excellence in urban design into the future demands that Providence continues to use its best legacies to guide development. While new development need not conform to or attempt to replicate the precise historical or architectural particulars of historic buildings, it should reflect the fine qualities of design and use of materials inherent to the best of Providence’s built environment, old and new. This applies to all of the city’s neighborhoods, and for both new construction and rehabilitation. It also applies to infrastructure such as streets and bridges, as well as public and private buildings. # History of Design Excellence <
> Providence’s identity is shaped largely by the diversity and evolution of its architectural styles, dating from the 1600s to the present. Fortunately, some of the architectural heritage of every era remains as part of the built environment of the city. Historic buildings provide not only a sense of place but a sense of continuity with the past. We can learn from them about the people who came before us, how they lived and worked and shaped the city we know today. The economic value of historic preservation in Providence is well established. Historic preservation is an economic development tool that creates jobs, stimulates related retail and service industries, generates tax revenue, and develops Providence as a business location and tourist destination. # Tools to Promote High-Quality Urban Design <
> ## HISTORIC DISTRICTS. Cities like Providence recognize that historic buildings are culturally, aesthetically, and financially valuable to the community as a whole and are worthy of preservation. In 1960, the city created the Providence Historic District Commission (PHDC) to protect the unique physical character and visual identity of the city by regulating development in designated local historic districts. In Providence, historic districts are established as zoning overlay districts after extensive neighborhood consultation and education, a public hearing, and adoption by the City Council. Providence has eight local historic districts, containing a total of approximately 2,600 properties. Local historic districts contain residential, commercial, religious, educational, industrial, governmental, transportation, and civic buildings, in addition to other structures and open spaces, and represent a range of architectural styles. In 2021, the city adopted its newest historic district, the Power-Cooke Street Historic District, which contains 90 properties. In 2000, Providence developed the Industrial and Commercial Buildings District, the state’s first non-contiguous, thematic local historic district. This district is composed of mid-19th to 20th century industrial and commercial buildings throughout the city. The buildings in this district are reviewed by the PHDC for demolition and major alterations only. The landmark status makes these buildings eligible for state, federal and local tax incentives for their rehabilitation and renovation. In 2014, Providence created the Providence Landmarks District (PLD). Following the non-contiguous model, the PLD incorporated the ICBD as a sub-category, and added a new residential sub-category. The residential category is composed primarily of individually listed National Register properties (approximately 33 buildings). The residential district also includes approximately 22 significant buildings that owners requested for inclusion in the district. By adopting the PLD, Providence has protected the majority of individually listed National Register properties in the city. <
> | Local Historic District Name | Date Designated | Approximate # of Properties | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | College Hill Historic District | 1960. Expanded 1990, 2021. | 945 | | Stimson Avenue Historic District | 1981 | 32 | | Broadway Historic District | 1982 | 164 | | Armory Historic District | 1989. Expanded 2004. | 509 | | Jewelry Historic District | 1991 | 25 | | North Elmwood Historic District | 1991 | 148 | | South Elmwood Historic District | 1992 | 123 | | Providence Landmarks District | 2001. Expanded 2004, 2014. | 339 (284 IBCD, 55 Residential) | | Power-Cooke Street Historic District | 2021 | 90 | **PROVIDENCE’S LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICTS (SEE MAP B.7 IN APPENDIX B)** Providence also contains many National Register Districts. Properties in these districts, when not also in local historic districts, are generally not regulated by the city, but are eligible to receive state and federal historic tax credits. **DOWNTOWN ZONING.** In 1994, the city created the Downcity Overlay District to regulate the design of buildings and open spaces in the historic core of Downtown Providence. The Downcity Design Review Committee was designated as a public body to review design within the district. In 2012, the state was in the process of demolishing I-195, which passed through the middle of Downtown, the city refashioned its Downtown zoning to extend design review into the Jewelry District and the I-195 redevelopment corridor in Downtown and Fox Point. The Downcity Design Review Committee (DDRC) was renamed the Downtown Design Review Committee and given broader authority to regulate design in this area. In 2011, the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission was created by the R.I. General Assembly to serve as the property owner and development review board for the I-195 surplus parcels, now called the195 District. The city collaborates closely with the I-195 Commission to ensure that development on its land is designed appropriately and fits within the urban design context of the city while also fulfilling the commission’s aims of innovation and high standards of building design. The Capital Center Special Development District, created in 1982, is an overlay zoning district located in the northern portion of Downtown. The Capital Center Commission (CCC) was established to administer development in the district. By ordinance, when the CCC dissolves, the DDRC and its staff will assume jurisdiction over the area of applicability. In order to have a more consistent regulatory structure in Downtown, the city supports the dissolution of the CCC. This will require action and coordination by city, state, and federal agencies, with legislation introduced at the city and state level to ensure a smooth transition to the new regulatory structure. DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW. The city utilizes a process called Development Plan Review (DPR) to review many types of projects, including those under the purview of the City Plan Commission, the DDRC, and city staff. The city has recently incorporated new tools to integrate design review into the DPR process. TAX INCENTIVES. In 2002, the State of Rhode Island created economic incentives to stimulate the redevelopment and reuse of historic properties. The owners of these properties were eligible for state tax credits equal to 30 percent of qualified rehabilitation expenditures, which was the most generous state historic tax credit program in the country. In combination with the federal historic tax credit of 20 percent, redevelopers of historic buildings in Rhode Island were able to get back 50 percent of their qualified expenses. Unfortunately, the state historic tax credit was eliminated in 2008. In 2013 a R.I. state historic tax credit was reinstituted where projects can earn 20–25% of qualified rehabilitation expenditures. The current program is set to sunset on June 30, 2024. In 2015 the state created the Rebuild Rhode Island tax credit program, which allows for adaptive reuse or development of recognized historic structures. The program is set to sunset on December 31, 2024. The city feels strongly that the state historic tax credit and the Rebuild Rhode Island tax credit programs must be further extended to help preserve our significant historic structures and to help foster development. <
> # Challenges **FINANCIAL BURDEN.** Local historic districts protect some of Providence’s most important legacies, but can also put a financial burden on homeowners who must adhere to strict standards for renovation and preservation. In some instances, regulations to sustain the historic features of buildings are beyond the economic means of homeowners. Government incentives are often critical to assist historic property owners in preserving their properties. **NATURAL HAZARDS AND SEA LEVEL RISE.** A significant portion of the city’s infrastructure and facilities are at risk of impact by natural hazards. Extreme flooding has occurred in the past, most notably in 2010, and reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that this will only increase with severe storm events. Given its location at the head of Narragansett Bay and its low elevation, the city is vulnerable to flood damage, and many historic buildings at risk. **DEVELOPMENT OF VACANT LOTS.** In the late 1980s and early 1990s many of Providence’s neighborhoods were littered with vacant lots. With an increase in market pressure, many of those lots have been developed. While this has been a welcome change and has produced needed housing, the quality of construction on many of these infill lots has been poor. Residential and commercial infill projects have often been constructed with poor quality materials, and do not fit in with the character of the existing homes and businesses. More effort must be made to encourage and mandate quality design for infill construction. <
> # Ongoing Policy Challenges SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. In recent years there has been a recognition that our buildings need to be more sustainable in terms of use of building materials, energy efficiency, use of renewable energy, water conservation, stormwater management, to name a few. LEED and other standards of environmentally sustainable construction are now widely accepted and increasingly attainable. The city has taken a lead role in this movement, through developing and renovating schools and other buildings to green standards. The city must adopt policies that result in continued improvements in sustainable building practices, including adaptive reuse and stormwater management. ALTERNATIVE ENERGIES IN/ON HISTORIC STRUCTURES. Home and business owners often want to install alternative energy technologies on their home or business. In 2013 the Historic District Commission created standards for the installation of solar energy systems. Since this time the HDC has reviewed 80 solar applications, with an approval rating of 97%, striking a balance between the need to protect the built environment and changing technologies. NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTER. The increasing need for a broad array of housing options requires a more diverse mix of residential types that are both affordable and complementary to neighborhood character. New construction must be sensitive to the character and qualities of Providence’s neighborhoods. It is also important to retain the traditional character of neighborhood commercial districts, while allowing for more density in appropriate areas. UNDESIGNATED STRUCTURES. Many buildings in Providence that may qualify for landmark designation are outside of historic districts. The City continues to evaluate properties for landmark designation. This plan identifies properties that should be included in historic districts. <
> MODERN ARCHITECTURE. The city has not adequately addressed preservation standards for significant examples of architecture from the second half of the 20th century. Without foresight, more architecturally significant structures of this underappreciated era may be lost. Neighborhoods and architectural styles developed after World War II have matured but are not addressed by current preservation policies. Many of these areas are intact in form, but have had their materials changed. Their pattern of development is more significant than the intactness of their materials and should be evaluated for potential designation. SURFACE PARKING LOTS. Surface parking lots downtown and along commercial corridors are an excellent opportunity for redevelopment. Filling in gaps in the urban fabric with high quality infill projects will add to the city’s character. UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES. The city has been evaluating recognition of significant properties and sites in areas not typically covered by historic districts. In some cases, physical buildings no longer exist, and we are evaluating how to recognize them in ways that have meaning to the community. # OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES ### OBJECTIVE BE1: DESIGN EXCELLENCE Promote a culture of high-quality architecture, construction, and urban design. **Strategies:** A. Promote high-quality urban design through design standards and design review. B. Reevaluate and improve design standards for all development projects. C. Strategically invest in public infrastructure, streetscapes, and public amenities to promote Providence’s civic identity and attract high-quality development. D. Consolidate the development review process in Downtown by dissolving the Capital Center Commission and subjecting all projects to a uniform development plan review process. E. Encourage high-quality innovative contemporary building design. F. Encourage, support, and use enforcement tools to ensure the maintenance and stewardship of all buildings in Providence. ### OBJECTIVE BE2: NEW DEVELOPMENT AND TRADITIONAL CHARACTER Encourage new development to be compatible with Providence’s traditional character. **Strategies:** A. Through the design review process, promote design innovation and architectural diversity that complements Providence’s traditional character. B. Encourage developments to be compatible with surrounding uses while not stifling innovative design and architecture. C. Ensure that regulations reinforce high-quality urban design and traditional neighborhood character through rules governing size, scale and massing. D. Promote and incentivize the redevelopment and reduction of surface parking lots and excessive impervious surface. E. Encourage mixed-use, pedestrian oriented developments along commercial corridors and in other growth areas at a greater height and density than in the residential areas. F. Ensure that new developments improve pedestrian movement and provide pedestrian amenities. G. Promote adaptive reuse of existing buildings. ### OBJECTIVE BE3: DESIGN OF THE PUBLIC REALM Reinforce the design quality, function, and character of connections among public places and centers of activity. **Strategies:** A. Preserve, enhance, extend, and connect the historic patterns and character of the city’s street and sidewalk system. B. Develop streetscape standards that enhance the pedestrian experience and incorporate high-quality design elements that are economical and easy to maintain. C. Promote public art in the built environment that reinforces a sense of place. ### OBJECTIVE BE4: PRESERVATION PLANNING Preserve the historic buildings and districts that contribute positively to Providence’s urban fabric. **Strategies:** A. Protect and preserve historic resources citywide through design standards, zoning controls, easements, and other tools. B. Consider adopting varying degrees of regulation for historic properties. Explore whether a lesser regulated local historic district is viable for certain areas. C. Identify stronger enforcement options to discourage the alteration and demolition of historic resources without approval. D. Develop additional financial incentives and tools, such as property tax incentives, for property owners to rehabilitate structures of architectural or historic merit. E. Require institutions to identify historic buildings and plan for their future use. Propose institutional properties listed or eligible for the State or National Historic Register for inclusion into local historic districts. F. Update the zoning map to reflect appropriate boundaries of historic districts, including adding new properties and removing properties where demolition has occurred. ### OBJECTIVE BE5: DESIGN LEADERSHIP Ensure that the City of Providence takes the lead in design excellence and historic preservation. **Strategies:** **A.** Support and encourage historic preservation of city-owned properties. Historic city properties such as former schools and firehouses should be considered for adaptive reuse and demolished only as a last resort. **B.** Consider the adaptive reuse of historic buildings when procuring office space for city agencies. **C.** Work with the state to evaluate and address the impact of building codes and other regulations on historic preservation and cost of construction. **D.** Design and construct city buildings as models of design excellence. **E.** Construct and rehabilitate municipal buildings to high standards of energy efficiency and sustainability. **F.** Continue to develop standard house designs that developers can easily adapt to vacant lots in the city. ### OBJECTIVE BE6: PUBLIC AWARENESS Promote public awareness of urban design and historic preservation principles through education and collaboration with partners and schools. **Strategies:** **A.** Raise public awareness of the historic significance of structures and areas in Providence. **B.** Encourage partnerships with design and preservation organizations to organize public information campaigns, particularly in underrepresented communities. **C.** Support efforts to educate Providence residents on the importance of high-quality urban design, contemporary architecture, and historic preservation. **D.** Support student education and involvement in urban design and historic preservation. ### OBJECTIVE BE7: THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND THE REGION Work with the State of Rhode Island and adjacent communities to support design excellence and historic preservation in the region. **Strategies:** **A.** Encourage the state to restore the historic tax credit. **B.** Work with adjacent communities to ensure high-quality design on the city's borders. **C.** Encourage high-quality urban design for state projects within the city. OBJECTIVE BE8: THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL HAZARDS Protect the built realm from natural hazards. **Strategies:** A. Continue to identify areas at risk of natural hazards within the city’s built environment. B. Refine regulations regarding building in high-hazard areas. C. Work to reduce vulnerability to natural hazards by improving stormwater management structures and practices. D. If necessary, remove vulnerable structures in high hazard areas. E. Evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier in protecting the built environment. # 3. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT <
> **GOAL:** **Grow, adapt, and strengthen Providence’s economy** As Rhode Island’s largest city and economic engine, the importance of Providence’s business climate cannot be understated. Retaining and attracting businesses that are economically supportive to our residents and city is vital to the city and its residents’ prosperity and quality of life. Providing a welcoming and supportive economic climate to benefit existing and future businesses and the physical assets to support them is a top City priority. Ensuring that the businesses support our residents and workforce is also a top priority. <
> Providence leaders recognize the need to foster a resilient business climate that can withstand and adapt to changing economic landscapes and attract investment from emerging and growing sectors. Since 2020, the ways in which people live, work, learn, and play have undergone dramatic changes nationally and locally. Despite large-scale shifts in this post-Covid landscape, Providence’s current economic climate is encouraging. Although there are indications of a robust and diversifying local economy in Providence, the city’s unemployment rate is still 5.3% as of September 2024, slightly higher than the State’s 4.6% and the National rate of 4.1%. <
> Providence is also well-positioned for growth, especially in health, science, tech, and tourism sectors. In the past decade, the city has also notably developed a more robust food and urban agriculture sector, which is unique and poised for further growth in the coming decade. To support this expansion, the City continues to work with developers to enhance their understanding of the infrastructure requirements associated with emerging sectors. This targeted work will ensure the availability of cutting-edge lab and maker spaces that enable new businesses to establish roots in Providence, underscoring a deep commitment to inclusive growth that positions Providence as a thriving hub for innovation and economic prosperity. Providence’s population is also growing. Data from the 2020 US Census shows that Providence has grown significantly since 2010. Within a decade, the Providence population grew by nearly 7%, from 178,042 to 190,934. As the city’s population expands, there is a noticeable shift in demographics. A growing trend towards diversity is evident, particularly with Hispanic residents constituting 44% of the population, marking a 19% rise since 2010. New arrivals to Providence have demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, particularly with small businesses and micro businesses, retail, restaurants, and services. Data also demonstrates changes in household incomes in Providence. The number of households earning less than $45,000 or exceeding $99,000 annually has risen, while those in the middle-income bracket, ranging from $45,000 to $99,000, have experienced a decline. This dynamic has led to a notable increase in wealth disparity within the city. Despite this disparity, the Providence adult population is achieving higher levels of education; nearly 32% of all residents over 25 hold a 4-year college degree or higher. In response to the question of “where and how do we grow,” the Comprehensive Plan takes a holistic view of where to direct job growth, informed by strategic land use and policy goals across topics like housing, climate and sustainability, and transportation. Whereas one type of economic growth, in emerging professional sectors, for example, may require integration with quality public transportation and the amenities of mixed-use urban neighborhoods, industrial sector growth requires jobs districts that are protected from residential uses to encourage expansion, mitigate conflicts and avoid market pressures that would restrict economic development. Providence also aims to capitalize on the growth of the blue economy by preserving and improving the environmental quality of important land along the working waterfront and deep-water port, for the growth of offshore wind and other emerging ocean tech industries. Growth corridors are outlined in the Growth Strategy and Future Land Use Maps of the Land Use chapter and illustrate areas that are prime for business development and can sustain an increase in density. As traditional daily commutes to Downtown business district workplaces decline as work from home (WFH) continues to rise, the City must both encourage a more mixed-use Downtown and invest in its neighborhoods to encourage small and micro businesses growth, industry clusters, local collaborative incubators and scalable business opportunities. Most neighborhoods in Providence have excellent connectivity amongst each other as well as to major highways, interstates and rail and bus service which facilitate travel to other business hubs and TF Green Airport, allowing workers who may be employed elsewhere or require frequent business travel, to call Providence their home. Investing in what makes Providence the “Creative Capital” is another important component in growing the City’s economic base, while preserving the cultural assets that residents love. Providence’s arts and culture sector serves as a formidable economic engine, contributing over $2 billion to the Rhode Island economy, and generating more than $200 million in Providence in 2022 alone. These figures only partially capture the transformative influence of a thriving arts and design sector, which can have interdisciplinary benefits when integrated into STEM industries (STE*A*M), for example. Moreover, the city’s longstanding reputation for its arts and culture attracts a talented workforce and contributes to the city’s overall quality of life. To ensure we can continue to operate as a creative capital, we need to ensure that our artists and designers can continue to afford to not only live in the City but afford studios and places to create, show, and sell their art. Providence needs to ensure that these types of businesses and individuals are not pushed out by other businesses. Providence’s reputation in the arts, intact historic fabric, walkable neighborhoods, culinary offerings, and cultural events and attractions also draws growing levels of tourism. The number of annual visitors to Providence has returned to pre-pandemic levels (estimated at over 7 million in 2022), with close to $2 billion dollars in traveler economy spending in 2022 alone, almost 10% higher than pre-pandemic levels. The tourism and hospitality sector is a key and growing employer in Providence, which is bolstered by growing cultural events like Waterfire, PVD Fest, and RI Pride Festival and Parade. This sector also includes our thriving dining and food scene, with locally owned and operated restaurants and food makers supporting elements of our local food economy. In addition to the City’s physical and cultural assets, its workforce remains a top economic driver. The City manages and supports numerous programs - including Providence/Cranston Workforce Solutions and the American Job Center, First Source, the Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise Program (M/WBE), the Providence Business Loan Fund (PBLF), and apprenticeship and M/WBE requirements included in Tax Stabilization Agreements - to ensure City-wide equitable access to high-quality jobs that provide life-sustaining careers. According to the 2020 US Census, Providence is home to nearly 84,000 currently employed adults, a number that has increased by almost 7% in the past decade. Most of Providence’s workforce is employed within city limits. Providence is also home to 8 colleges, universities, and satellite campuses. The City must continue to support and link to the strengths of its academic institutions. Knowledge and technology transfers from higher education to the innovation economy, local start-ups as well as mature industries in health care, manufacturing and service industries require nurturing, collaboration, and retention of recent graduates to support economic growth and diversity and provide paths for upward mobility. <
> Providence is well-positioned to become a major economic hub regionally, as it offers residents a higher quality of life at a lower price point than other New England cities. Recognizing this opportunity, the City has revamped its bond-funded Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and earned hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grants to invest in vibrant public spaces and amenities such as public art, improved infrastructure and connectivity, greater tree canopy cover, and other beautification efforts. Through the CIP, the city has made and continues to make investments in physical infrastructure like streets and sidewalks, including amenities for businesses like street furniture and trees. Also, the city regulates on-street parking in business areas to support businesses. Providence is fortunate to have excellent quality and quantity of clean water, and citywide access to adequate natural gas, power and broadband. These investments cultivate a positive quality of life and showcase Providence as an attractive destination to live, work, and play. Quality of life improvements also encourage business and capital influx, while bolstering Providence’s national and international profile. By adopting smart, equitable strategies that build upon its unique assets, Providence is growing an economy that is more varied, resilient, and attractive to businesses and investors, while strengthening its ability to withstand economic shock. # OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES **Objective ED 1:** Invest in key sectors including the Blue Economy, Health & Life Sciences, Arts & Culture, Tourism & Hospitality, Food **Strategies:** A. Work with anchor institutions to align their growth with economic development targets, in addition to their academic pursuits. B. Pursue funding from relevant federal agencies for the attraction and growth of these industries. C. Combine city and state efforts to ensure that maximum resources are available to prospective industries. D. Ensure that marketing efforts are focused on highlighting the success in these key sectors to build Providence’s related brand. E. Invest in Providence’s waterfront for economic growth. F. Promote the continued growth of the I-195 District and its cluster of life-sciences, blue economy, and other businesses and start-ups. **Objective ED 2:** Ensure that Providence is the best-run city for businesses and residents **Strategies:** A. Make long-term investments in city infrastructure including streets and sidewalks and bicycle lanes. Through the city’s CIP, the city has proposed to invest up to $8M in street safety and transportation improvements and up to $25M in sidewalk improvements through fiscal year 2031. B. Strive to assign constituent complaints to the responsible department within one business day and to respond to most complaints within one week. C. Partner with businesses in commercial corridors to address quality of life issues. D. Simplify planning and permitting processes to ensure that projects that are in compliance with city regulations can move quickly to implementation in less than the statutorily mandated timelines for approval. E. Work with the City Council to evaluate and support TSAs and other economic tools that align with economic development goals. F. Study and implement reductions to commercial tax rates to ensure Providence’s business environment is competitive. If possible, reduce the commercial tax rate to levels that are equal to or less than other communities in the region. G. Invest in strong public schools, as workers moving to and investing in Providence need thriving schools and communities for their families to engage in. H. Enforce regulations so that all businesses are playing on a level playing field and complying with local environmental and other laws. To reach this goal, the City will—to the extent possible— increase enforcement staffing levels. **Objective ED 3:** Support & grow our small and micro business community **Strategies:** A. Provide dedicated customer service to Providence's small and micro businesses, providing the same level of resources and connectivity to locally owned and operated businesses as we would to attract new and large businesses. B. Support MWBE businesses to become certified and compete in local city procurements. C. Invest in high quality local business support programs. D. Work with business incubators to coordinate approaches and implement strategies to incentivize new businesses to stay in Providence. E. Ensure city procurements are designed in ways that allow locally owned and small and micro businesses and MWBE business to compete with larger, well-established companies. F. Differentiate between small businesses and micro businesses, with micro businesses being businesses that consist of ten employees or less. **Objective ED 4:** Facilitate access to capital for new and growing businesses **Strategies:** A. Utilize the Providence Business Loan Fund to support a diverse community of small and micro businesses. B. Prioritize the allocation of funding to the Providence Redevelopment Agency for gap funding of priority projects. C. Partner with organizations like the RI Black Business Association and the Latino Chamber of Commerce and others to ensure we are closing the racial wealth gap and investing in and providing support to businesses run by people of color in our communities. **Objective ED 5:** Invest in and develop our workforce **Strategies:** A. Utilize federal workforce dollars to invest in career pathways programs that result in family sustaining jobs. B. Establish a vision and plan for the city’s First Source program to ensure that Providence residents have access to today’s jobs. C. Establish core learning standards across all city-funded youth employment programs. D. Link industry partners to PPSD CTE programs. E. Work with local institutions of higher education to incentivize graduates with high demand credentials to stay in Providence. # 4. HOUSING <
> **GOAL:** **Grow, improve, and preserve Providence’s housing stock to expand affordable, accessible, healthy, and sustainable housing options for all residents.** <
> The City of Providence is deeply committed to making housing more accessible and affordable, and ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to live in decent, safe, and price-appropriate housing. The City has a responsibility to ensure that its policies encourage a wide range of housing; do not impede housing production; encourage maintenance and preservation of the existing housing stock; increase housing choice; and provide assistance to enable all residents of Providence to live in safe, habitable homes. <
> The City of Providence commissioned its first **Anti-Displacement and Comprehensive Housing Strategy** in 2020, a plan which sought to build upon past and present efforts to craft a concise vision for housing production in Providence. This study, conducted by a national consulting team, included a thorough real estate market, socioeconomic, and financial feasibility study to understand current and projected housing need in the City (2020–2030). Utilizing this data analysis and community input, the Strategy laid out a 10-year plan to boost housing production in the City via programmatic changes, new funding strategies, recommended policy changes, and recommended new programs to be explored. Additionally, every five years, the City conducts an **Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice**, a federally-required planning effort which seeks to identify any barriers to fair housing choice in the jurisdiction so that the City can identify and pursue appropriate actions to overcome the effects of any impediments identified or eliminate such impediments. The City must encourage a dramatic increase in the production of new housing over the next 20 years to meet the needs of Providence’s growing population. Within this 20-year timeframe, the condition and suitability of the City’s aging housing stock will also have to be addressed through redevelopment and rehabilitation. 3. HOUSING # Changes <
> ### EVOLVING HOUSING MARKET The real estate market in Providence has seen significant fluctuations influenced by local and national economic trends as well as the global pandemic. Since 2015, Providence’s housing market experienced steady price appreciation, driven by factors such as job growth, low mortgage rates, and a relative affordability compared to nearby cities like Boston. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges and disruptions to the housing market. While there was initial market uncertainty, Providence, like many other markets, saw a surge in demand for single-family homes and a shift towards remote work prompted some individuals and families to seek out larger homes or homes in less densely populated neighborhoods. Concurrently, Providence attracted new residents who left larger cities yet desired to inhabit an urban context that provided a walkable neighborhood with proximity to arts, culture, cuisine, and vitality. Demand for housing in Providence remains strong overall, fueled by a combination of factors including population growth, revitalization efforts, and the presence of universities and healthcare institutions attracting students, faculty, and medical professionals. Numerous challenges have exacerbated affordability concerns for many residents, including limited housing stock and land availability and rising construction costs and materials shortages, which have led to reduced housing production, especially in certain price ranges. Additionally, economic uncertainties and external factors like changes in mortgage rates and tax policies have influenced buyer behavior and market dynamics. ### COST OF HOUSING Providence’s housing market is experiencing significant cost increases. At +9.5%, the sale value increase in housing prices in Providence is 6% higher than the overall state increase. Both values have doubled in the yearly appreciation value at the end of 2021. In 2023 alone, the median sale of a single-family house increased at an annual average of 7.7% and rental prices increased 7.5%. The 2023 average cost of rent in Providence is $2,074 per month, and median sale for a single-family home is $330,000. The rise in housing prices, combined with the decreased total number of homeowners and increase in population has forced a squeeze on the housing market. The citywide vacancy rate in 2020 was 2.6%, a historic low. However, several neighborhoods are still challenged by high rates of foreclosure, vacancy and abandonment. Providence’s housing stock grew approximately 5% to 75,257 units from 2010–2020, while the overall population grew over 7%. In 2023, 60% of Providence households were renters and 40% owned their home. 2023 estimates show that over 33% of Providence home-owners and 46% of renters are cost burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing expenses. As of 2022, 14.3% of housing units in Providence had an affordability restriction of at least 30 years, which exceeds the 10% minimum of the Rhode Island Low and Moderate Income Housing Act. <
> <
> ### HOUSING DEVELOPMENT In recent years, the city has seen a significant increase in the construction of single and multi-family residences, both infill development on vacant lots and rehabilitation of existing structures. City permits show an increase of 3,957 units from 2015 to early 2024. However, historic development levels in prior decades have resulted in a supply shortage and growing rates of housing cost burden. Downtown Providence is both a residential neighborhood as well as a commercial destination. Some office-to-housing conversions are expected in the next few years, however, opportunities are limited by floorplate configurations and the success of early conversion initiatives in decades past. As exemplified by the lingering attempt to reposition the iconic “Superman Building,” construction costs and a menagerie of grants, low-interest loans, tax treaties and tax credits continue to be insufficient to move the project beyond the planning phase. A number of the colleges and universities in Providence have built new dormitories and/or converted existing buildings to dormitory use, but growing enrollments continue to increase demand for off-campus rental housing on nearby neighborhoods. ### DEMOGRAPHICS As of the 2021 Comprehensive Housing Strategy, 60% of the City’s households earned less than 80% of area median income, meeting the federal definition of “low- and moderate-income” to qualify for many U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”)-funded housing programs (such as Section 8). In 2021, more than 29% of the City’s households earned less than 30% of AMI, which is considered “extremely low income.” 64% of Providence households (as of 2021) were considered “cost-burdened” (paying more than 30% of their gross income for housing and essential utilities), placing them at greater risk of displacement and housing instability. This is a 15% increase since 2010. Almost a quarter of Providence households (24%) were “severely cost-burdened” (paying more than 50% of their gross income on housing costs). While housing and other costs have risen in recent years, the median income of City residents has remained relatively stagnant. Demand for special needs housing has increased locally and is projected to continue to grow. Providence residents who are living with multiple disabilities has increased in recent years, and consistent with regional and national trends, the City’s population continues to skew older, meaning more residents who may require modifications to their homes or alternative housing types in order to safety and affordably age-in-place. # Challenges ## HOUSING FOR ALL For Providence to retain and attract businesses and workers, the City must offer an ample supply and wide variety of housing types for people across the income spectrum. The City must also work to link the types of housing available to the types of jobs available and work to develop housing in areas near transit to create more affordable living for those working in Providence. An adequate supply of workforce housing is crucial to attracting quality jobs to Providence. It is also crucial to retaining existing residents. In addition to ensuring that there is affordable housing for those who need it, the city must have housing available for young professionals including those with moderate and higher incomes. Without housing for all, the city will continue to experience out-migration, “brain drain,” and displacement of long-time residents. Cuts in entitlement funding sources year-over-year also make it more difficult for community development corporations (CDCs), community-based organizations (CBOs) and other developers to develop new affordable and supportive housing. The competitive nature of the housing market has also impacted the availability of affordable housing, as many rental property owners have chosen to rent to students by bedroom rather than families to maximize rents charged per unit. Affordable housing also needs to be distributed equitably throughout the city. Developing mixed-income neighborhoods is critical to the future economic sustainability of the city as a whole. High property tax burden for homeowners in the city can make it difficult for property owners, especially seniors on fixed incomes, to retain their homes, and commercial property taxes (the highest rates in the State) are often passed to tenants via rents. In 2023, commercial tax rates paid by apartment buildings with six or more units were decreased by 4% in part to alleviate upward pressure on rents. Providence, like other major cities with tight rental markets, higher home median values, and median rental prices, experienced an unprecedented rise in homelessness (70% increase since 2020 according to HUD 2023 Point-in-Time data). Ability to shelter and rehouse constituents efficiently is predicated on the City having an adequate supply of supportive housing options, such as shelters, recovery housing, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing for those with higher service needs, ideally integrated within an array of neighborhoods with access to transit and amenities. To that end, this Comprehensive Plan update eases restrictions on siting transitional shelters and group homes, enabling these facilities to locate in residential and mixed-use zones by right. ## LEAD PAINT & HEALTHY HOUSING HAZARDS Almost 90 percent of Providence’s housing is over 50 years old. These structures run the gamut from single family homes to larger apartment buildings. Ongoing investment in these buildings is required to avoid decline and decay. Focus must be paid to preserve Providence’s unique, historic housing stock to promote healthy living conditions. Due to the age of the housing stock, lead paint hazards are a significant issue and pose health and safety issues for many families. ## LIMITED RESOURCES Over the last ten years federal and state resources for developing affordable housing had been largely stable. However, in most recent years, the federal allocation of Community Development Block Grant and HOME funding to the City has been decreasing. The City and State must use its funds more efficiently and pursue new funding sources and innovative partnerships, such as housing bonds and other tools. In addition to the reduction in funding provided to the City, the cost of developing housing has dramatically increased. The state legislature’s modification of the state historic tax credit program, combined with the overall state of the economy, has slowed the preservation and redevelopment of historic structures in Providence. The City expects the federal share of housing development costs to continue to decrease over the next 20 years. # Opportunities ## COMMITMENT The City is committed to balancing a steady growth of housing supply with measures to create, preserve, and protect affordability on the face of unprecedented rising costs. The Anti-Displacement and Comprehensive Housing Strategy details the vision and priorities of the City in addressing pressing housing needs in Providence. The City has incorporated many of the objectives and strategies of the Strategy into this comprehensive plan, including identification of new funding streams. In addition to these strategies informed by the Anti-Displacement and Comprehensive Housing Strategy study, the City will prioritize supplementary anti-displacement strategies such as inclusionary zoning, securing protections for those at-risk of displacement, and proactively monitoring affordable units to ensure long-term residents of Providence are not displaced. The City utilizes its annual HUD entitlement grants, HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to address housing rehabilitation and construction for low-moderate income populations. The City receives approximately $5M in CDBG and $1.5M in HOME annually and will continue to braid these limited resources with other public and private funding sources to amplify impact. The City is also committed to providing affordable housing through the Providence Housing Trust, administered by the Providence Redevelopment Agency (PRA). The Housing Trust provides resources to create, rehabilitate, and preserve affordable housing throughout Providence. Funds from the Housing Trust may be used for acquisition and development of affordable units. The fund also provides flexibility to ensure that projects move forward by providing critical gap financing via bridge or permanent loans. In 2020, the Providence City Council capitalized the Trust Fund through 10% of annual Tax Stabilization revenues. This revenue also enables the PRA to bond to capitalize the Trust (the first $24.75M bond closed in 2021). Treasury State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds were also recently used to further capitalize the fund. These initial investments are expected to generate close to 1,000 new units of housing by 2025. In 2023, the City also created a rehabilitation Revolving Loan fund via Housing Court fine revenue to provide lending for correction of code violations. This new fund is targeted to properties prosecuted or violated for code deficiencies with a demonstrated financial hardship. ## LIVABILITY People want to live in Providence even if they do not work here. Post-pandemic, remote work or hybrid work has further attracted professionals to Providence. Residential development in areas such as Downtown builds upon our historic housing stock, making Providence a desirable place to live. ## LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT PROGRAM The most significant source for affordable housing development in Rhode Island remains the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program, a federal program created by the Tax Reform Act of 1986 as an alternative method of funding housing for low- and moderate-income households which has been in operation since 1987. Rhode Island receives the small state allocation, which is approximately $3M in “9%” LIHTCs. These tax credits are used to leverage private capital into new construction or acquisition and rehabilitation of affordable housing. In Providence, LIHTCs are used to create and preserve rental housing in many neighborhoods. In 2023, the State of Rhode Island also introduced a pilot “State Low Income Housing Tax Credit,” which will provide up to $30M in tax credits to qualified projects per year. The City will continue to target its gap financing to many projects that leverage these state and federal credits. # OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES ### OBJECTIVE H1: IMPROVE & PRESERVE EXISTING HOUSING Revitalize, modernize, and preserve Providence’s housing stock. **Strategies:** A. Encourage the retention and revitalization of the existing housing stock and discourage the demolition of housing units. B. Strictly enforce property maintenance codes and encourage housing rehabilitation by providing funds for repairs to existing structures. C. Enhance and expand housing improvement loan and grant funds available for critical safety repairs and correction of code deficiencies. D. Use the Lead Safe Providence Program to provide low-barrier, no-cost lending for lead-based paint hazard mitigation and provide other health and safety upgrades to eligible Providence rental properties throughout the City’s neighborhoods. E. Use techniques such as land banking, land assemblage and strategic acquisition by the Providence Redevelopment Agency to develop affordable and mixed-income housing while revitalizing residential structures and blighted areas. F. Increase environmental enforcement of vacant and blighted lots. G. Utilize the Providence Housing Trust Fund and HUD entitlement grants to preserve properties with expiring affordability covenants, and to acquire and deed-restrict naturally occurring affordable housing. H. Pair assistance types cited above with rental restrictions to discourage displacement. I. Expand knowledge of, access to, and investment in energy efficiency and weatherization programs that aim to both decarbonize buildings and lower energy costs for low-income residents. *** ### OBJECTIVE H2: PRODUCE NEW HOUSING FOR ALL Support the creation of new ownership and rental housing citywide at all price points. **Strategies:** A. Provide for diversity in the type, density and location of housing within the city to provide an adequate supply of safe, sanitary housing at price levels appropriate to the financial capabilities of all city residents. B. Promote a diverse housing market to meet increasingly specialized housing requirements including elderly, disabled, and student population. C. Ensure and develop homeownership and rental opportunities for all income groups. D. Encourage the development of housing in rehabilitated older commercial buildings and in new structures. High-quality adaptive reuse of mills and offices offer opportunity for revitalization. E. Encourage the development of housing opportunities for artists and craftspeople in old commercial and industrial buildings that enable artists to live and work in the unit. F. Enable and encourage the development of accessory dwelling units and “missing middle” housing types that have the potential to increase residential density and add units, while preserving neighborhood character and design standards. G. Encourage the development of housing on existing and potential transit corridors. H. Focus on the rehabilitation of foreclosed and/or blighted multi-family houses for affordable owner-occupied rental housing or CBO-owned rental housing. I. Encourage the development of housing for residents at all points of the income spectrum, low, moderate and high. J. Encourage and support equal access to housing throughout the city for all people regardless of race, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, or physical or mental ability. K. Work with Rhode Island Housing and Department of Housing to preserve affordable housing throughout the city. L. Work with Providence Housing Authority to modernize and redevelop public housing assets with the goal of preserving and expanding the number of long-term low-income and affordable housing units. M. Continue to support and establish new programs that encourage developers to build housing that is affordable to all, including by adopting inclusionary zoning measures that are calibrated with tax and subsidy policy changes to enhance development feasibility. N. Develop a process to streamline the permitting process for developers of affordable and workforce housing. O. Support for-profit and non-profit organizations and encourage their collaboration for the active development of affordable housing. P. Develop programs and regulations to increase the development of affordable housing throughout the city, particularly in neighborhoods identified as having limited housing choice. Q. Require colleges and universities to develop plans for additional on-campus student housing. R. Continue to study and implement best practices in anti-displacement strategies and work with residents and neighborhood organizations to address concerns about resident displacement. S. Ensure processes related to tax stabilization agreements and other tax incentives are clear, predictable and designed to incentivize development at all price levels. T. Work with Community Development Corporations (CDCs) to conduct an analysis of displacement risk across the city to understand which neighborhoods are most vulnerable and ensure they are prioritized for affordable housing development. U. Advocate for stronger tenant protections for renters who are defined as being the most vulnerable to displacement. V. Work with RIPTA to ensure housing affordability is linked to the development of new and existing transit corridors. ### OBJECTIVE H3: SPECIAL NEEDS HOUSING Promote the maintenance and development of supportive housing and facilities to ensure that all residents with special needs have access to safe and affordable housing in all neighborhoods. **Strategies:** A. Encourage programs that will increase the supply of accessible housing in the City. B. Expand or partner with programs that allow elderly homeowners who wish to age in place to modify their homes. C. Work with the owners of subsidized elderly housing complexes to maintain the buildings as affordable housing for the City’s elderly residents. D. Encourage and support the rehabilitation of housing units to make them accessible. E. Provide incentives to developers to encourage the construction of accessible housing units. Encourage and preference those projects applying for Providence Housing Trust or other city subsidies which utilize universal design. F. Encourage and support the creation of permanent supportive housing for persons with special needs. G. Encourage the development of programs that will assist the homeless in acquiring permanent residences. H. Support the continued operation of emergency shelters including by enacting land use and zoning changes that allow emergency shelters, transitional shelters, and special needs facilities of appropriate size by right in residential and mixed-use areas. I. Support agencies that provide housing and supportive services to homeless persons and families. Ensure that all city policies addressing homelessness and homelessness encampments on public property follow the guidelines outlined by the US Interagency Council on Homelessness. J. Adopt policies supporting the City’s unhoused residents including but not limited to providing temporary use permits for emergency shelters, improving outreach and social services to encampments, developing permanent housing options, ensuring access to mental health and substance use treatments, or other innovative solutions in housing, safety, and public health. ### OBJECTIVE H4: HOUSING DESIGN Promote high quality residential design throughout the City. **Strategies:** A. Encourage energy-efficient residential design and construction through the use of LEED, Energy Star and other green building standards. B. Encourage the decarbonization of residential buildings through best practice regulations and initiatives including expanding energy efficiency programs, encouraging heat pumps, requiring energy performance disclosures, and discouraging gas hookups in new construction, with emphasis on programs that prioritize investment in disadvantaged communities. C. Prepare for more frequent extreme weather events by studying and implementing best practice resilient housing design standards and stormwater management practices (e.g. increased permeable surfaces) that address conditions including sea-level rise, riverine and nuisance flooding, and extreme heat. D. Create design standards for quality residential construction complementary to the character and qualities of Providence’s historic neighborhoods. E. Refine regulations for quality residential site design. F. Develop a pattern book of pre-approved residential designs and plan sets based on Providence’s vernacular architecture, including of two, three, and multi-family dwelling types, “missing middle” housing types, and accessory dwelling units. G. Determine appropriate residential densities to accommodate growth in areas of change, while valuing the preservation of local communities and their built character. OBJECTIVE H5: HOUSING AND TRANSIT Promote the integration of housing and transit services. **Strategies:** A. Amend the zoning ordinance to create nodes to focus medium density and high-density development, including institutions, in transit-oriented development areas along current and future high use transit lines, in line with the State’s Transit Forward 2040 Plan. B. Work with RIPTA and developers to promote transit-oriented development as a tool for growth in housing and as an economic development. C. Place new residential developments at locations that increase potential ridership on the transit system and support Providence as the region’s employment and cultural center. D. Work with RIPTA to locate transit-oriented development nodes near amenities like parks, schools, job centers, and grocery stores to maximize the benefits of the public’s investments to as many households as possible. OBJECTIVE H6: HOUSING AND THE REGION Work with the state and other local governments to address housing needs in Providence and throughout the state. **Strategies:** A. Encourage the state to develop special needs and affordable housing in other communities and enforce other municipalities’ compliance with the Low-Moderate Income Housing Act. B. Encourage the state to continue to create new, dedicated funding sources (such as the State Housing Tax Credit Program launched in 2024) for housing development; with a dedicated percentage of the funds set aside for Providence and other urban core communities. C. Encourage the state to reinstate the state Historic Tax Credit Program to facilitate further preservation and redevelopment in Providence. D. Encourage the state to facilitate development within growth areas through targeted financial incentives and zoning requirements. # 5. MOBILITY <
> **GOAL:** Provide a range of quality choices for getting around Providence with options that are safe, affordable, convenient, sustainable, and resilient. Strengthen access to opportunity and spaces for community interaction, regardless of mode of travel. Boldly embody our values in Providence’s mobility initiatives and become a leader in people-first mobility. Providence’s transportation and mobility options not only determine how and where people and materials move throughout the city; they also impact the ways in which residents, visitors, and commuters interact with nearly every facet of their built environment. Multimodal transportation systems, which integrate different forms of transport such as cars, buses, trains, bicycles, and pedestrian paths into a cohesive network, play a crucial role in supporting and sustaining Providence’s quality of life and continued growth. <
> In and around Providence, an intricate network of highways, railways, and public transit systems currently link residential neighborhoods, commercial and industrial zones, educational institutions, and recreational areas. This infrastructure supports everything from local businesses and tourism to housing and community services, shaping the city’s economic landscape and the quality of life in every neighborhood. As transportation infrastructure continues to evolve and expand, Providence aims to strengthen access to multimodal transportation that is safe, affordable, convenient, sustainable and resilient. These improvements offer a range of benefits to enhance quality of life for residents. Improved infrastructure, such as better-lit roads and safer pedestrian paths, reduce car crashes and speeding. Safe and secure mobility options encourage more people to use them, which further enhances safety through increased public presence. Creating an “All Ages and Abilities” bicycle network provides residents and visitors of all demographics, regardless of age or mobility limits, a safe, convenient and sustainable option for navigating the city. Enhanced transportation and mobility also allow residents to enjoy more free time, greater accessibility, cleaner environments, and more cohesive, integrated communities and neighborhoods. By improving links between residential areas, business districts, industrial zones, and recreational assets, a multimodal transportation system is key to ensuring Providence is better positioned for resiliency and growth. Cities with modern multimodal systems are attractive to residents, visitors, and businesses. Enhancing Providence’s infrastructure will draw new industry, talent and investment, advancing the City’s goals for furthering economic prosperity and innovation. The City of Providence has outlined numerous strategies to support these developments, including bus service improvements, greater train connection to Boston and TF Green Airport, and infrastructure enhancements throughout the city to improve connectivity and safety for all. # Mobility and Transportation There are subtle but important differences between the terms “transportation” and “mobility”. “Transportation” focuses narrowly on how people and goods move from A to B, whereas “mobility” looks more broadly at how ease and access affect how people and goods move around a city. Transportation networks, policies and infrastructure should provide safe, convenient, and affordable options which allow individuals to move through the city, while helping to reach goals of resiliency, efficiency, safety and affordability. As Providence plans for the coming decades of growth and development, the city’s mobility system must ensure access to the places people need to go, while prioritizing safety, sustainability, and equity. <
> # Why a multi-modal transportation system? A multi-modal transportation system allows residents, visitors, and employees to make the choice about how to move around the city in the way that best suits each individual and trip. In a small, compact city like Providence that is poised for growth, it would be impossible to accommodate new cars with each new resident that chooses to live in the city. For too long, we have been primarily building mobility infrastructure to center car transportation. A multi-modal transportation system that is safe, convenient, and affordable to get around without a personal motor vehicle helps to relieve congestion, improve air quality and enhance the quality of life. With limited ability to expand roadways or add extensive numbers of new single-occupancy vehicles to the city’s roadways, improving traffic in the city is primarily possible by shifting trips normally taken by car to other modes of transportation. Dependence on private automobiles limits the types of growth and development that can happen in the city due to the requirement to provide large amounts of parking and roadway infrastructure. A multi-modal transportation system limits the need for parking and allows greater density in housing and commercial/retail development, which can also enhance tax revenue to the city. A multi-modal transportation system also contributes to safety for all road users. Virtually all roadway fatalities and serious injuries involve at least one motor vehicle. Most collisions occur at intersections, where deference is given to the efficiency of moving private vehicles through more quickly rather than ensuring pedestrian safety. When more people are walking, biking or taking the bus, fewer cars are on the road and drivers become more aware of other road users, creating a safer environment especially for those more vulnerable road users. Multi-modal transportation networks help to decrease carbon emissions and help the city and state reach adopted climate goals. The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, with 98% of Rhode Island’s greenhouse gas emissions from transportation generated by private motor vehicles. A multi-modal transportation system provides additional benefits, including enhanced affordability for residents, improved public health outcomes, and cost savings due to less roadway damage and lower infrastructure costs. # Aligning City Policy with State and National Goals The U.S. Department of Transportation promotes a “Safe System Approach” to mobility as part of its National Roadway Safety Strategy. This approach is widely embraced in the field of transportation planning and engineering, and incorporates six principles: * **Death and Serious Injuries are Unacceptable:** A Safe System Approach prioritizes the elimination of crashes that result in death and serious injuries. In 2024, Providence committed to Vision Zero, to align our mobility design with zero traffic fatalities or major injuries – not just efficient movement of cars. * **Humans Make Mistakes:** People will inevitably make mistakes and decisions that can lead or contribute to crashes, but the transportation system can be designed and operated to accommodate certain types and levels of human mistakes and avoid death and serious injuries when a crash occurs. * **Humans Are Vulnerable:** Human bodies have physical limits for tolerating crash forces before death or serious injury occurs; therefore, it is critical to design and operate a transportation system that is human-centric and accommodates physical human vulnerabilities. * **Responsibility is Shared:** All stakeholders—including government at all levels, industry, non-profit/advocacy, researchers, and the general public—are vital to preventing fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways. * **Safety is Proactive:** Proactive tools should be used to identify and address safety issues in the transportation system, rather than waiting for crashes to occur and reacting afterwards. * **Redundancy is Crucial:** Reducing risks requires that all parts of the transportation system be strengthened, so that if one part fails, the other parts still protect people. <
> These principles have become the basis of wide-ly-adopted Vision Zero policies, which the City adopted in 2024, to ensure Providence’s transportation system and policies work to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on its roadways. In addition to the above national principles, many state and local plans have outlined goals related to mobility in Providence. Notably, the 2020 Providence Great Streets Plan and RIPTA’s 2020 Transit Forward Transit Master Plan contain many recommendations for infrastructure and policy. Other plans also incorporate occasional mention of mobility goals, and many of these plans are referenced below, where pertinent. The State of Rhode Island’s adopted Long-Range Transportation Plan envisions “a multimodal transportation network that connects people, and communities, provides access to jobs and services, and promotes a sustainable and competitive Rhode Island economy.” The plan identifies five high-level goals, which can be summarized into: support economic growth, promote environmental sustainability, strengthen communities, maintain transportation infrastructure, and connect people and places. The goals and objectives put forward below seek to align City policy with State adopted plans. # Mode, Congestion, and Emissions When considering mode share in Providence and possible improvements in line with City, State, and Federal goals, it is helpful to compare Providence’s existing “mode split” with national and global benchmarks: | | 2022 LEVEL | NATIONAL CONTEXT | GLOBAL CONTEXT | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Driving alone | 62% | | | | Carpooling | 8% | Lowest 22% (NYC) | Lowest 12% (Tokyo) | | Bus | 2% | | | | Train | 1% | Highest 33% (Union City, NJ) | Highest 53% (Brussels) | | Walking | 8% | Highest 28% (Cambridge, MA) | Highest 45% (Zaragoza) | | Bicycling | 1% | Highest 17% (Davis, CA) | Highest 40% (Amsterdam) | | Taxi or other | 2% | | | | Working from home | 17% | | | Traffic congestion and total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) are influenced both by the percentage of trips occurring by car and a city’s overall population growth. Just to keep traffic congestion the same as Providence’s population grows, the percentage of commuters getting to work alone in a motor vehicle or the total number of trips would need to decrease. To meet the goals and mandates of the Climate Justice Plan, RI Act on Climate, and other policy documents, transportation emissions will need to be dramatically cut via reduction in VMT through shifts to carbon neutral modes of transport and an increase in the percentage of car trips taken in electric vehicles (EV). The chart below shows the annual tons of carbon dioxide equivalent based on various EV and VMT scenarios: ### CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS SCENARIOS: EV TRANSITION AND VMT REDUCTION | EV TRANSITION | SAME TRAFFIC | 10% VMT REDUCTION | 15% VMT REDUCTION | 20% VMT REDUCTION | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 2% of vehicles | 454,500 | 409,000 | 386,300 | 363,600 | | 5% of vehicles | 443,600 | 399,300 | 377,100 | 354,900 | | 10% of vehicles | 425,600 | 383,000 | 361,700 | 340,400 | | 20% of vehicles | 389,400 | 350,400 | 331,000 | 311,500 | | 40% of vehicles | 317,000 | 285,300 (37% reduction) | 269,500 | 253,600 | | 80% of vehicles | 172,300 | 155,100 | 146,500 | 137,900 (70% reduction) | # OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES ### OBJECTIVE M1: BUS Encourage increased frequency, reliability, and comfort of bus service such that the share of transit trips in Providence increases relative to single-occupancy vehicle trips. **Strategies:** A. Work with RIPTA, RIDOT, and the community to prioritize and implement key transit improvements to encourage transit ridership and address climate goals. B. Advocate for sufficient funding to not only maintain existing service levels but increase them in line with the recommendations of the state-adopted Transit Master Plan. C. Advocate for expanded eligibility for free or reduced fare bus passes provided that the overall system is adequately funded. D. Advocate for increased frequency of bus service in line with the recommendations of the state-adopted Transit Master Plan. E. Advocate for new bus routes between neighborhoods and stopping at grocery stores, including on Valley Street (N7 in the 2020 Transit Master Plan), along Dean Street from the VA Hospital to RI Hospital (N9), and between Olneyville Square and Eddy Street (N13). F. Advocate for reduced emissions from buses especially in environmental justice areas through the introduction of more electric buses. G. Advocate for frequent service on more routes later into the evening. H. Improve infrastructure to prioritize buses and bus passengers especially on the highest-frequency corridors including the creation of dedicated roadway right-of-way to the exclusive use of buses in high-frequency corridors. I. Establish and implement clear standards for prioritization of curb uses, including the preference for bus stops, where needed, over on-street parking. J. Ensure sufficient sidewalk and ADA infrastructure exists at bus stops and to access bus stops. K. Encourage large employers and institutions to offer subsidized transit passes, including employees of the City of Providence. L. Ensure that the bus hub feels clean, safe, and welcoming for all users. M. Focus residential growth around existing high-frequency transit corridors, such as on North Main Street. OBJECTIVE M2: RAIL Encourage an effortless connection to Boston and RI TF Green Airport by train, such that rail makes up a higher share of trips than in 2024. Strategies: A. Encourage RIDOT and MBTA to provide more frequent and faster regional rail service to Boston and RI TF Green Airport, especially in off-peak hours. B. Leverage Providence Station’s capacity to promote dense, transit-oriented population and job growth in Capital Center. Focus growth within 1/4 miles of Providence Station. C. Encourage non-car transportation at rail lines by installing secure bike parking at Providence Station and other transit hubs. D. Advocate to electrify MBTA line to enable faster service with reduced emissions. E. Advocate for secure bike parking at the train station such as lockers, a controlled access bike cage, or other designs that minimize the risk of bike theft. F. Improve routes to the train station for walking and bicycling to reduce traffic congestion and encourage train ridership. G. Connect Providence Station to high population density neighborhoods across the city via the Providence Urban Trail network. OBJECTIVE M3: WALKING Make walking a plausible choice for many trips in Providence, such that walking makes up a higher share of trips than in 2024. Strategies: A. Improve safety where pedestrians must cross motor vehicle traffic, prioritizing pedestrian safety over traffic flow. B. Update all traffic signals to provide pedestrian phasing such as Leading Pedestrian Intervals or exclusive pedestrian phasing and keep signal cycles short and efficient to minimize waiting and unsafe crossing. C. Where possible, restrict right turns from a red light at any location where unrestricted turns are detrimental to pedestrian safety. D. Add crosswalk markings and accessible ramps to every crosswalk location where they are absent E. Work with RIDOT to improve the safety and comfort of pedestrians on highway crossings. F. Install sidewalk bump-outs at corners to increase pedestrian visibility and enforce illegal parking rules adjacent to crosswalks, where possible. G. Create more and better spaces that are designed for walking. H. Improve maintenance of sidewalks so that accessible paths compliant with federal ADA and Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) are available throughout the city. I. Improve design standards for street trees to both provide more shade to sidewalk users and avoid trip hazards created by tree roots up-lifting the sidewalk. J. Focus residential and commercial growth in locations within 1/4 mile of commercial districts. K. Promote and enforce policies around clearance of snow from sidewalks and bike lanes. L. Plow snow from sidewalks and bike lanes on city-owned property, including parks and schools, as well as sidewalks adjacent to bus stops M. Create a clear and implementable strategy to mitigate issues where tree growth is reducing sidewalk accessibility, while ensuring that overall urban tree canopy expands in line with targets set in the PVD Tree Plan. N. Prioritize ADA compliance for sidewalks abutting public schools, parks, and bus stops. ### OBJECTIVE M4: BICYCLING Make bicycling a plausible mobility choice for many trips in Providence, such that bicycling makes up a higher share of trips than in 2024. **Strategies:** **A.** Provide a connected, safe and intuitive “All Ages and Abilities” network of spaces to bike without fear of car traffic within 1/4 mile of all residents, by implementing and updating the Great Streets Plan. **B.** Increase the number of intersection crossings that provide dedicated bicycle signal phases. **C.** Work with RIDOT to improve the safety and comfort of bicyclists on highway crossings and state-owned roadways. **D.** Continue and expand programs that encourage more people to make trips by bicycle. **E.** Establish a program to assist private property owners in upgrading bicycle parking to a useable standard. **F.** Continue to provide shared micromobility services, improving parking compliance and service levels; consider establishing a city-owned bike share system. **G.** Encourage events such as Cyclovia and social bike rides accessible to a wide range of residents **H.** Consider supplementing State incentives for e-bikes with a City incentive. **I.** Explore adding enhanced bicycle parking in the public right-of-way and at City-owned facilities including secure bike parking options. **J.** Work with colleges and universities to improve bicycling access in the vicinity of and on their campuses. **K.** Add wayfinding signage on bike routes to improve navigation. # OBJECTIVE M5: DRIVING Reduce the share of trips taken in private automobiles by encouraging and investing in alternatives, while still maintaining quality infrastructure and connections, such that driving alone makes up approximately half the share of trips that it does in 2024. **Strategies:** A. Mitigate negative impacts driving has on quality of life and quality of mobility options. B. Consider traffic congestion mitigation measures at any locations under City jurisdiction in the RI Congestion Mitigation Plan. C. Consider lowering statutory speed limits on local residential streets to 20 mph. D. Expand the use of Speed Safety Cameras, which reduce speeding in school zones by 63%, crashes on urban principal arterials up to 54%, and fatalities and injuries by 20% to 37%. E. Expand camera uses to enforce other moving violations namely, blocking the box and turning right on red. F. Improve driving behavior, potentially by working with the state and local driving instructors on Driver’s Education. G. Prohibit right turns at red lights in more locations. H. Work with industrial stakeholders to reduce diesel emissions in frontline communities. I. Upgrade all city vehicles and school buses to electric. J. Advocate for sound barriers and pollution-mitigating features such as vegetation between urban highways and abutting residential areas. K. Prohibit the development of new gas stations within City limits, except by special use permit if the targeted land is unsuitable for residential development. L. Encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations when existing gas stations are updated/rehabilitated. M. Restrict the development of new drive-thru businesses, particularly in high priority growth corridors N. Improve Overnight Parking Permit program to increase participation by evaluating the permit cost for vehicles registered in Providence, vehicles registered in Rhode Island, and vehicles registered out of state. O. Eliminate parking minimums for new development and consider the establishment of maximum parking levels. P. Discourage new surface parking lots while encouraging the redevelopment of existing surface parking lots and more efficient use of existing on-street paved areas. Q. Investigate ways to require any new surface lots, or existing surface lots that undergo renovations, to install electric vehicle charging stations. R. Formalize snow parking pilot to allow reverse-side parking and designated parking areas per ward during snow events. S. Encourage employers that offer free or subsidized parking to offer workers the option to cash-out their parking on a daily or monthly basis. T. Create and implement standards to increase the frequency of accessible parking spaces and loading zones in business districts. U. Evaluate existing on-street parking policies and cost to residents to enhance quality of life in neighborhoods particularly impacted by major institutions and attractions. V. Improve road safety by analyzing crash history and employing traffic calming measures. W. To reduce automobile use, encourage employers and the City of Providence to provide subsidized transit passes to employees, and for universities to provide subsidized transit passes to students. # OBJECTIVE M6: FREIGHT Improve the efficiency of freight traffic in Providence, while reducing or eliminating negative impacts on quality of life. **Strategies:** A. Improve facilities to facilitate more efficient movement of freight within Providence. B. Pursue creation of consolidation facilities to allow large vehicles organized by supplier to distribute goods into smaller vehicles organized by destination, of a more suitable scale for Providence’s streets. Such facilities could be located at the periphery of the urban core with easy access to regional freight routes. C. Work with RI Statewide Planning, RI Freight Committee, and stakeholders to designate truck routes and feasible restrictions on other streets including such policies as specific hours of use and parking limits. D. Implement the State’s EV truck charging plan, including installation of charging infrastructure for heavy-duty trucks at the Port of Providence. E. Consider improving access from the Port of Providence onto I-95 South. According to the State Freight Plan, “Solution could add direct access to I-95 SB, identify alternate route, or add pavement/ restriping to improve turning radii. Would improve marine port access, reduce truck activity on local roads, and improve operational efficiency for trucks accessing the port.” F. Consider improving access between Route 146 and West River Street: According to the State Freight Plan, “Trucks serving the USPS RI Central facility and West River industrial area have difficulty turning left off Route 146 onto Admiral, due to need for wide turn which conflicts with auto traffic.” G. Advocate for improved infrastructure to ensure freight rail traffic through Providence Station can be made efficiently and safely. H. Work with Port of Providence stakeholders to ensure access roads to the Port of Providence are in adequate state of repair. I. Mitigate negative impacts freight traffic has on quality of life and other modes of travel. J. Enforce idling regulations to minimize unnecessary tailpipe pollution. K. Utilize existing rail right-of-way to allow freight traffic to avoid city streets. L. Encourage the use of and advocate for requiring Lateral Protective Devices (LPDs) on large trucks to minimize risk to vulnerable road users. M. Establish incentives to shift freight deliveries on city streets to less congested times of day. N. Encourage the use of urban-scale delivery vehicles such as cargo bicycles, medium-duty trucks, and light-duty trucks for last-mile deliveries within the city by creating regulation and incentives for companies to down-size their fleets. O. Develop an active curbside asset database showing the location and size of existing loading zones, curb cuts, hours of operation, and other pertinent infrastructure, markings, and signs. P. Evaluate and modify traffic patterns to reduce emissions in frontline communities: Work with the state and frontline communities to reduce transportation related air pollution, beginning with areas of high cumulative pollution. Conduct a study of truck traffic and identify corridors and neighborhoods where truck routes and related infrastructure should be eliminated or rerouted to reduce diesel emissions burden in high residential and air pollution areas. Ensure involvement of frontline community members in future corridor planning, especially related to on-ramps and other major highway projects. Q. Advocate for reducing emissions from trucks: Identify resources and programs to improve efficiency and EV infrastructure for buses, garbage trucks, construction and other commercial trucks working in Providence’s frontline communities. R. Incentivize more efficient shipping practices including infrastructure for more fuel-efficient vessels coming in and out of the Port. S. Set short-, medium- and long-term emissions reduction targets and create plans to meet targets. T. Work to eliminate fossil fuel and other hazardous materials import and export. # 6. ARTS AND CULTURAL RESOURCES <
> **GOAL:** **Foster an equitable and vibrant artistic and creative culture, reimagine public spaces, and enhance civic life by uplifting and incorporating artists and culture-bearers in all planning and policy-making.** Providence’s Department of Art, Culture and Tourism envisions a Providence that is a global destination for arts, humanities, and design, where neighbors celebrate diverse cultural and artistic experiences, and where all residents and visitors feel a connection to arts practice, making, and culture in everyday lives. Providence stands proudly as the cultural capital of the state, boasting a rich tapestry of arts and culture that reflects its diverse community and storied history. The city is a welcoming destination for artists, craftspeople, writers, musicians, innovators and art enthusiasts, offering a plethora of experiences that cater to all tastes and interests. From its historic theaters to its avant-garde galleries, Providence provides a platform for artists to thrive and express themselves freely. One of the cornerstones of Providence’s cultural scene is its thriving theater community. The city is home to renowned venues such as the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), which brings Broadway shows and national tours to the heart of the city, and the Trinity Repertory Company, which has been producing world-class theater for over half a century. The Wilbury Theatre Group and Teatro ECAS anchor Providence’s Valley Arts District with a variety of award-winning and thought-provoking productions. The city’s many performance venues, from large concert halls to independent bars and clubs, and also public spaces and stages, host concerts and performances spanning all genres, ensuring there’s something for every taste. Notable venues include the Amica Mutual Pavillion, the Strand, Vets Auditorium, and Fete Music Hall, among many others. Beyond traditional theater, Providence also embraces experimental and avant-garde performances, with organizations and venues like AS220, the Dirt Palace, the Steel Yard, and Waterfire Arts Center showcasing boundary-pushing works from local and emerging artists. The city’s creative spirit is palpable in its numerous galleries and museums, such as the RISD Museum, the Providence Children’s Museum, the Museum of Natural History and the Art Club, which exhibit works ranging from traditional to contemporary, showcasing the talents of local and international artists alike. Young people from neighborhoods across Providence connect with art, music, and creativity at an early age through organizations like DownCity Design, New Urban Arts, Community Music Works, and the Manton Avenue Project. <
> The City has elevated its profile as a tourism destination in Southern New England over the past decade and welcomes both leisure and convention tourism. The RI Convention Ceneter is a 130,000 sq foot exhibition hall that includes a main hall, ballrooms and meeting rooms to all full convention needs. Located within walking distance of the Convention Center, Downtown is home to 14 hotels, including 7 major franchised hotels and 3 boutique hotels. Downtown hotels and several others throughout the city contribute to a total of more than 3,000 rooms, welcoming tourists from around the world, year-round. Providence is also home to a vibrant array of summer festivals, ranging from PVDFest, PrideFest, and Day Trill to cultural heritage celebrations such as the Dominican, Guatemalan, Puerto Rican, and Cape Verdean Festivals. These and many other events celebrate the unique cultural identities of Providence’s community, while boosting tourism and hospitality and supporting local artists and musicians. <
> Providence’s cultural landscape includes the culinary arts, adding another layer to its cultural richness, fueled, in part, by the creative spirit of Johnson and Wales University’s College of Food Innovation & Technology (CFIT), buoying a diverse array of restaurants, shared kitchens, food trucks, and markets that offer a variety of cuisines from around the world. From innovative farm-to-table eateries to authentic ethnic fare, foodies can embark on a culinary journey that reflects the city’s multicultural identity and gastronomic creativity. Providence is steeped in history, captivating visitors from near and far with architectural treasures and compact, walkable neighborhoods. Additionally, Providence’s renowned WaterFire installation, a mesmerizing display of bonfires lit on the city’s rivers, pays homage to its industrial past while offering a unique and enchanting experience for tourists. From guided tours of historic neighborhoods like Benefit Street, College Hill, and Elmwood, to RI Latino Arts’ Barrio Tours of Broad Street and visits to the Roger Williams Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the country, Providence offers a wealth of attractions that share its history and culture with all who seek it. Providence tourism also benefits from its proximity to other regional destinations allowing visitors to experience a variety of experiences within a short distance. Newport, Boston, Mystic Ct., and Cape Cod are a short distance away, allowing Providence to serve as a hub to explore the region’s charms and beauty. As cities’ economies continuously change and evolve, Providence must leverage and lean into arts and cultural foundations and night-time economies to support its business climate and attract tourism. Overall, Providence’s arts, culture and tourism scene is a testament to its dynamic and inclusive spirit, drawing inspiration from its rich heritage while embracing innovation and diversity. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in this vibrant cultural capital. <
> Between 2019 and 2022 Providence’s Department of Art, Culture and Tourism (ACT) developed *PVDx2031: A Cultural Plan for Culture Shift*. ACT invited the public into its thinking and processes through planning studios, surveys, focus groups, and stakeholder interviews. This comprehensive document outlines Providence’s vision and strategies for fostering a vibrant and inclusive arts and culture scene. The plan’s seven themes frame the ways that the City and its partners will fund and invest in arts and cultural resources for the next ten years: **Art and Well-being:** The City recognizes that health inequities in our country are deeply embedded and that they redouble the effects of historical traumas. Civic policies, investments and support of creative practitioners and their communities focus specifically on the intersections of art, health, and the environment. **Placekeeping in Neighborhoods:** Providence has an abundance of artists, arts organizations and creative businesses that are the bedrock of their local, geographic communities. The City centers their needs. **Creative Workforce:** The ideas, goods and services developed by Providence’s creative workforce drive its economy. In kind, the City prioritizes fair wages, affordable housing, and accessible spaces to create/exhibit and develops sustainable resources that make creative work possible. **Creative Economy:** Providence relies on revenue generated by the sale of art, culture and design-based goods and services to drive its local creative economy. The City understands that barriers to growth and sustainability in the creative sector must be identified and removed to ensure its vitality and longevity. **Resilient Nonprofits:** Providence’s nonprofit arts, cultural, and humanities organizations anchor its local and regional creative sector. They provide spaces for artists and public historians to develop and exhibit and work; offer educational opportunities and entertainment for all communities; and act as welcoming venues for visiting tourists. The Future of Arts Teaching and Learning: Art and culture stimulate curiosity; cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills; and help audiences and producers find common ground across differences. The City incorporates art in all curricula and offers fair wages to arts educators. Public Awareness, Advocacy and Tourism: Providence is Rhode Island’s Creative Capital, a unique landscape of cultural abundance. BIPOC communities, including BIPOC artists and arts organizations, are centered in its stories about itself. <
> <
> Overall, “PVDx2031: A Cultural Plan for Culture Shift” serves as a roadmap for Providence to realize its aspirations as a dynamic and culturally vibrant city, guided by principles of equity, diversity, and sustainability in its cultural endeavors. The document outlines long-term goals for Providence’s cultural evolution, envisioning a city where arts and culture are fully integrated into everyday life, driving social cohesion, economic growth, and community well-being. The following objectives and strategies are adapted from the PVDx2031 Cultural Plan. <
> <
> # OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES For more detailed implementing activities and measurable outcomes, view Providence’s cultural plan *PVDx2031: A Cultural Plan for Culture Shift*. ### Objective AC1: ART AND WELL-BEING Acknowledge and address inequities by focusing support for creative practitioners and their communities on the intersections of art, health, and the environment. **Strategies:** A. Integrate the arts in K-12 learning to advance environmental and community health. B. Increase support for artists who foster social cohesion and collective healing; create land-based projects and preserve ancestral knowledge. C. Draw attention to the intersection of art, culture, and well-being. D. Use creative strategies to support well-being in Providence communities impacted most by systemic racism and climate change. E. Fund artist-led design processes that connect art, health, and climate resiliency at the grass-roots level. ### OBJECTIVE AC2: PLACEKEEPING IN NEIGHBORHOODS Uplift and support unique and diverse neighborhoods through placekeeping initiatives that center the need and agency of communities and their bedrock artists and arts organizations. **Strategies:** F. Support neighborhood-based artists, organizers and businesses who bring relevant art and live events to their neighborhoods. G. Commission artists to produce events, show work and perform in unexpected sites. H. Support public projects that advance a spatial justice framework. I. Invest in placekeeping strategies that preserve neighborhood-based cultural expression and strengthen a sense of belonging. ### OBJECTIVE AC3: CREATIVE WORKFORCE Support the economic well-being and growth of Providence’s creative workforce. **Strategies:** A. Address artists’ basic needs, including developing and implementing strategies relating to fair wages and benefits, housing needs, accessible creative space, and other needs. B. Centralize resources for creative practitioners, including by facilitating opportunities for connection and professional development between artists and cultural organizations. C. Support creative entrepreneurs, including by highlighting creative businesses, training artists in business, and providing technical assistance and small and micro business supports. D. Establish new and fortify existing pathways for young adult artists to explore careers in the creative sector. E. Hire artists and engage creatives in the development of civic projects and public policy, including by employing and supporting artists specializing in civic engagement and facilitation. ### OBJECTIVE AC4: CREATIVE ECONOMY Identify and remove barriers to the growth and sustainability of the creative sector to ensure its vitality and longevity. **Strategies:** A. Develop a more equitable and regenerative creative economy, including by adopting practices like providing general and flexible financial support to artists and arts businesses, offering more participatory budgeting opportunities, and sharing workspaces and resources. B. Dismantle barriers for arts businesses and organizations to grow at a sustainable pace and to build resiliency, including by government and non-profits prioritizing local creator and arts business hiring and improving procurement, permitting, and licensing processes. C. Further develop Providence’s life at night and music economy, including by funding and facilitating a life at night study and implementing its recommendations. ### OBJECTIVE AC5: RESILIENT NONPROFITS Foster sustainable, healthy, and resilient arts, cultural, and humanities organizations that anchor the creative sector and provide myriad benefits to artists, their communities, and visitors. **Strategies:** A. Develop racial equity goals and accountability structures. B. Develop shared leadership models between government, non-profit, and community-based organizations. C. Re-evaluate grant application and reporting processes to center accessibility, including language access and taking specific steps to rid applications of embedded racial bias. D. Develop interdisciplinary programs and collaborative cross-sector projects. **OBJECTIVE AC6: THE FUTURE OF ARTS TEACHING AND LEARNING** Commit time, space, and funding to support arts teaching and learning to ensure the benefits of art and culture can be enjoyed by everyone, from the youngest to the eldest in our communities. **Strategies:** A. Foster culturally responsive school communities. B. Develop neighborhood-based, all-ages arts learning opportunities. C. Create pathways for BIPOC arts educators and teaching artists to work in established creative businesses, nonprofit cultural organizations and schools. D. Standardize systems for teaching artists working with PPSD. E. Create incentives for students and recent graduates to build creative careers in Providence. F. Support nonprofit cultural organizations that serve BIPOC, immigrant, incarcerated and queer/trans youth. **OBJECTIVE AC7: PUBLIC AWARENESS, ADVOCACY AND TOURISM** Defend and advocate for the importance of the local art and culture sector while finding equitable, profitable ways to share it with visitors and center BIPOC communities in doing so. **Strategies:** A. Develop marketing strategies that elevate BIPOC residents, artists and cultural offerings. B. Promote the work of independent practitioners, nonprofit cultural organizations, and creative businesses. C. Strengthen access and equity through cultural offerings and the commemorative landscape. D. Promote Providence as a world-class cultural destination through initiatives including supporting live events in the public realm, supporting life at night, enhancing physical accessibility at venues and cultural facilities, marketing and lighting initiatives that encourage winter tourism, promoting walkability and multimodal access in public realm projects, and more. # 7. PEOPLE AND PUBLIC SPACES <
> **GOAL:** Foster an equitable and vibrant artistic and creative culture, reimagine public spaces, and enhance civic life by uplifting and incorporating artists and culture-bearers in all planning and policy-making. Access to urban parks can greatly increase the quality of life for those living in Providence, and shape the look and feel of our communities, as well as support the local economy and environment. One tenth of the city’s total acreage is public park space and all residents live within a ten-minute walk of a quality public park. Within this system, there are 120 unique neighborhood parks, which feature playgrounds (at more than half), active municipal cemeteries, miles of walking, biking and hiking trails, ballfields, basketball, outdoor fitness centers, tennis and pickleball courts, skateboard/biking features, waterparks, boat ramps, a zoo, the Museum of Natural History, the Botanical Center, historical buildings, an ice rink, and the largest historical park in Rhode Island, Roger Williams Park. Open space, parks and outdoor recreation facilities are essential to the vitality and quality of life in Providence. They are not only the heart of local communities, but they are often regional destinations for visitors from near and far. In a dense City like Providence, which saw a 7.2% increase in population density to 10,374 residents per square mile from 2010 to 2020, the parks system provides critical direct contact with nature and a cleaner environment and opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and community building. Furthermore, open spaces provide an interconnected system of green spaces that conserves natural ecosystem values and functions, sustains clear air and water, and provides a wide array of benefits to people and wildlife. Green infrastructure is a community’s natural life support system, the ecological framework needed for environmental and economic sustainability. Providence has a diversified public park system. As the city’s population increases and changes, so will the city’s facilities. This section sets forth objectives and strategies to meet the changing needs for open space, parks and outdooor recreational facilities within the city. ### Public Space Changes **NEW FACILITIES** During the last decade, Providence saw substantial new development of parks and the restoration of many more. $49 million was invested in park improvement projects, including 277 major projects completed, with 90 additional major projects in the pipeline. 90% of parks received major improvements, with 100% of parks to have received major improvements by end of 2024. $23 million were invested in the revitalization of Roger Williams Park, including roadways, green infrastructure, signage, landscaping, building revitalizations, mechanical/HVAC repairs, biking/walking/running trails, sidewalks, public art, and state of the art visitor’s center. 8 new parks were also developed in the last decade, including the beloved Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge and its surrounding 195 District Park area. Other investments include renovations to downtown parks, outdoor learning spaces at select schools, 60+ stormwater management features, and much more. “Vibrant parks and green spaces are at the center of resilient and equitable cities, and increasingly, agencies and public officials are leveraging the many benefits of parks to meet their city-wide equity goals. Through community engagement and applying an equitable approach to park funding, park leaders, public, private, civic, and philanthropic partners are directing investments to communities in greatest need.” - CITY PARKS ALLIANCE | AREA | # OF CITY PARKS | NAMES | | :--- | :---: | :--- | | North | 16 | Ascham St. Park; Boyle Square; Canada Pond Management Area; Collyer Park; Corliss Park; Esek Hopkins Homestead; Father Lennon Park; Garibaldi Square; General St. Park; Hopkins Park; Iola French Park; Joseph P. Hassett Sr. Park; Prete-Metcalf Fields and Playground; Hopkins Square and St. Ann’s Plaza; Tom Twitchell Greenway; Wanskuck Park | | East | 26 | Billy Taylor Park; Blackstone Boulevard Park; Blackstone Park; Brassil Memorial Park; Brown Street Park; Cabral Park; Constance Witherby Park; Fenner Square; Gano Park; George Araujo Park; Gladys Potter Park; India Point Park; Kerry Kohring Park; Lippitt Memorial Park; M.E. Sharpe Memorial Park; Morris Ave. Tot Lot; Ninth Street Park; North Burial Ground and Randall Park; Paterson Street Park; Pleasant Street Park; Prospect Terrace; Rochambeau Square; Roger Williams Landing; Sessions Street Park; Waterman Street Dog Park; Wild Place | | South | 31 | Amos Earley Park; Annie Morris Totlot; Ardoene Park; Arthur & Ruby Lawrence Park; Baxter Street Park; Bucklin Park; Cheryl M. Fisher-Allen Tot Lot; Columbia Park; Columbus Square; Cranston Street Tot Lot; Davey Lopes Park; Diamond Street Playground; Drummond Field; Harriet and Sayles Park; Jacqueline M. Clements Memorial Park; J.T. Owens Park and Ed Hooks Playground; Jennifer Rivera Memorial Park; Joseph Williams Field; Locust Grove Cemetery; Mashapaug Park; Mashapaug Pond Boating Center; Mattie Smith Tot Lot; Miguel Luna Park; Murphy-Trainor Park; Peace & Plenty Park; Pearl Street Park; Richardson Park; Roger Williams Park; Warren Street Park; Walking School Bus Path; Washington Park Square | | West | 30 | Cerbo Square; Clarence Street Park; Conlan Junior Park; Davis Park; Dexter Training Ground; Donigian Park; Fargnoli Park; Franciscan Park; George J. West Park; James J. Ahern Park; John O’Brien Park; Joslin Park; Major Park; Manton Ave Skate Parks; Merino Park; Mt. Pleasant Little League Fields and Duggan Playground; Mt. Pleasant Memorial Park; Neutaconkanut Park; Obadiah Brown Fields; John O. Pastore Park; Paul Grande Park; Pleasant Valley Parkway; Ridge Street Park; Riverside Park; Scalabrini Piazza; Silver Lake Memorial Park; St. John’s Park; Triggs Memorial Golf Course; Woony Adventure Park; Viscolosi Park | | Downtown | 15 | Abbott Park; Adrian Hall Way; Amtrak Station Park; City Center & Providence Rink; Biltmore Park; Burnside Park; Cathedral Square; Freeman Park; Harborview on Providence River Park; Kennedy Plaza; Market Square; Memorial Park; Michael S. Van Leesten Pedestrian Bridge; Providence Riverwalk; Waterplace Park | **City of Providence Parks by Neighborhood (See Map B.15 and providenceri.gov/parks for locations)** PROGRAMMING The Parks Department has a robust and integrated series of programs designed to bring people together outside to promote health and wellness, as well as promote wildlife and conservation education. We are going into our second decade of the Urban Wildlife Conservation Partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service wherein we provide activities that engage students in outdoor learning that aligns with core curriculum and Next Generation Science Standards, as mandated by the district. Furthermore, free USDA meal service and corresponding PlayCorps Programs ensures that students will be fed in our 40% of our parks and engaged when school is out of session. These programs are further supplemented with free fitness classes for all ages and abilities at over 20% of our parks. Some of our key institutions play an integral role in supplementing the core curriculum and providing activities for Providence children, youth and families. The Museum of Natural History, Providence Rink, Botanical Center, Zoo, RWP Visitors Center, and the North Burial Ground all work together to bring free innovative and integrated programs to the public. The Edward Ely Performing Arts Series further supports free performing arts performances in 10% of our parks. BROWNFIELDS TO GREENFIELDS Over the course of the past ten years, the department has transformed several brownfield sites into public spaces. The Woony Adventure Park at the former site of Lincoln Lace and Braid, and Mashapaug Park at the former Gorham site are both great examples of this use. Due to competing demands with housing and public space, and the cost of transforming Brownfields into Greenfields, the Parks Department does not have any plans to develop any additional brownfield areas. HISTORIC PRESERVATION In the past ten years, all of the historic buildings under the purview of the Parks Department have been fully renovated or restored. Many of these buildings are within Roger Williams Park and others are in neighborhood parks. In RWP, the Museum of Natural History, Betsey Williams Cottage, the Seal House, Temple to Music, Dalrymple Boathouse, Mounted Command, and Casino have all received major investments that have stabilized further decline and greatly enhanced curb appeal. In city parks, Garvin House on Mashapaug Pond, Esek Hopkins Homestead in Hopkins Park, and Wanskuck Cottage in Wanskuck Park have all been renovated and have found new use as artist-in-residence sites, City offices, or training program sites. Due to aging infrastructure, the Museum of Natural History, and the Casino, will continue to need significant capital investment for the foreseeable future. For the next 5 years, Esek Hopkins Homestead will be the site for an innovative partnership with Providence Preservation Society. The interior of the building is being renovated as part of a workforce development project. There are many historic statues located throughout the parks system that require on-going maintenance. With all these memorials, the department seeks to work with the organizations that commissioned and/or installed these significant markers to ensure they are well-cared for. Going forward, all new monuments and memorials must be approved by the Special Committee on Commemorative Works to confirm social significance and a maintenance plan. GREEN MEASURES Parks aims to improve bio-diversity and adapt to the challenges of climate change. Where possible, we are chemical-free, prioritize sustainably harvested natural materials, use integrated pest management, plant and manage native trees and perennials, manage invasive plants, develop stormwater mitigation features, and implement *leave the leaves* and *low mow/no mow* practices. We have also started to make the transition to electric turf management equipment. Along with other partners, we developed the nationally renowned Providence Stormwater Innovation Center. Our new visitor center is also the City’s first net-zero energy building in the city. In winter 2024, we opened the region’s first urban wood waste depot that will allow for us to repurpose waste that would otherwise be bound for the landfill. STREET TREE INVENTORY The Parks Department maintains an updated inventory of street trees to determine numbers, locations, and condition. The inventory quantifies the environmental benefits of street trees and their contributions to energy savings, carbon storage, pollution mitigation, stormwater management, beautification, and property value. TREE PLANTING, CARE AND PRESERVATION Tree planting has increased substantially and has grown through the partnership with the Providence Neighborhood Planting Program. The goal is reducing heat islands and a net gain of trees each year, factoring in mortality and tree removal while also ensuring mobility and access for pedestrians in city neighborhoods. The Parks Department has taken steps to ensure healthy trees, including increasing the soil volume of tree wells wherever possible to allow greater absorption of water, nutrients and oxygen. The “tree rescue” program removes tree-choking tree grates, pavement and other harmful infrastructure. Other new initiatives include tree planning and pruning in partnership with community members and organizations. <
> ## Key Public Space Assets CITY CEMETERIES: ROGER WILLAMS FAMILY CEMETERY, LOCUST GROVE CEMETERY, AND NORTH BURIAL GROUND. The mission of North Burial Ground (NBG) is to memorialize the deceased, comfort the living, and be a cultural, historical and conservation destination for the community. Going forward it is essential that NBG has the capacity to continue to provide space for municipal burials, and meet the community’s needs for open space, conservation, and programs, while being responsive to the finite availability of land for this use. Additionally, the infrastructure and curb appeal must match the use and vision. ROGER WILLIAMS PARK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY & PLANETARIUM. The Museum of Natural History and Planetarium continues to grow as a local and regional learning and discovery destination for all. It is the state’s only Museum of Natural History and public planetarium. Annually, it hosts approximately 40,000 visitors, including students and special program attendees. We are especially excited about our innovative field trip programs, that include planetarium shows and hands-on workshops, for schools, homeschool families, camps, scouts, community groups, and student mentorships, as well as our college internships. The 2023 renovations will allow the museum to host additional public and private events. ROGER WILLIAMS PARK BOTANICAL CENTER. The Roger Williams Park Botanical Center hosts over 100,000 visitors annually and provides related education and conservation programs to over 1200 children and adults at local schools, community groups, homeschool families, and more. Not only is it a living museum that connects people to nature, but it also serves as a regional destination and event center. With the 2023 expansion of the grounds and new event pavilion the Botanical Center’s role as a premier event location will be codified. RINK AND PROVIDENCE CITY CENTER. The Providence Rink has expanded into a year-round destination and events center. 2023 infrastructure improvements and the new shade sail allow for an extended period of ice-skating as well as a forum for events and programs. ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO. Roger Williams Park Zoo welcomes approximately 800,000 guests annually. Recently included in their list of the top 26 zoos in the country by U.S. News & World Report, RWPZ is a must-see activity for out of state visitors and a long-standing traditional must-do for local community members. Committed to providing captivating experiences that inspire guests to participate in wildlife conservation, Roger Williams Park Zoo is actively enhancing existing animal habitats for the well-being of its residents. As part of a long-term master plan, the zoo is currently developing an education center and events pavilion that will more than double the size of an existing facility, enhancing its capacity as a destination. CITY CENTER RINK AT BANKNEWPORT CITY CENTER. The City Center Rink has become the center for year-round downtown parks programs. Working in Partnership with 195 District parks, and other partners, we have developed well-loved community initiatives that happen at rink and throughout the extensive network of downtown parks. The addition of an artistic and utilitarian shade sail and rink renovations scheduled for the spring of 2024 will further secure the rink as the downtown event and recreation space. ROGER WILLIAMS PARK GATEWAY. The 2023 Gateway showcases the best of what we do at parks, sustainable, innovative urban park design, and connects our flagship park, Roger Williams, to the surrounding communities. Going forward, the center will become a local and regional destination for community, cultural, arts and environmental programs. We will continue to promote all that we do in Roger Williams Park and promote this flagship park as a single campus with many venues and opportunities for programming, conservation, and historical, cultural and community connections. NEIGHBORHOOD PARK RENOVATIONS. Parks renovations have been informed by the mission and vision to offer state of the art facilities that foster community building, passive and active recreation, increase of green space through sustainable management practices, welcoming and accessible play spaces encouraging free and open play, and unique creative expression through participation of local craftsper-sons and artisans. WATERFRONT PARKS. The vision for a series of connected waterfront parks is almost realized. The addition of the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge and the 195 District’s new park spaces on the east and west side of the Providence River provide for a seamless connection from Gano Park, India Point Park, the Hurricane Barrier, and through to Waterplace Park. What is missing from this picture is a climate resilient, enhanced, and naturalized waterfront park that will provide for boat dockage, visitor’s center, as well as basic services and eating and drinking establishments. In the next 5 years, we plan to see this project completed. ## Public Space Challenges and Opportunities Climate Resiliency. The greatest challenge facing our parks system is the management of stormwater and reduction of flooding against sea level rise and storm surge, while also restoring and creating new park features and marine habitats. Parks approaches design for resiliency and adaptation to the changing climate and its effects. Design considerations focus on practices to mitigate heat island effect, decrease soil erosion, and provide for on-site stormwater infiltration. Available Land. Being mostly built out, Providence has limited areas for new open space and recreational facilities; existing park space is often overused by athletic leagues. Going forward it is imperative that field use is scheduled and sustainable. Limited Resources. While resources are limited, the Parks Department takes advantage of opportunities to bring in additional funds through revenues, grants, and partnerships. We will continue to inform and promote the City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) bonding process. We also use data to ensure that our spaces and facilities are maintained to ensure longevity. We have robust training, inventory, and work order management systems that enable us to do preventative maintenance and schedule replacement equipment/features before issues arise. <
> **Meeting Demand.** While Providence is an evolving City and the demographics change over time, what remains constant is the need for quality outdoor spaces and diverse programs. We will continue to work with over 50 friends and neighborhood groups to help inform the decisions and priorities for public spaces. We encourage the development of new ways of connecting with the community. **Connected and Clean Waterways.** Building on the aforementioned, all of the waterways in Providence are connected and most run through our park system. It is of vital importance to ensure this water is clean for recreation use, community health, and fish/wildlife habitat. Additionally, a fish passage facility is needed at Roger Williams Park. The Cunliff Lake Dam, located at the downstream end of the network of water basins in Roger Williams Park is a short distance up from the mainstem of Pawtuxet River. Cunliff Lake and connected water basins in the park will provide opportunity for a significant expansion to the current self-sustaining population of diadromous fish (river herring) in the Pawtuxet River, providing an increase in the forage base for important species of fish in Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound. This heavily visited park, located in a densely populated neighborhood also provides an outstanding opportunity to inform the public about the efforts and the importance in restoring and managing the living natural resources of out coastal streams and estuaries. The new boardwalk and fishing dock at Roger Williams Park will further promote these connections. **Well Designed and Maintained Network of Parks.** While everyone lives within a ten minute walk of a quality public park, it is essential that every facet of these parks not only be, unique, include state-of the art facilities and equipment, and reflect the needs of the community, but also comprise a comprehensive network of parks with diverse amenities and ease of access to all. This network will connect children and families to nature, offer opportunities for free and open play, provide traditional and non-traditional recreation opportunities, connections to the arts, and be climate resilient. Priority projects are determined by equity and community need. The Parks Department has a team of landscape and graphic design specialists that ensure the best practices in urban park design and maintenance are considered. # OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES ### OBJECTIVE PS1: PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES Provide and enhance outdoor recreational, cultural, arts, and performing arts programming throughout the city. **Strategies:** A. Provide a diversity of programming at park facilities throughout the city. B. Diversify and expand programmed athletic opportunities in parks. C. Expand parks programming opportunities for youth. D. Develop new space(s) in the city for large-scale festivals. E. Support and encourage public art in park spaces. F. Expand use of school facilities for programs through interdepartmental collaboration. G. Collaborate with organizations to enhance access to programming and educational opportunities. H. Adapt programming in parks facilities to changing demographics of the city. I. Support federal and state parks and recreation plans that help implement this comprehensive plan. ### OBJECTIVE PS2: SUSTAIN OUR PARK ASSETS Provide the necessary resources to build and maintain a parks system that offers a diversity of recreational opportunities for all residents. **Strategies:** A. Supplement City funding with additional funds from user fees, concession and lease agreements, and grants. B. Supplement City maintenance resources with maintenance sharing agreements. C. Collaborate with institutions, businesses and organizations to sponsor and fund programs. D. Ensure balance between services, fees and programming. E. Establish reasonable and feasible maintenance standards. F. Increase park maintenance staff during peak seasonal periods. G. Incorporate low maintenance designs into park renovation projects. H. Investate and implement innovative park maintenance plans with public and private partners. ### OBJECTIVE PS3: LINK PUBLIC SPACES Connect neighborhoods and open spaces through a network of bicycle and pedestrian friendly streets and trails. **Strategies:** **A.** Continue to develop a connected system of greenways for continual access along the entire waterfront and through adjacent neighborhoods. **B.** Strategically acquire parcels to link open spaces. **C.** Explore opportunities involving public and private land to provide continuous public access to the waterfront along rivers and ponds without land acquisition. **D.** Collaborate across City departments and with community organizations to identify and implement improvements to the city’s bicycle and pedestrian networks. **E.** Through development incentives, negotiation, and other mechanisms, create publicly accessible open spaces through private land development. ### OBJECTIVE PS4: INCREASE ACCESS TO PARK FACILITIES Provide for a regular program of park and recreation improvements that reflect resident interests in recreation and physical fitness. **Strategies:** **A.** Prioritize development of new parks and improvements to existing parks based on neighborhood need, incorporating equity analysis of factors like access to green space, neighborhood tree canopy, and level of urban density. **B.** Provide public park and recreation facilities in proximity to schools. **C.** Expand and diversify park use opportunities. **D.** Increase accessibility of park facilities for residents of all levels of physical abilities, including incorporating universal design and PROWAG principles into park improvements and investing in infrastructure like accessible picnic tables. ### OBJECTIVE PS5: STEWARDSHIP OF RESOURCES Protect natural and cultural resources by incorporating them into the fabric of an overall system of public open space and enhance their climate resilience. **Strategies:** A. Promote public access to the waterfront and water-based recreational activities. B. Explore opportunities to create new open spaces along waterways (rivers, ponds, streams) where none currently exist. C. Encourage the conservation, restoration and preservation of environmentally sensitive areas through means such as evaluating expansion of conservation areas. D. Continue to study and implement best practices in climate resilient design of park and conservation areas to support citywide management of increasing levels of stormwater, sea level rise, and extreme heat. E. Encourage pedestrian access to and passive use of designated conservation areas. F. Identify and protect key vistas and view corridors. G. Ensure the stewardship of historic park facilities and landscapes. H. Promote the restoration of historic park sculptures through public/private partnerships. ### OBJECTIVE PS6: COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Ensure the success of public spaces by involving the community in planning and maintenance efforts. **Strategies:** A. Encourage community ownership of neighborhood parks and other civic and public spaces through “friends of…,” “park watch dogs” and similar programs. B. Develop an ongoing process for updating neighborhood and citywide resident interests and needs for park and recreation facilities and public programming. C. Provide opportunities for community input in park and recreation facility renovation efforts. D. Increase public knowledge about existing park and recreation spaces as well as athletic, arts and performing arts programming activities. E. Promote a civic culture of properly caring for public spaces. ### OBJECTIVE PS7: COMMUNITY GARDENING Continue to identify, establish, maintain and expand city park sites for community gardens. **Strategies:** A. Work with residents and community groups to identify viable community garden sites. B. Identify and prioritize community garden expansion in neighborhoods lacking community gardens or access to health food. C. Expand community gardening opportunities on under-utilized park land. D. Investigate ways to identify and match potential park-owned garden sites with growers. E. Continue to aspire to every Providence resident living within a ten-minute walk of a community garden. # 8. COMMUNITY SERVICES AND FACILITIES <
> ## GOAL: Sustain a high quality of life by providing efficient, responsive, and cost-effective city services, and maintaining quality community facilities. In the coming decades, the City of Providence will face challenges including a changing climate, new technologies, new ways of living and working, and a growing population. The city’s community services and facilities must anticipate change and adapt to provide adequate service and continue acting as hubs of civic life. At a minimum, public services and facilities ensure the ability of a community to live in a safe and adequate environment. When designed with people and their environment in mind, quality services and facilities have the potential to build community capacity, support economic mobility, enhance the natural environment, and more. <
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> Community services include both the visible and unseen systems that enable urban life. This includes management of water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste, as well as energy production and consumption, and the interface through which residents engage with these services: PVD 311. Community facilities are often the most direct way that residents engage with government. Facilities such as fire and police stations, libraries, schools, and community centers are often the heart of neighborhoods in which they are located and viewed as amenities, anchors, and stabilizing influences. Not every service or facility discussed in this chapter is provided by the City of Providence. Some, like libraries and wastewater management, are provided by partner agencies or organizations. The City must remain aware of the limited resources and capacity of the various public, not-for-profit, and private entities that manage vital services, while working collaboratively to ensure the highest possible quality of life for the Providence community. # OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES ## COMMUNITY SERVICES ### City Service Coordination and PVD 311 <
> Launched in 2015, the Mayor’s Center for City Services (MCCS) and the PVD311 system has transformed how services are requested, managed, and advocated for in Providence. Constituents now have one central hub where they can ask a question or request services, either by walking into the MCCS office at City Hall, calling 3-1-1, or downloading the PVD311 app on a smartphone and submitting a request. To date, more than 130,000 city service requests have been made through the 311 system since 2016. The most common request types include reports of trash or debris on public or private property, potholes and sidewalk issues, housing code issues or violations, missed trash pickup, illegal parking, and tree maintenance requests. The 311 system has undergone continuous improvement since launching, with a significant upgrade expected in 2024 that will improve the user experience and better integrate service requests into City department workflows. *** **OBJECTIVE CS1: CITY SERVICE COORDINATION** Provide and advocate for accessible, transparent, efficient, and proactive city services. *** **Strategies:** A. Continue centralizing constituent service requests through a central public facing hub (PVD 311). B. Improve public awareness of PVD 311 through additional signage, community outreach events, public advertising, and other best practices. C. Improve accessibility and user experience of PVD 311, potentially through additional channels of communication, such as virtual chat and email. D. Continue to expand the services and information that can be requested via PVD 311. E. Continue improving the integration of PVD 311 requests and City department workflows, with transparent and regular progress updates reported back to constituents. F. Study how innovative new technologies, like generative artificial intelligence, can be used to improve PVD 311. # Police, Fire and Public Safety Providence’s violent crime rate has steadily declined in recent decades, including an over 30% drop in violent crime from 2019 to 2024 according to City crime statistics. The Providence Police Department continues to be acknowledged as a national example of community policing, with deep relationships in Providence neighborhoods and partnerships with community organizations that help deter and respond to crime and violence. Initiatives like partnerships with ride-along mental health clinicians have helped tailor police responses to community needs, prioritizing de-escalation and supporting victims. Understaffing continues to impact the police force. However, recent police academy graduating classes have increased staffing levels, while continuing to add diversity to the force so that it more closely reflects the Providence community. Providence Police are also expanding their capacity to respond to issues like traffic safety and quality of life crimes, by cracking down on illegal ATVs and unsafe driving behavior through speed cameras and other tools. Investments in new technology and training are also helping to tackle long considered “hard-to-enforce” issues like noise, which negatively impacts quality of life across Providence neighborhoods. The Fire Department has also expanded services beyond fire response and prevention in the last decade, especially to combat the opioid overdose epidemic in response to an increase in basic and advanced life support. The Safe Stations program opens fire stations to anyone seeking addiction recovery services. A new Fire EMS bike unit has been deployed in high population areas of the city to respond more quickly to calls for overdose prevention, first aid, and mental health support. ### OBJECTIVE CS2: POLICE, FIRE AND PUBLIC SAFETY Ensure the safety and well-being of residents by providing fire and police protection and adequate resources, technology, and training to perform these vital services. **Strategies:** A. Support innovation in methods and technology to advance the work of the police and fire departments. B. Coordinate the operations of the police and fire departments and support inter-operational systems like dispatch. C. Maintain and support programs to address substance use and prevent overdoses, including emerging best practices in public health, exemplified by RI’s first overdose prevention center and in the City of Providence’s overdose prevention plan. D. Coordinate disaster operations and Homeland Security functions with the Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). E. Promote ongoing training and certification of police and fire personnel. F. Promote fire prevention and safe buildings. G. Maintain and improve public education efforts such as the smoke and carbon monoxide detector program. H. Coordinate fire and police operations with code enforcement. I. Promote accessible routes for fire and emergency response; this also entails effective and legible street and directional signs. J. Improve traffic safety citywide, emphasizing pedestrian and bicycle as well as automobile safety. K. Educate the public on the proper use of the 911 system and non-emergency line to reduce abuse of the system. L. Continue to support and emphasize the importance of community policing and community engagement in all departments. M. Improve enforcement of traffic regulations citywide, including by studying and utilizing new technology and best practices. N. Review and develop public safety strategies around nightlife, to ensure that Providence is a safe destination for active nightlife that contributes to and does not detract from quality of life in the city. # Emergency Management Studies have shown that every dollar spent on hazard mitigation and emergency preparedness saves an average of six dollars in future disaster costs, in addition to lives saved and injuries avoided (National Institute of Building Sciences, 2019). Emergency prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery in Providence is led by the Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) in collaboration with public safety personnel and several other public, non-profit, and private partners. PEMA also acts as the local Office of Homeland Security and is supported by both the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The emergency management landscape has changed dramatically since 2014. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, PEMA quickly pivoted to lead the coordination of vaccination clinics and distribution of supplies like test kits, masks, and sanitizer. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, notably coastal, riverine, and nuisance flooding, which have become a major focus of PEMA’s prevention and response efforts in recent years. The opioid overdose epidemic is now an official nationwide public health emergency and year-over-year increases in overdoses in Providence have informed an urgent expansion of NARCAN training, among other actions. At the time of this draft in spring 2024, Providence is in the final stages of updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. With help from a consultant team and a Local Hazard Mitigation Committee made up of City departments, state agencies, universities, non-profits, and other stakeholders, the plan assesses the risk of various potential hazards, ranging from the natural (ex: drought, disease, flooding), to the human-caused (ex: civil unrest, terrorism, cyber attack), and technological (ex: utility failure). The plan includes specific mitigation actions and is guided by a set of goals reflected in the strategies below that aim to reduce the risk of hazards to the City of Providence. *** **OBJECTIVE CS3: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT** Enhance the City’s capacity to mitigate, prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from major emergencies and disasters. *** **Strategies:** A. Update hazard assessments to incorporate the latest data and scientific understanding with an emphasis on future projections to ensure readiness for evolving threats. B. Before designing mitigation measures, study and leverage nationwide best practices, explore nature-based solutions, perform a “root cause analysis,” and understand the design of legacy systems in the context of current and future capacity needs. C. Foster collaboration between different systems and agencies to create more cohesive and efficient mitigation opportunities. D. Leverage emerging opportunities presented by new regulations (e.g. Executive Order 20-01: Advancing a 100% Renewable Energy Future for Rhode Island by 2030) and technological advancements, while concurrently mitigating the risks or challenges that they introduce. E. Tailor hazard mitigation strategies to align with the evolving landscape and its novel ramifications. F. Increase public involvement in disaster preparedness through education and outreach programs. G. Uplift community organizations in emergency response by encouraging community-driven ideas and solutions and providing resources to ensure success. H. Build up the financial resilience of Providence communities and provide aid after catastrophic losses. I. Ensure that policy, building code, and investment decisions are proactive and adaptive, aligning with the current and future risk environment and mitigation best practices to safeguard communities. # Water Drinking water is supplied to Providence households and businesses by the Providence Water Supply Board (PWSB), also known as Providence Water. PWSB maintains the Scituate Reservoir and its purification plant, as well as the infrastructure that serves drinking water to 600,000 people across Rhode Island. The Scituate Reservoir watershed is strictly protected and managed by PWSB, RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) and private and municipal landowners. Based on demand projections and capacity estimates in the 2018 Water Supply System Management Plan, PWSB anticipates having ample water supply for projected future average demand, with reserve system storage available to help meet maximum day demand projections. Several drought events in the last decade, most recently in summer 2022, left the reservoir below average levels for a period of months, but never dangerously low. As climate change leads to more frequent extreme weather events in the decades to come, assumptions informing water supply and demand projections will need to be further studied. PWSB has invested $547 million into capital improvements and infrastructure replacements since 1990, with an additional $615 million of capital improvements planned to be spent from 2021–2040. In recent decades, the public health dangers of lead service lines have become more widely understood. Responsibility is divided amongst ownership of lead pipes, with homeowners owning the sections of pipe on private property, making it more difficult to replace full lead service lines. However, recent federal grants and the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have funded free private lead service replacement to qualified families. *Rhode Island Water 2030*, an element of the State Guide Plan, addresses the management of drinking water supply resources in the state. As detailed below, this plan is consistent with that element in that it calls for responsibly managing and planning for the sustainable water use and development of the water resources of the state. *** **OBJECTIVE CS4: WATER** Provide a safe, sustainable, and adequate water supply for residential, commercial and industrial users. *** **Strategies:** **Protect the city’s water supply by:** **A.** Implementing a watershed protection plan for the entire Scituate Reservoir system watershed area. **B.** Continuing use of the watershed protection surcharge for watershed land acquisition. **C.** Protecting and preserving the watershed land of the Scituate Reservoir by mandating additional regulations to restrict pedestrian and vehicular access to the reservoir. **D.** Continuing to support all watershed protection efforts, including use of the power of eminent domain to acquire property rights. **E.** Working to create emergency connections with other water providers throughout the state and region based on the recommendations of the supplemental water supply study. **F.** Working to amend the enabling legislation for the PWSB to allow the City to reserve enough water for its future needs. **G.** Working with the State to plan for statewide water supply challenges and needs in accordance with *Rhode Island Water 2030*. Maintain the City’s water supply by: A. Discouraging industrial use of potable water when other water sources can be made available or technology can minimize the need. B. Encouraging users to create gray water systems to lessen demand on the potable water supply. C. Meeting and exceeding all applicable water quality regulations. D. Continuing to upgrade and maintain infrastructure throughout the system, including the replacement of lead service lines, with proper notification and outreach to eligible families about incentive programs and health risks. Upgrade the water supply system by: A. Addressing storage and distribution problems in order to cope with predicted long-term growth in the service region and population served. B. Conducting studies of water system demand, safe yield, and facilities needs to ensure that future needs for water are met. C. Improving the water distribution system with the installation of state-of-the art equipment and infrastructure. D. Completing installation of automated water meters throughout the system. E. Exploring new areas for potential to serve as reservoirs for additional water supply. ## Wastewater All Providence households are served by a “partially combined” sewer system that carries both wastewater and stormwater. Wastewater is treated at the Field’s Point Wastewater Treatment Facility and has been managed in conjunction with the quasi-public Narragansett Bay Commission (NBC) since 1980. In addition to technology, facilities, and renewable energy upgrades at the Fields Point Treatment Facility in the last decade, NBC’s multi-decade Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Abatement Project completed Phase II in 2014 and advanced into its final Phase III, scheduled for completion in 2028. When completed, this project will end most CSO discharges into Narragansett Bay, one of the largest point sources of pollution affecting the Bay. Work in the last decade diverted outfalls in several Providence neighborhoods and separated stormwater and wastewater flow on the East Side of Providence, leading to a significant improvement in water quality in the Woonasquatucket, Providence, Moshassuck, and Seekonk rivers. The City of Providence does not receive funding from the Narragansett Bay Commission to help maintain and upgrade City-owned sewer lines. In the last decade, the Providence Department of Public Works has utilized local Capital Improvement Plan and federal American Rescue Plan Act (2021) funding to study and map the sewer system, as well as make the first proactive repairs to City sewer lines in decades. Further study is required to understand and proactively improve the condition and capacity of the entire system, an increasingly urgent task given the changing climate and the anticipated frequency of extreme weather events in the coming decades. OBJECTIVE CS5: WASTEWATER In conjunction with the Narragansett Bay Commission (NBC), provide an efficient and sanitary wastewater treatment system that adequately serves the entire city, operates in full compliance with all state and federal standards, and improves water quality in Narragansett Bay. **Strategies:** **The City shall ensure efficient operation of city wastewater facilities by:** A. Pursuing funding opportunities to maintain and improve City owned wastewater lines and storm water treatment systems. B. Pursuing legislation for revenue sharing with NBC to ensure maintenance of City-owned wastewater lines. C. Continuing to ensure that all new development and redevelopment projects include separate wastewater and storm water lines. D. Incorporate Best Management Practices (BMPs) for storm water to limit storm water flow into the city’s rivers and combined sewers, reducing outfall, flow and capacity issues. E. Expand and incentivize the use of innovative storm water management interventions, such as green infrastructure, de-paving and rain gardens, especially in anticipation of increased extreme weather events associated with climate change. F. Amending regulations to allow the operation of grey water systems to reduce the amount of wastewater entering the treatment system. G. Encourage NBC to ensure the efficient and effective operation of its wastewater facilities by: H. Completing Phase III of the Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Project. I. Continuing the Combined Sewer Monitoring and Metering Program which provides capacity and maintenance analysis. J. Making sewer improvements which include: video inspection of all sewer lines, development of an asset management program linked to GIS and upgrading infrastructure as needed. K. Ensuring ability to maintain and upgrade infrastructure through review and enforcement of all overland maintenance easements. L. Preparing treatment facilities for the effects of climate change, including sea level rise and storm surge risks at Field’s Point. # Solid Waste Refuse and recycling programs in Providence are administered by the Department of Public Works’ Environmental Services Division with household curbside garbage and recycling pick-up under contract with Waste Management. These programs are funded entirely by property taxes. The Department of Sustainability also leads several programs and grants relating to solid waste, including composting initiatives and plastic bag ban compliance. Waste and recycling are brought to Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) in Johnston, which includes a central landfill, materials and residential recycling, eco-depot for hazardous waste at locations around the state, and leaf and yard debris composting. According to Solid Waste 2038, an element of the State Guide Plan, the Johnston Central Landfill is expected to reach capacity in 2046 unless disposal rates change. As detailed in Solid Waste 2038, Providence’s recycling rate and overall material diversion from the landfill are unacceptably low. In an effort to improve Providence’s low rates of recycling and diversion (7.8% and 8.3% of all solid waste respectively in 2023 – well below the 35% and 50% state goals), and consistent with Solid Waste 2038, the city and RIRRC launched a new “Recycle Together” public education program in 2022 that aims to raise recycling rates and save the estimated $1M spent by the city annually on rejected truckloads of contaminated waste. Recent community outreach initiatives relating to mattress disposal have saved the City hundreds of thousands of dollars and reduced dumping. The Department of Public Works also allows residents to contact the city’s Waste Management Division to coordinate pickup of large, bulky items. Recent community outreach initiatives relating to mattress disposal have saved the City hundreds of thousands of dollars and reduced dumping. The Providence Climate Justice Plan sets a target of eliminating all local food waste by 2040. Providence has seen a significant increase in backyard, indoor, and pick up composting in the last decade, indicating a demand for further expansion. Programs like Groundwork RI’s Harvest Cycle, Bootstrap Compost, and others pick up food waste directly from paying or qualifying households as well as dedicated drop off locations at community gardens and libraries. In 2024, the City of Providence received a major grant from the US Department of Agriculture to subsidize training and supplies in support of food waste diversion and composting in Providence. According to RIRRC, almost one-third of all municipal waste that goes to the land fill can be composted. In addition to expanding the life of the landfill beyond 2046, achieving this level of composting could also save over 44,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually in Rhode Island. *** **OBJECTIVE CS6: SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL** Reduce the amount of waste disposed of in landfills by prioritizing participation in recycling and composting programs, and promoting solid waste and litter reduction. *** **Strategies:** A. Expand recycling and composting public education and enforcement measures to increase citywide recycling rates to meet and exceed the 35% recycling and 50% diversion rates required by the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) and *Solid Waste 2038*. B. Encourage, invest in, and dramatically expand recycling and composting programs to reduce the amount of solid waste sent to the landfill, and consider implementing incentives to do so. C. Study and consider launching a municipal compost program that collects food waste and yard debris and sells compost back to residents for use. D. Promote the beneficial reuse of materials. E. Work with RIRRC and RIDEM to have multi-family housing solid waste reclassified as municipal waste rather than commercial to facilitate recycling at these properties. F. Encourage and support the work of non-profit groups and community organizations to help reduce litter and dumping in the city’s neighborhoods and promote the proper disposal of solid waste. G. Educate consumers regarding the impact of purchases on waste generation and reduction, and materials recovery, through the purchase of recycled content products, and the purchase of products with reduced toxicity and packaging. H. Encourage industrial processes that generate reduced amounts of waste. I. Encourage local businesses and industries to recycle and to use recycled and recyclable products. J. Promote litter prevention efforts at the local and state levels, stressing the protection of water-front areas and waterbodies, and establishes a culture of stewardship of public spaces. K. Continue to modernize the City’s solid waste management system. L. Investigate the feasibility of a municipal Pay as You Throw program for Providence. M. Work with RIRRC to expand the list of acceptable recyclables (i.e. colored glass, plastic types 3 through 7). N. Work with RIRRC and RIDEM to expand the Recycle Together public education program. ## Energy In Providence, electricity and natural gas are delivered to households and businesses by Rhode Island Energy, which is regulated by the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission. Most Providence residents and businesses receive energy supply via a competitive bidding process under Providence Community Electricity, a “community-choice aggregation” program launched in 2023 that allows the municipality to aggregate buying power to seek more competitive prices and a higher share of renewable energy sources. The City and State are transitioning to a more clean, diverse, and secure energy system in the coming decades. Goals and mandates set by the Paris Agreement, RI Energy 2035 Plan, Rhode Island Act on Climate, and Providence Climate Justice Plan – to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030, 80% by 2040, and 100% by 2050 – reflect an urgency to decarbonize and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to avoid the worst effects of Climate Change. Strategies to achieve these goals are included in several Comprehensive Plan chapters (including Land Use, Sustainability, and Mobility), but must include improving energy efficiency across sectors, promoting renewable energy (especially from local sources), reducing vehicle miles traveled and transitioning to alternative fuel and electric vehicles, addressing gas leaks and outdated infrastructure, and reducing costs. ### OBJECTIVE CS7: ENERGY Provide for the energy needs of City residents and the State, while phasing out the use of fossil fuels and lessening impacts on the environment. **Strategies:** **A.** Work with local generators and distributors by providing them with city plans for growth and change as they plan for the future utility needs of city and state residents. **B.** Discourage the development of private generators using fossil fuels as a primary fuel and encourage the development of generators using renewable energy sources and heat pumps. **C.** Transition energy supply to renewable sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and tidal. **D.** Encourage utility companies to use best and most advanced technology to minimize environmental impacts on air quality. **E.** Encourage co-generation of electricity, including home and community solar programs. **F.** Promote conservation of existing energy resources through education programs. **G.** Create standards for the siting and design of physical plants, service vaults, transformers, and electric and gas meters within the city limits. **H.** Work with the city’s institutions to incorporate energy sustainability and net-zero, LEED, and passive building standards into their master plans. **I.** Increase participation in RePOWER PVD the City’s voluntary energy challenge program. **J.** Prioritize electric and alternative fuel vehicles when adding to the City’s fleet. **K.** Develop plans and strategies to ensure all municipal buildings are carbon-neutral by 2040. **L.** Determine locations where wind turbines and solar farms could be constructed in the city, under certain conditions. # OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES ## COMMUNITY FACILITIES ### Schools As of School Year 2023–2024, the Providence Public School District (PPSD) serves approximately 19,400 students across 36 schools: 19 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 10 high schools. PPSD schools are racially and linguistically diverse learning communities. Approximately 69% of PPSD students identify as Latino, 14% Black, 6.5% White, 4% Asian, 5.5% multi-racial and 1% Native American. Approximately 40% of PPSD students are multilingual learners, and about 17% of students receive special education services. In addition, roughly 6,505 students attend charter schools, representing 25% of Providence students. Because these schools are located in various geographies and serve students from both in and outside the City of Providence, this summary and comprehensive plan discusses only PPSD buildings and programs. Over the last decade, two key initiatives have been driving changes to PPSD buildings and educational programming: the Rebuild PVD Schools and the District Turnaround Action Plan. Rebuild PVD Schools Following decades of deferred maintenance, a statewide moratorium on facility reimbursements and inadequate resources, PPSD’s school facilities have over $900 million of reported deficiencies that require repairs and upgrades. Supported by both City and State issued bonds, as well as State reimbursement incentives, PPSD and the City of Providence have begun an ambitious capital plan to reimagine school facilities under the umbrella of the Rebuild PVD Schools Plan. Under this plan, PPSD and the City of Providence have built three new or like-new schools – the first in over a decade – with nine additional schools already approved and underway. Through strategic use of swing space, construction timelines are able to move faster and with less disruption to students. These projects represent over $500 million in construction, repair, and renovation. City and state officials approved an additional $400 million of projects in February 2024. Reflecting national trends in demographics and the growth of private and charter schools, PPSD has had an enrollment decline of 3,000 students since 2018, a trend that is projected to continue, with a decline of another 3,000 students expected by 2030. Without any changes to school programming and facilities, this decline would leave the district with 5,500 excess seats by the 2029–30 school year. PPSD capital and programmatic planning aims to align school buildings to these shifts, ensuring a thoughtful right-sizing of district facilities and classrooms. District Turnaround Action Plan In November 2019, PPSD entered State Intervention, putting the district under control of the state Department of Education. Drafted in collaboration with Community Design Teams and using district outcome data, state and district leaders crafted a Turnaround Action Plan (TAP) to guide the district’s work from 2020–2025. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders Acknowledge the impact the global pandemic has had on the improved outcomes of the turnaround action plan. The TAP has four pillars: (1) Engaged Communities, (2) Excellence in Learning, (3) World Class Talent, and (4) Efficient District Systems. Under each of these pillars, the TAP details specific goals following key metrics to track turnaround efforts, as well as strategies for driving change. Additionally, the City of Providence has convened an interdepartmental working group, the Return to Local Control Cabinet, that includes city departments, City Council staff and Providence School Board members. This Cabinet is tasked with identifying an outline of what the city needs to do to responsible repair for a return to local municipal control, whenever that is determined to be by the RI Department of Education and the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education. **OBJECTIVE CS8: SCHOOLS** Ensure that all Providence children have the learning environment, tools, and opportunity to succeed in school and their future workplace and become active members of civic society. **Strategies:** **Improve academic achievement for all children and increase the graduation rate by:** A. Increase the number of PPSD school that are rated 2-stars or higher by the state evaluation system. B. Increase the number of parents and caregivers engaged with PPSD formal community engagement structures. C. Increase the percentage of students who are present 90% of the school year. D. Increase the percentage of students who are meeting and exceeding their Multilingual Learner (MLL) targets on the ACCESS assessment. E. Increase the percentage of students meeting and exceeding expectations in 3rd grade ELA RICAS. F. Increase the percentage of students meeting and exceeding expectations in 3rd grade Math RICAS. G. Increase the percentage of PPSD students who graduate within four years. H. Increase the percentage of students who graduate with college credit, AP credit or a CTE credential. I. Developing partnerships with local colleges and universities, as well as major employers and foundations to ensure students have access to opportunities. J. Recruiting highly effective teachers and school leaders who reflect Providence’s diversity and are focused on student growth and achievement. K. Collaborating with local colleges and universities on teacher training, education curriculum and continuing education opportunities to ensure teachers are highly qualified. L. Working with local businesses, institutions and non-profit agencies to develop school-to-career programs and cooperative work experiences that provide practical application of academic knowledge and prepare students to join the workforce. M. Exploring partnerships with libraries and local colleges and universities to increase access to resources and programming. N. Collaborating with community organizations to expand Eat Play Learn and other year-round out of school educational, recreational and cultural activities for children of all ages. **Develop physical and social environments that are conducive to learning by:** A. Utilizing state and local bond funding to improve school facilities to meet current and future educational needs. B. Preserving the continuity of school communities and transform the middle school experience through the expansion of pre-kindergarten through 8th grade school models. C. Building new schools in strategic locations where Providence families are concentrated. D. Building “newer and fewer” schools, to right-size the number of buildings to align with current and future projected enrollment. E. Modernizing security and educational technology at all school buildings. F. Ensuring that new and rehabilitated schools are models of environmental sustainability and design excellence. G. Improving pedestrian and bicycle access to schools from the surrounding neighborhoods. H. Opening grounds and facilities for community use, such as recreation and joint landscaping projects, to create additional urban green space in neighborhoods. I. Exploring opportunities for the creation of joint-use facilities such as athletic, recreational, and libraries, with community organizations. J. Implementing maintenance programs for buildings and grounds. K. Ensuring that schools are free from physical violence and psychological abuse such as bullying. L. Support efforts to create a predictable and fair school funding formula statewide that recognizes the particular challenges and needs of urban school systems. ## Library Services Providence’s library system is managed by two non-profit organizations, the downtown Providence Public Library (PPL) and nine community libraries managed by Community Libraries of Providence (CLPVD), both of which receive significant public funding. Since Community Libraries of Providence was founded in 2009 to take over the management and operation of the neighborhood libraries, both PPL and CLPVD have completed significant capital improvements and program expansions to better meet the needs of Providence communities. The Covid-19 pandemic forced both institutions to rethink their delivery of services and programs, but American Rescue Plan Act dollars and other initiatives have continued to expand programming and increase library visits. Providence Public Library completed a major modernizing renovation of its building in 2020, which has enabled a significant expansion of community programs and services. Community Libraries of Providence also completed several renovations at neighborhood branches, including ADA accessibility improvements, new “maker spaces,” and technology improvements. ### OBJECTIVE CS9: LIBRARY SERVICES Encourage Community Libraries of Providence and the Providence Public Library to provide residents of the city with a full range of library services. **Strategies:** **The Providence Community and Public Libraries will:** A. Acquire, organize and maintain comprehensive collections that reflect diversity and a wide spectrum of views. B. Provide specialized reference services. C. Refine and expand library services statewide through the development and implementation of cooperative services and individual programs, with and for community and professional groups and individual experts. D. Improve the effectiveness of library services for children by developing and implementing programs, in cooperation with other organizations, that serve the child in the context of her/his family and the larger community. E. Expand library services to adolescents. F. Provide sufficient hours at all library locations to ensure that the needs of the community are met. Maintain a high standard of customer service in library staff to ensure that the needs of users are met. G. Bridge the gap between those with ready access to information and those without by providing access to technology through the provision of up-to-date computer equipment, programs and access to the Internet. H. Continue training and educational programs to inform and aid individuals accessing and using the library’s electronic and physical information resources. I. Provide remote access to library resources utilizing electronic databases. J. Provide access to library resources to individuals with disabilities including the provision of assistive technology for the vision and hearing-impaired. K. Host community events at libraries to increase community awareness of library services and continue expanding library spaces as hubs for community connection. # Recreation and Community Centers Providence’s neighborhoods are also anchored by 12 recreation centers, more than 10 senior centers, and several community centers. These facilities are the heart of their diverse and vibrant communities and host programming serving residents of all ages and backgrounds. Providence recreation centers are managed by the Department of Recreation and have a long history of serving Providence’s youth through early childhood development and athletic programs. Facilities include indoor gyms, indoor and outdoor pools, and computer rooms. Programs range from the popular $5/week summer camps as part of Providence’s Eat Play Learn program, to basketball, soccer, and swim leagues, and arts and crafts groups. Recent projects include the renovation of various recreation center gyms and pools, a major rehabilitation project at the Elmwood Community Center, and the establishment of a “Resilience Hub” at Olneyville’s Joslin Recreation Center, which aims to meet the needs of residents around climate change mitigation, emergency management, and community capacity building. Senior centers are managed by various non-profit organizations, with programs and services coordinated by the City’s Senior Services Division. The City provides transportation for seniors from private houses, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities to community centers, day centers, supermarkets, and other event locations. | RECREATION CENTER NAME | ADDRESS | AMENITIES | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | A. Vincent Igliozzi | 675 Plainfield Street | Community room, computer lab, gym, pool | | Angelo Zuccolo | 18 Gesler Street | Computer lab, gym, pool | | Armand E. Batastini Jr. | 50 Obediah Brown Rd | Gym, indoor pool, playground | | Davey Lopes | 227 Dudley Street | Community room, computer lab, gym, playground, pool | | Elmwood Community Center | 75 Atlantic Ave | Gym, multi-purpose rooms, computer room, flexible spaces | | John H. Rollins | 674 Prairie Ave | Community room, computer lab, gym | | Joslin | 17 Hyat Street | Community room, computer lab, gym, water park | | Kennedy | 195 Nelson Street | Community room, gym | | Madeline Rogers | 60 Camden Street | Community room, gym, pool | | Sackett | 159 Sackett Street | Gym | | Vincent Brown | 438 Hope Street | Gym | | West End | 109 Bucklin Street | Gym, pool | **City of Providence Recreation Centers (see map B.15 and rec.providenceri.gov for details)** ### OBJECTIVE CS10: RECREATION AND COMMUNITY CENTERS Support the continued growth of recreation, senior, and community centers to meet the needs of and promote connection between constituents of all ages and backgrounds. **Strategies:** A. Analyze changing neighborhood demographics and conduct community outreach to assess what community needs can be served by community facilities and programming. B. Enhance the physical infrastructure of recreation center buildings through capital improvements and grand funds, with attention to accessibility and climate resiliency. C. Consider developing new recreation centers in neighborhoods where there are lacking youth and community recreation opportunities. D. Improve the accessibility, outreach, and communication of recreation center programs and initiatives through improved technology, website, and use of social media. E. Expand relationships with community organizations to expand programs in line with the mission of the City and Department of Recreation F. Create opportunities for programming and initiatives that will enrich the experience of children, families, and community members by establishing opportunities to address athletics, health and wellness, food insecurity, and extended learning. G. Hire and train staff to advance the mission of the Department of Recreation. H. Develop relationships with elementary and secondary schools to build expand programming and extended learning opportunities. I. Develop relationships with senior centers and assisted living facilities to expand programs for community members of all ages. # 9. LAND USE <
> **GOAL:** Sustain a high quality of life by providing efficient, responsive, and cost-effective city services, and maintaining quality community facilities. Land development continually shapes the growth and transformation of Providence. The Comprehensive Plan must address where and how these changes occur. This land use element focuses on both questions, based on input from previous comprehensive plans; neighborhood, area, and corridor plans; and from the public engagement process for this plan. This element has the most significant influence on the zoning ordinance, land development and subdivision review regulations, and ultimately on the projects that get built in the city. The land use element of the 2014 comprehensive plan was predicated on two key principles: protect residential neighborhoods and direct higher density development to the downtown, major commercial corridors, and industrial areas. With the adoption of a new zoning ordinance in 2014, growth has largely followed these principles. Several important trends have emerged in the past several years regarding land use in Providence. First, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commercial real estate market has seen a downturn, resulting in high vacancy rates for commercial storefronts and office spaces. Another trend is a significant deficit in housing units relative to demand. Prices have increased while housing production has not kept pace. Adding to the stress on housing supply and upward pressure on costs are the recent phenomena of short-term rentals that reduce the availability of housing units available to long-term residents, and the significant expansion of off-campus student housing that is purpose-built or renovated for large numbers of students who often pay more than what a household of non-students pays. Providence needs to ensure that its land use policies and regulations adapt to these types of changes in the economy while appropriately managing growth. In late 2023, Providence amended its zoning ordinance and land development and subdivision review regulations in response to the most significant changes in state land use laws in 30 years. These new laws sought to address the housing shortage by removing barriers to development of housing throughout the state. While Providence had already made significant strides in this regard, the new rules that were adopted relax certain regulations to allow for more housing and create more opportunity for administrative review of compliant projects, rather than review by a board or commission. This can significantly reduce timeframes for approval. As outlined below, there are still opportunities to improve our land use regulations to address a multitude of issues. This chapter has two important maps. The first is the “growth strategy” map. This map is a general overview of where significant growth is most appropriate. It also shows the areas of the city where change should be more carefully managed. This map aims to direct growth in a controlled way that complements and builds on the assets of our city. The second map in this section is the official “future land use” map that forms the basis for the zoning map. It is more detailed than the growth strategy map, but not as precise as the zoning map. *** **This element is organized in three parts:** | “Where do we grow?” | “How do we grow?” | “Land use in relation to other plan elements” | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | introduces a general approach to growth for the city using Map 11.1 “growth strategy” and lists the goals and objectives for all areas identified on the map. | identifies specific details of how the city should be developed using Map 11.2 “future land use.” | links the land use section to the other sections of the plan by identifying goals and strategies that are specific to land use for each of the other topics. | GOAL: Ensure the continued strength and stability of Providence’s neighborhoods and direct growth to appropriate areas. Where do we grow? Map 11.1 “growth strategy,” describes general themes for how growth should be managed throughout the city. The map was developed through an analysis of land use patterns and trends, along with considerable community engagement. It identifies eight distinct areas, descriptions of which are below. The purpose of this map is to inform the more detailed future land use map. ### Growth Strategy Map Designations: **Historic Districts** Areas with buildings and sites of historical, architectural, and cultural significance deemed worthy of preservation protections. The map depicts existing local historic districts, but for purposes of clarity does not depict individual sites throughout the city that are appropriate for preservation, including those within the scattered-site Providence Landmarks District. These individual sites are as worthy of preservation as the larger districts. **Managed Growth - Residential** Primarily residential areas of varying densities with some areas of mixed use or non-residential use. New development in these areas should not change the overall existing development patterns. **Enhanced Growth - Residential** Primarily residential areas of varying densities with limited mixed use that are suitable for higher-density residential growth due to their proximity to Downtown, high degree of mobility options, and the existing built environment that contains a significant portion of high-density housing. **Growth Corridors - Mixed Use** Commercial and transit corridors with areas and nodes suited for mixed-use and higher-density residential infill development. **Priority Growth - Mixed Use** High-amenity areas with the best transit service and mobility options, suited for large scale, dense, mixed-use development. **Institutional Growth** Areas for growth of educational and healthcare institutions. **General Industrial** Areas for business and industrial growth without residential uses, and prioritizing clean, sustainable, and resilient economic development. **Blue-Green Industrial** Areas for growth of water-dependent industry, prioritizing clean, sustainable, and resilient economic development. MAP 11.1 GROWTH STRATEGY <
> OBJECTIVE LU1: PROTECT AND ENHANCE STABLE NEIGHBORHOODS Reinforce the stability, character, and diversity of the City’s neighborhoods by respecting valued development patterns and attributes. **Strategies:** **In Historic Districts:** A. Strictly regulate alterations and new construction in these areas to preserve buildings and sites of historical, architectural, and cultural significance and to ensure compatibility of new construction with existing historic fabric. The historic district commission may regulate land and buildings more strictly than the underlying zoning in order to achieve this mission. B. Review, evaluate, and amend regulations for historic districts to ensure that they are appropriate to modern preservation practices. C. Continue to evaluate properties or areas that may be suitable for historic district designation. D. In Managed Growth Areas: E. Allow for and encourage infill development in line with existing scale and patterns of use. F. Review, evaluate, and amend regulations to protect the integrity of these areas. G. Use zoning to allow for different types of housing than currently allowed, such as accessory dwelling units, apartment buildings, rowhouses, and cluster development, in a manner that protects and enhances the existing built environment. *** OBJECTIVE LU2: DIRECT GROWTH Direct growth to areas well suited for larger-scale development and high-density housing. A. In Enhanced Growth - Residential areas: Allow for residential development at high densities with reduced or eliminated parking requirements, but with building height and massing compatible with existing development patterns. B. In All Growth Areas: Prioritize the elimination of parking minimums wherever feasible. C. In Growth Corridors - Mixed Use areas: Allow for commercial and residential development at high densities, with moderate building heights. D. In Priority Growth - Mixed Use areas: Allow for commercial and residential development at high densities, with taller building heights. E. In Institutional Growth areas: Allow for the growth of healthcare and higher educational institutions, while respecting the surrounding neighborhoods. F. In General Industrial Growth areas: Allow for the growth of business, with no residential uses, prioritizing clean industry. G. In Blue-Green Industrial Growth areas: Allow for the growth of water-dependent economic development, prioritizing clean business and industry. # How do We Grow? The previous section addressed generally where future growth should be directed. This section refines that vision with the more detailed Map 11.2, “Future Land Use.” This map depicts specific land use designations for each area of the city and is the official future land use map. This section goes on to identify the types of land uses found in these designations and the uses that are promoted going forward. Though most land use areas contain multiple uses, the description of each designation refers to the typical uses found there. ## Future Land Use Map Designations: **Low-Density Residential:** These areas are characterized primarily by single-family dwellings in detached structures on separate lots. Buildings typically range in height from one to three stories. Lot sizes vary by neighborhood with most ranging from 3,200 to 6,000 square feet. Some areas have lot sizes upwards of 7,500 square feet. These areas may contain other compatible uses and some residential development at higher, but appropriate densities. **Medium-Density Residential:** These areas are characterized primarily by single-, two-, and three-family dwellings in detached structures on separate lots. Buildings typically range in height from one to three stories. Lot sizes vary by neighborhood, with most ranging from 3,200 to 5,000 square feet. In some areas, small-scale commercial uses, such as neighborhood commercial establishments and professional offices, may be appropriate. These areas may contain other compatible uses and some residential development at higher, but appropriate densities. **High-Density Residential:** These areas are characterized by multifamily dwellings, with some one-, two- and three-family dwellings interspersed. Multifamily buildings typically range from three to four stories in height. In some areas, small scale commercial uses, such as neighborhood commercial establishments and professional offices, may be appropriate. These areas may contain other compatible uses. **Neighborhood Commercial/Mixed-Use:** These areas are characterized by traditional, pedestrian and transit-oriented uses that serve local neighborhood needs for convenience retail, services, professional offices, and housing. Buildings are set close to the street, with entrances and facades oriented toward the street. Residential uses are encouraged in these areas. **General Commercial/Mixed-Use:** These areas are characterized by commercial uses such as large shopping complexes and plazas that serve citywide needs for retail, services and office establishments. Residential uses are encouraged in these areas. These areas may be located along commercial corridors that accommodate large commercial uses or are clustered at a higher density to support transit. **Downtown/Mixed-Use:** This area is characterized by a variety of business, financial, institutional, public, quasi-public, cultural, residential, appropriate light industrial, and other related uses. To preserve and foster the economic vitality of downtown, a mix of compatible uses is encouraged. This land use designation allows for the tallest buildings in the city. Sub-districts allow for a variety of building heights. **Business/Mixed-Use:** These areas are intended to foster the expansion of business and industrial uses and medium- to high-density residential uses into areas that were once exclusively industrial in nature. # Density and Character Two terms that are used frequently in this plan are **density** and **character**. As these terms are sometimes subjective and open to interpretation, it is important to define what we mean when we use them. First, density in an urban context is the size, scale and massing of a building or collection of buildings; their proximity to each other; and the number of people the buildings accommodate. We regulate density in several ways. There are dimensional rules like building height, setback from lot lines, and the amount of a lot a building covers. The number of dwelling units permitted on a lot in a residential zone is another consideration. In some cases, we regulate the number of occupants allowed in a dwelling unit. Finally, regulations pertaining to site development, such as parking, required pervious surface, and landscaping, limit what can be built on a lot and affect density. <
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> The density of an area is part of what gives it its character. But character goes beyond that, incorporating concepts like building design and details such as the amount, size and location of windows and doors; building materials; and character defining elements like roof lines, eaves, stoops and porches, and trim details. Many of these features come in the form of period details of historic buildings. The character of an area is also shaped by the public realm: the width of streets and sidewalks, the landscaping in the public right-of way, and the location of public spaces. Character is most often regulated through zoning’s use, dimensional, and design standards. <
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> **Business/Industrial:** These areas are intended to foster the expansion of business and industrial uses without residential uses. Clean, sustainable, and resilient economic development should be prioritized. In the General Industrial District, M-2, the city shall prohibit the following future uses: power generation plants dependent on the combustion of fossil fuels or via processes that produce emissions at levels that are established to impact public health, noxious or toxic chemical manufacturing, and ethylene oxide manufacturing and storage facilities. Via the city zoning ordinance, the city may prohibit future industrial uses in the General Industrial District, M-2, that it determines go against the public interest of (a) public health and quality of life in near-industry neighborhoods or (b) realizing fossil fuel emissions reduction goals in response to climate change and will encourage future industrial uses that promote environmentally just development and a just transition for workers currently maintaining fossil fuel dependent infrastructure and industry. Future M-2 prohibited industrial uses may include, but are not limited to: * Facilities that import, store, process, or distribute fossil fuels * Facilities that import, store, manufacture, or distribute flammable, hazardous, or explosive chemicals or waste products * Facilities that generate or result in harmful air pollution emissions * Facilities that produce high carbon emissions or import and distribute high carbon content products * Facilities that generate water pollution, including both point source and stormwater runoff pollution This section shall not apply to publicly owned treatment works. **Future M-2 encouraged industrial uses include, but are not limited to:** * Offshore wind development and associated activities * Solar electricity generation * Battery energy storage facilities * Microgrid infrastructure * Electric infrastructure for “ship to shore” plug-in power and charging electric zero-emission trucks * Food and commercial goods import, storage, and distribution that can be run on zero-emission electrical infrastructure * Vocational education facilities to support workforce development for a just transition to a green economy **Waterfront/Port:** These areas are intended for waterfront port and maritime uses to promote the Port of Providence and related maritime industrial and commercial uses within the waterfront area. The purpose of this designation is to protect the waterfront as a resource for water-dependent industrial uses, and to facilitate the renewed use of a vital waterfront for economic growth and expansion. Clean, sustainable, and resilient economic development should be prioritized. In the Port/Maritime Industrial District, W-3, the city shall prohibit the following future uses: power generation plants dependent on the combustion of fossil fuels or via processes that produce emissions at levels that are established to impact public health, noxious or toxic chemical manufacturing, and ethylene oxide manufacturing and storage facilities. Via the city zoning ordinance, the city may prohibit future industrial uses in the Port/Maritime Industrial District, W-3, that it determines go against the public interest of (a) public health and quality of life in near-industry neighborhoods or (b) realizing fossil fuel emissions reduction goals in response to climate change and will encourage future industrial uses that promote environmentally just economic development and a just transition for workers currently maintaining fossil fuel dependent infrastructure and industry. Future W-3 prohibited industrial uses may include, but are not limited to: • Facilities that import, store, process, or distribute fossil fuels • Facilities that import, store, manufacture, or distribute flammable, hazardous, or explosive chemicals or waste products • Facilities that generate or result in harmful air pollution emissions • Facilities that produce high carbon emissions or import and distribute high carbon content products • Facilities that generate water pollution, including both point source and stormwater runoff pollution This section shall not apply to publicly owned treatment works. **Future W-3 encouraged industrial uses include, but are not limited to:** • Offshore wind development and associated activities • Solar electricity generation • Battery energy storage facilities • Microgrid infrastructure • Electric infrastructure for “ship to shore” pug-in power and charging electric zero-emission trucks • Food and commercial goods import, storage, and distribution that can be run on zero-emission electrical infrastructure • Vocational educational facilities to support workforce development for a just transition to a green economy **Public/Open Space:** These areas are intended to ensure that open space and areas for public buildings and facilities are preserved in the city. These areas are characterized by parks, playing fields and supporting uses, and natural areas for passive recreation. Other typical uses include government-owned recreation centers and public buildings such as fire stations and schools. These areas are typically publicly owned but may include privately owned land. **Conservation:** These areas are intended to ensure woodlands, rivers, streams, ponds, wetlands, floodplains, and other sensitive natural areas are preserved in their natural scenic and ecological condition. These areas may be publicly or privately owned. **Greenway:** These areas are intended to provide active and passive recreation and open space along the waterfront, and to provide continuous connections between open spaces. They may vary in width depending on the potential for adjacent public/open space or other amenities. They may be publicly or privately owned. **Institutional:** These areas are designed to permit college and health care institutional growth and development while controlling and limiting negative impacts on neighborhoods. MAP 11.2 FUTURE LAND USE MAP # FUTURE LAND USE MAP PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> ## Legend | | | | :--- | :--- | | | Low Density Residential | | | Medium Density Residential | | | High Density Residential | | | Neighborhood Commercial/Mixed Use | | | General Commercial/Mixed Use | | | Downtown/Mixed Use | | | Business/Mixed Use | | | Business/Industrial | | | Institutional | | | Waterfront/Mixed Use | | | Waterfront/Port | | | Open Space/Public Space | | | Conservation | | | Greenway | Data Sources: Providence Geographic Information System, RIGIS 0 0.5 1 Miles # Residential Areas Most of the land in the city is developed as residential neighborhoods. These areas contribute significantly to the livability of the city and the unique character of individual neighborhoods is what attracts many people to Providence. Growth should be allowed in these areas, but generally in keeping with the scale and massing of the existing built environment. Although Providence is largely built out, there remain opportunities for infill residential development. The city supports the expansion of housing opportunities in residential areas, but with safeguards to ensure that new construction respects the valued attributes and character of the surrounding neighborhood. While residential dwellings are the predominant use in these areas, one of the things that makes Providence special is the variety of neighborhood stores and service establishments that are scattered throughout residential areas, within walking distance of residents’ homes. These types of uses are appropriate in certain locations, with limits on size and design to ensure compatibility with adjacent residential properties. In many neighborhoods there are also historic structures, such as commercial buildings, former mills, churches, and schools that are part of the urban fabric but are no longer suitable for their original uses. Adaptive reuse of these sites is desirable to promote the preservation of these buildings and create new housing. A distinctive characteristic of Providence is that housing types aren’t uniform within neighborhoods. For example, it is quite common to see two-, three-, and even multifamily buildings in single-family zones. This variety contributes to the neighborhoods residents love and allows for a range of affordability. Our zoning ordinance should recognize this and allow for contextually appropriate solutions to adding housing. Some tools to create infill housing in residential areas include allowing apartment buildings, rowhouses, cluster development, and accessory dwelling units. However, these tools should not be used to fundamentally change the urban fabric of our residential neighborhoods. Therefore, the regulations regarding height, setback, lot coverage, design, and ratios of pervious to impervious surfaces are key land use controls that must be employed for new development. <
> Two residential land uses that continue to be challenging in residential zones are high-density student housing and short-term rentals. These uses, if not well-managed, can have negative effects on long-term residents and can also be a hindrance to the development and preservation of affordable housing. The city has adopted some limited regulation of these uses, but more restrictions may be appropriate. Finally, while much of Providence’s housing stock is old, the diversity and character of existing housing types fundamentally define the look and feel of the neighborhoods. Housing needs to be properly maintained and the city can play a role, when necessary, by enforcing minimum maintenance standards. In addition, the demolition of existing housing should be strongly discouraged. This can be accomplished by regulating demolition where appropriate, and by providing options to property owners regarding how buildings are used and expanded for more housing. **OBJECTIVE LU3: MANAGE GROWTH IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS** Within residential areas designated on the future land use map, promote the development of a wide range of housing types to ensure a diversity of living options for city residents. Encourage infill residential development that is consistent with existing residential character. **Strategies:** A. In low-density residential areas, new housing development will be single-family dwellings, some with accessory dwelling units; low-density cluster development; adaptive reuse for housing in previously non-residential buildings; and low-density rowhouse developments. Large lots or large buildings may be considered for multifamily development through a special use permit process that safeguards against student housing and short-term rentals. New buildings will be no taller than three stories. Corresponding zones: R-1, R-1A. B. In medium-density residential areas, new housing development will be one-, two- and three-family dwellings, some with accessory dwelling units; medium-density cluster development; adaptive reuse for housing in previously non-residential buildings; and medium-density rowhouse developments. Multifamily buildings may be appropriate at a density consistent with the surroundings through a special use permit process, and with dwelling unit density bonuses for affordable housing. New buildings will be no taller than three stories. Within this land use designation, two-family zoning should be rezoned to three-family zoning. Corresponding zones: R-3, R-P. C. In high-density residential areas, new housing development will be one-, two-, three-, and multifamily dwellings, some with accessory dwelling units; cluster development where appropriate; adaptive reuse for housing in previously non-residential buildings; and high-density rowhouse developments. Dwelling unit density will be defined with bonuses for affordable housing. New buildings will be no taller than four stories. Within this land use designation, areas of three-family zoning should be rezoned to allow for multifamily zoning. Corresponding zones: R-4, R-P. D. Allow for limited non-residential uses such as neighborhood corner stores, offices and home-based businesses while maintaining the residential character of the area. E. Encourage adaptive reuse of historic non-residential buildings for housing. F. Encourage neighborhood revitalization by identifying vacant lots for housing, green space, playgrounds, or community gardens, based on the needs of the neighborhood. G. Further regulate uses incompatible with stable neighborhoods, including high-density student housing and short-term rentals. H. Refine dimensional and design regulations to ensure compatibility of new residential development with existing land use patterns. I. Allow for the creation of undersized lots for individual units within rowhouses and to unmerge lots that had previously been merged. J. Create mechanisms to encourage maintenance of existing structures and to discourage demolition of existing housing, particularly in historic buildings. K. Adopt inclusionary zoning measures that are calibrated with tax and subsidy policy changes to enhance development feasibility. ### Mixed-Use Areas While most areas in the city contain more than one use, the truly mixed-use areas are the city's downtown, commercial corridors, transitioning manufacturing areas and parts of the city's waterfront. Urban life and vitality are the heart of these areas, with residential, retail, office, industrial, civic, institutional, and entertainment uses jumbled together. Mixed-use takes many forms, such as small commercial blocks, commercial areas along main corridors, shopping areas and plazas, office buildings with retail uses on the ground floor, stores with apartments on upper floors, or former mill buildings with a mix of industrial, office and residential uses. Mixing uses creates desirable places to live by improving the balance of jobs to housing and creating healthy neighborhoods where residents can walk to shops and services. It is in these mixed-use areas that concentrated development best links to transit networks. In these areas, greater residential density and buildings heights can be accommodated to create a more efficient pattern of development and protect the character of the nearby residential neighborhoods. Building form is important in mixed-use areas. In most of these areas, to promote pedestrian activity, buildings are set to the street edge, with large areas of ground-floor transparency, entrances facing the street, and architectural interest. These features should be incorporated into new development in these areas. The most common zoning designations along major corridors are C-1 and C-2. The regulations of these zones are very similar and the built environment of these zones is virtually identical. To simplify the Zoning Ordinance, the C-1 and C-2 zones should be combined. *** **OBJECTIVE LU4: PROMOTE VIBRANT MIXED-USE AREAS** Within mixed-use areas designated on the future land use map, promote the development of businesses and high-density housing along major corridors. *** **Strategies:** A. In areas designated as neighborhood commercial/mixed use, promote the development of a mixture of high-density residential and neighborhood-serving commercial uses. New buildings may be up to four stories, with incentives that may add up to two additional stories. To streamline regulation in these areas, combine the C-1 and C-2 zoning districts. Zoning will be primarily C-2 and R-4. B. In areas designated as general commercial/mixed use, promote the development of a mixture of commercial uses that serve citywide needs and higher density residential uses. New buildings may be up to four stories, with incentives that may add up to two additional stories. C. In the area designated as downtown/mixed use, encourage continued investment with a high concentration of business, commercial, institutional, cultural, and residential uses. Ensure that historic structures are preserved, and that new construction is compatible with the existing built environment. Refine design regulations and rules pertaining to height as appropriate. D. Encourage the development of historically industrial areas designated as business/mixed use on the future land use map with a balanced mixture of commercial, light industrial, office and residential uses. E. Use zoning tools to ensure that adjacent land uses are compatible and don't negatively impact each other. F. Allow for rezoning from residential to a mixed-use district for properties within growth corridors as identified on Map 11.1 or in locations that have historically nonconforming commercial uses. # Business/Industrial Areas It is vital for Providence to provide opportunities for business and industry expansion while ensuring minimal impact on adjacent residential areas. These areas are designated as business/industrial on the future land use map. These areas are located throughout the city, such as Huntington Industrial Park, Silver Spring Industrial Park, West River Industrial Park, parts of the Valley neighborhood, between Allens Avenue and I-95, and the industrial area of Washington Park. Businesses need areas where they can predictably grow and expand in the future without the concern of conflicts that often arise between industrial uses and residential uses. Therefore, no residential uses of any kind are permitted in these areas. In recent years, community concerns about the impact of industrial activity on environmental quality, public health, quality of life in adjacent neighborhoods, carbon emissions contributing to climate change and health impacts, and the resilience of port and industrial areas to extreme weather have brought together public, private and institutional stakeholders to develop strategies for making industrial areas, especially the Port of Providence, “cleaner and greener.” Providence should pursue a thriving industrial economy that is well-positioned for emerging industries (especially “green and blue industries” like off-shore wind), while also improving air and water quality, finding opportunities for public access to the waterfront that doesn’t conflict with commercial uses, pursuing necessary environmental remediation, and transitioning away from carbon-intensive industries. *** **OBJECTIVE LU5: PROTECT AREAS FOR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY** Promote business retention and expansion in areas designated as business/industrial and waterfront/port on the future land use map. *** **Strategies:** A. Encourage the growth of industrial activities by preserving industrial land primarily for manufacturing purposes in areas designated as business/industrial. B. Promote water-dependent industrial uses in areas designated waterfront/port. C. Promote the preservation of industrial parks to encourage the expansion and, if possible, the return of manufacturing companies to the city to expand the economic base. D. Prohibit all residential uses in these land use designations. E. Prioritize clean, sustainable, and resilient economic development. F. Study and support the implementation of policies in partnership with state and federal authorities to regulate the cumulative environmental impact of large-scale industrial development projects in areas of concentrated industrial use. G. Prioritize new, clean, sustainable, and resilient uses in the waterfront/port zone by working with stakeholders to (1) identify the water-dependent industries it wants to attract (e.g. wind industry), (2) identify those industries’ needs, and (3) work with industry to develop the modern infrastructure to address those needs (e.g. modern piers providing access to the deepwater channel). ### NATURAL AND CIVIC AREAS Natural and civic spaces are an extension of the community. When these spaces work well, they serve as a stage for the public lives of city residents. They can be the settings where celebrations are held, where friends run into each other, and where cultures mix. When cities and neighborhoods have thriving open and civic spaces, residents have a strong sense of community. Conversely, when such spaces are lacking, people may feel less connected to each other. Natural and open spaces contribute to community health – socially, economically, culturally, and environmentally. They enhance the civic realm – not only visually, but also in providing a sense of character and a forum for public activities. All these assets, as well as the opportunities these places offer residents to relax and enjoy themselves, to exercise, and to recreate, add up to greater livability in the city. encounter art, to enjoy performances, and to participate in other cultural activities. From concerts at the Temple to Music in Roger Williams Park to outdoor art displays Downtown open spaces foster and enhance a city’s cultural life. Events such as WaterFire, PVDFest, and PrideFest all take place in our public spaces and have a positive social and economic impact. These land uses consist of areas committed to planned open space such as parks, playgrounds, and cemeteries; and public buildings such as City Hall, public schools, and police and fire stations. Open space areas have been designated to allow for the active and recreational needs of city residents. As the population of the city continues to change, the recreational needs of city residents are also changing. Through the open space objectives and strategies presented in this plan the city will meet these changing needs, and efforts will be made to ensure that they are addressed on an ongoing basis. *** **OBJECTIVE LU6: MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE OPEN SPACES AND PUBLIC FACILITIES** In areas designated as public/open space on the future land use map, preserve and protect Providence’s open spaces and public facilities to enhance the overall quality of life for city residents. *** **Strategies:** A. Provide opportunities for recreation and visual relief by preserving Providence’s parks, playgrounds, golf courses, cemeteries, and undeveloped city-owned open space. B. Preserve open space along the city’s waterbodies by creating open space corridors along rivers and ponds. C. Promote a diversity of recreational activities in the City’s parks, playgrounds, and other recreational areas. D. Protect and preserve environmentally sensitive and significant areas. E. Provide and encourage the provision of a variety of active and passive recreation facilities geographically distributed to serve the present and future needs of city residents. F. Expand the amount of public open space in Providence. G. Identify city and/or state-owned open spaces best suited for urban agriculture. H. Improve the city’s public buildings to provide high-quality services. I. Develop a plan for the reuse of public buildings that are no longer being used for public purposes. J. Continue to build on the system of greenways on public and private land. INSTITUTIONAL AREAS The city’s universities and hospitals are important centers of employment, education, and culture for Providence and the region. The health care facilities provide vital services to residents. Both hospitals and colleges also have unique characteristics that add value above and beyond creating jobs. These institutions conduct research and impart technical expertise to their students and workers. In the increasingly knowledge-based economy, these institutions contribute to a more experienced and educated workforce, a highly desirable resource in all cities. Furthermore, their economic activities foster an entrepreneurial spirit and attract additional economic growth through small spin-off businesses and supporting uses. The city’s hospitals provide vital healthcare to people who live throughout the region. Institutions contribute to the city in other ways as well, such as through education partnerships and through payments in lieu of taxes, which help to offset the loss of taxes due to the institutions’ tax-exempt status. Balanced with all the benefits that institutions bring to our city are the impacts of institutions: traffic, noise, pollution, housing shortages, congestion, and a loss of tax revenue. As many of the hospitals and colleges are surrounded by residential areas, these impacts can be significant. The city recognizes the importance of mitigating conflicts with residential areas, identifying the best locations for institutional growth and expansion in the future. We also stress the importance of payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreements with nonprofit healthcare and higher educational institutions. A significant amount of the property value in the city is not subject to property tax, and these PILOT agreements make a meaningful contribution to defray forgone taxes. *** **OBJECTIVE LU7: ALLOW FOR INSTITUTIONAL GROWTH WHILE PRESERVING NEIGHBORHOODS** Permit institutional growth and expansion in institutional areas designated on the future land use map while limiting their encroachment and negative impacts on the neighborhoods in which they are located. *** **Strategies:** A. Use institutional zoning to regulate where and how institutions grow. B. Continue to require health care and educational institutions to prepare long-range master plans that will allow the city to evaluate and mitigate impacts of proposed expansions on city neighborhoods. C. Require institutions to use their land efficiently while ensuring compatibility of their built environment with the surrounding neighborhood. D. Require institutions to regularly engage with members of the community within which they are located. E. Encourage institutions to minimize traffic and parking impacts on neighborhoods by adopting transportation demand management strategies to reduce driving, developing parking garages to minimize surface parking lots, and studying traffic and parking around their campuses and mitigating negative impacts. F. Require colleges and universities to anonymously track and report on off-campus student housing to ensure accountability in managing student behavior, as well as identifying and addressing inappropriate conduct of students living off campus. # Future Land Use Map and Zoning Map The Future Land Use Map is the foundation of the Zoning Map. It identifies where certain zones will be located, but not with the detail of the Zoning Map. As mentioned above, the Future Land Use Map is not parcel-specific. It is intended to be general enough to support a range of zoning changes. For example, some land use designations are general enough to allow for more than one zoning district. The lines between designations are intended to be blurry to allow for a zoning change when a property is in the vicinity of the border of more than one land use designation. Also, the map does not capture the thousands of nonconforming uses and uses allowed by variance. In these situations, zoning changes are permissible to bring the zoning in line with existing conditions on the property, but only when the use is compatible with the surroundings. # Spot Zoning, Nonconforming uses, and Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan Spot zoning is an action by a zoning authority which gives privileges to a single lot or a small area that are not extended to other land in the vicinity. Spot zoning typically involves changes to a zoning map. It also includes the granting of use variances by the zoning board of review, which are permissions to use a property in a manner not allowed by the zoning district. Contrary to popular belief, spot zoning is not always illegal. Rhode Island courts have said that the crucial test for determining whether a zoning ordinance amendment constitutes illegal spot zoning depends upon whether its enactment violates a municipality’s comprehensive plan. The city is, in fact, full of legal spot zoning through decades of use variances. These spot zones do not appear on the zoning map. In recent years, the zoning board has made a concerted effort to make findings relative to the comprehensive plan and the required conditions of hardship. Consequently, today it very rarely grants use variances. As it has moved away from use variances, the city has occasionally used spot zoning through zoning map changes to create new opportunities for housing. While these changes have all been consistent with the comprehensive plan, they have been ad hoc and at the discretion of the City Plan Commission and the City Council. It is the intention of this new plan to provide better guidance as to when and where zoning changes, including spot zoning changes, are warranted. In addition to spot zoning, the city is also full of legal, nonconforming uses, which are uses that were once, but no longer, allowed by zoning. Per R.I.G.L. § 45-24-39, a zoning ordinance “shall permit the continuation of [legally established] nonconforming development.” When taken together, use variances, spot map changes, and nonconforming uses create a patchwork of land use that defies homogenous land use designations. These deviations from zoning often do not have a negative effect on surrounding property. But they do complicate land use planning. Going forward, we intend to lessen our reliance on spot zoning, and rather to create better tools to deal with existing conditions and future needs. These tools will allow flexibility to appropriately alter legacy uses and to construct a variety of building typologies in each zoning district. They will also allow property owners to make upgrades and modernize facilities to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. Indeed, Providence has already incorporated new provisions into the Zoning Ordinance that allow for certain modifications of uses by variance and nonconforming uses. # Zoning Map Designations ### R-1A RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT The R-1A Residential District is intended for neighborhoods of lower density residential development. The R-1A District accommodates single-family dwellings on larger lots than those typically found in the City. Limited non-residential uses, which are compatible with surrounding residential neighborhoods, may be allowed. ### R-1 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT The R-1 Residential District is intended for detached single-family dwellings of low density residential development. Limited non-residential uses, which are compatible with surrounding residential neighborhoods, may be allowed. MAP 11.3 BASE ZONING MAP CHANGES # BASE ZONING MAP CHANGES PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> | Legend | | | :--- | :--- | | R-1A | D-1 | | R-1 | I-1 | | R-3 | I-2 | | R-4 | M-MU | | R-P | M-1 | | C-2 | M-2 | | C-3 | W-2 | | OS | W-3 | | PS | Zoning | | CD | Change | | | Areas | Data Sources: Providence Geographic Information System, RIGIS 0 0.5 1 Miles R-3 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT The R-3 Residential District is intended for higher density residential areas of detached single-family, two-family, and three-family residential development, as well as rowhouse development. Limited non-residential uses, which are compatible with surrounding residential neighborhoods, may be allowed. R-4 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT The R-4 Residential District accommodates a variety of residential structures: single-family, two-family and semi-detached, three-family, rowhouses, and multi-family housing. The R-4 District accommodates higher density residential development in areas that minimize negative impacts to lower density residential neighborhoods. Limited non-residential uses, which are compatible with surrounding residential neighborhoods, may be allowed. RP RESIDENTIAL PROFESSIONAL DISTRICT The RP Residential Professional District is intended to preserve and enhance the residential integrity of select heavily traveled streets where certain residential-professional and low-intensity commercial uses are compatible. Compatible non-residential uses are those that can be accommodated within an existing residential structure to preserve the character of the street and its architecturally attractive and distinctive qualities. C-2 GENERAL COMMERCIAL DISTRICT The C-2 General Commercial District is intended for more intensive commercial uses and key commercial nodes, including larger retail establishments. C-3 HEAVY COMMERCIAL DISTRICT The C-3 Heavy Commercial District is intended for areas of more intense commercial use that are generally not appropriate for lower intensity commercial districts, including uses related to motor vehicles and those that may require outdoor storage. Because of the impacts from more intensive commercial uses, the controls of this district ensure that setbacks, buffering and site development controls are in place to mitigate negative impacts on neighboring uses. D-1 DOWNTOWN DISTRICT The purpose of the D-1 District is to encourage and direct development in the downtown to ensure that: new development is compatible with the existing historic building fabric and the historic character of downtown; historic structures are preserved and design alterations of existing buildings are in keeping with historic character; development encourages day and night time activities that relate to the pedestrian and promote the arts, entertainment and housing; greenways and open spaces are incorporated into the downtown; and the goals of the Comprehensive Plan are achieved. The design of the exterior of all buildings, open spaces and all exterior physical improvements in the D-1 District shall be regulated and approved through development plan review in accordance with the provisions of this Section. The permitting authority for development plan review in the Downtown District is set forth in Article 19. I-1 HEALTHCARE INSTITUTIONAL DISTRICT The I-1 Healthcare Institutional District is intended to permit health care facilities and their expansion in a planned manner while protecting the surrounding neighborhoods. The I-1 District is divided into two height sub-districts: the I-1-75 Sub-district that allows a maximum height of 75 feet, and the I-1-200 Sub-district that allows a maximum height of 200 feet. I-2 EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONAL DISTRICT The I-2 Educational Institutional District is intended to permit higher education institutions and their expansion in a planned manner while protecting the surrounding neighborhoods. M-MU MIXED-USE INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT The M-MU Mixed-Use Industrial District is intended to encourage the reuse of older industrial buildings, and compatible new development, for mixed-use environment of light industrial use and a variety of other non-industrial uses, such as live/work dwellings, higher density residential, commercial, and limited institutional uses. The M-MU District is divided into two height sub-districts: the M-MU-75 Sub-District that allows a maximum height of 75 feet, and the M-MU-90 Sub-District that allows a maximum height of 90 feet. M-1 LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT The M-1 Light Industrial District is intended for light industrial and office park uses that accommodate a variety of manufacturing, assembly, storage of durable goods, and related activities provided that they do not pose toxic, explosive or environmental hazard in the City. M-2 GENERAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT The M-2 General Industrial District is intended to provide areas for moderate and heavy intensity industrial uses, especially for those uses that are potentially hazardous, noxious, or incompatible with the uses in other districts. OS OPEN SPACE DISTRICT The OS Open Space District is intended to preserve open space areas, conservation areas, and outdoor recreation areas. The OS District includes parks, wetlands, flood plains, cemeteries, conservation areas, and areas that cannot be developed. PS PUBLIC SPACE DISTRICT The PS Public Space District is intended to preserve open space areas and areas for public buildings and facilities. The PS District includes park and recreation areas, public buildings, and schools. CD CONSERVATION DISTRICT The CD Conservation District is intended to protect City-owned conservation areas. DD DOWNCITY DISTRICT OVERLAY DISTRICT The DD Downcity District Overlay District is intended to regulate the design of buildings and open spaces in the historic core of Downtown Providence, and by fostering preservation of historic structures, to ensure that: new development is compatible with the existing historic building fabric and the historic character of downtown; historic structures are preserved, and design alterations are in keeping with historic character; development relates to the pedestrian; development promotes the arts, entertainment and housing; and, the goals of the Comprehensive Plan are achieved. ES EAST SIDE I-195 OVERLAY DISTRICT The ES East Side 1-195 Overlay District is intended to regulate future land use and development of East Side surplus land made available through the relocation of Interstate 195. The regulations provided in the overlay district will ensure that future development establishes an urban block structure, creates continuous building frontages, and promotes urban vibrancy. Furthermore, the regulations will foster development that is context-sensitive, pedestrian-friendly, and mixed-use, and improves pedestrian and vehicular accessibility in the Fox Point neighborhood and along the Providence Riverfront. HD HISTORIC DISTRICT OVERLAY DISTRICT The HD Historic District Overlay District covers designated districts or individual structures in the City of Providence. The purpose of historic districts is to safeguard the heritage of the city by preserving designated districts and individual structures of historic or architectural value which reflect elements of Providence’s cultural, social, economic, political, and architectural history; to stabilize and improve property values in such districts or designated structures; to maintain and foster civic beauty; to strengthen the economy; and to promote the use of designated districts and structures for the education, pleasure and welfare of the citizens. Historic districts may include properties associated with broad patterns, events, and/or people significant in local, state or national history; which embody the distinctive characteristics of a broad range of building types and architectural styles and which may possess high artistic value and/or represent the work of a master builder, architect, landscape architect or other designer; and which lack individual distinction but which add to the historic district zone’s status as a significant and distinguishable socio-cultural entity. TOD TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY DISTRICT The TOD Transit-Oriented Development Overlay District is intended to encourage the location of uses and forms of development that maximizes access to transit and encourages transit ridership. The TOD Overlay District is intended to promote new, well-integrated residential and commercial development around existing and potential future transit stations. The TOD Overlay District standards ensure that new development occurs in the form of compatible, higher density, transit-friendly design in close proximity to transit systems, encourage a pedestrian-orientation in new development, decrease reliance on automobiles, and encourage multi-modal mobility. I-3E EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONAL OVERLAY DISTRICT The I-3E Educational Institutional Overlay District is intended to encourage development in Downtown and along the City's commercial corridors by permitting higher education institutional uses, student housing, and practicums in addition to a variety of commercial, entertainment, residential, public, and other uses in select areas. Compatible and appropriate mixed-uses are encouraged to promote pedestrian activity at street levels while encouraging full and varied use on the upper floors. This district is intended to encourage the development of educational uses while preserving and fostering the economic vitality of the Downtown and the City's commercial corridors. I-3H HEALTH CARE INSTITUTIONAL OVERLAY DISTRICT The I-3H Health Care Institutional Overlay District is intended to encourage development in Downtown and along the City's commercial corridors by permitting health care institutional uses including related uses such as research and development facilities and offices, in addition to a variety of commercial, entertainment, residential, public, and other uses in select areas. Compatible and appropriate mixed-uses are encouraged to promote pedestrian activity at street levels while encouraging full and varied use on the upper floors. This district is intended to encourage the development of health care uses while preserving and fostering the economic vitality of the Downtown and the City's commercial corridors. ## Zoning Changes The following maps and tables reflect all proposed changes to the base and overlay zoning maps to be consistent with the future land use map. Any future changes to the zoning maps must be consistent with this comprehensive plan and the future land use map. Zoning changes shall also be consistent with adopted state policies, state laws, and the State Guide Plan. Whenever necessary, the State of Rhode Island will be consulted to confirm consistency. The proposed Overlay Zoning Map contains properties proposed for inclusion in historic districts. Several properties are being removed because they do not contain historic resources, due to subdivision or demolition. Except for properties without historic structures and those where the owner has requested or consented to a rezoning, the Department of Planning and Development will conduct a community engagement process that includes the property owners prior to introducing an ordinance to propose additions to historic districts. TABLE 11.1 BASE ZONING CHANGES | Number on Map | Current Zoning | Proposed Zoning | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1 | Various | OS | West River St. | | 2 | Various | PS | Agnes St. | | 3 | Various | R-1 | Smith St. | | 4 | Various | R-3 | Academy Ave. | | 5 | Various | R-4 | | | 6 | R-1 | R-P | | | 7 | Various | C-2 | | | 8 | R-2 | C-3 | | | 9 | R-1 | I-2 | | | 10 | D-1-600 | D-1-100 | | | 11 | Various | M-MU-75 | | MAP 11.4 OVERLAY ZONING CHANGE MAP # OVERLAY ZONING MAP CHANGES PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> Legend | | | | :--- | :--- | | ▧ | HD - Historic District Overlay District | | **Overlay Zoning Change Areas** | | | 🟩 | Historic District Overlay District Add | | 🟥 | Historic District Overlay District Remove | Data Sources: Providence Geographic Information System, RIGIS 0 0.5 1 Miles Miles TABLE 11.2 OVERLAY ZONING CHANGE TABLE | Add to Historic District | | Remove from Historic District | | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 680 | Allens Ave. | 146 | West River St. | | 49 | Acorn St. | 28 | Agnes St. | | 111 | Summer St. | 290 | Smith St. | | 41 | Central St. | 612 | Academy Ave. | | 440 | Potters Ave. | | | | 25 | Aleppo St. | | | | 71 | John St. | | | | 7 | Mount Hope Ave. | | | | 4 | Fox Place | | | | 33 | Magnolia St. | | | | 130 | 8th St. | | | | 235 | Eaton St. | | | | 177 | Eaton St. | | | | 29 | Sprague St. | | | | 777 | Elmwood Ave. | | | | 332 | Reservoir Ave. | | | | 299 | Waterman St. | | | | 321 | Waterman St. | | | | 75 | Arnold St. | | | | 71 | John St. | | | | 92 | Hope St. | | | | 710 | Westminster St. | | | | 50 | Orchard Ave. | | | | 239 | Oxford St. | | | | 16 | Croyland Road | | | | 265 | Oxford St. | | | | 747 | Broad St. | | | | 1014 | Broad St. | | | | 34 | New York Ave. | | | | 34 | New York Ave. | | | | 911 | Atwells Ave. | | | | 901 | Atwells Ave. | | | | 211 | Carleton St. | | | | 31 | Candace St. | | | | 24 | Douglas Ave. | | | | 50 | Convent St. | | | MAP 11.5 PROPOSED BASE ZONING MAP # PROPOSED BASE ZONING PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> | Legend | | | :--- | :--- | | R-1A | CD | | R-1 | D-1 | | R-3 | I-1 | | R-4 | I-2 | | R-P | M-MU | | C-2 | M-1 | | C-3 | M-2 | | OS | W-2 | | PS | W-3 | Data Sources: Providence Geographic Information System, RIGIS 0 0.5 1 Miles CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan 113 MAP 11.6 PROPOSED OVERLAY ZONING MAP # PROPOSED OVERLAY ZONING MAP PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> Legend * Zoning Overlay Footnotes - I-3E - Educational Institutional Overlay District - I-3H - Healthcare Institutional Overlay District - TOD - Transit-Oriented Development Overlay District - DD - Downcity Overlay District - ES - East Side I-195 Overlay District - CC - Capital Center Special Development District - HD - Historic District Overlay District - Main Streets - A Streets - B Streets Data Sources: Providence Geographic Information System, RIGIS 0 0.5 1 Miles Land Use in Relation to Other Plan Elements In this section, additional land use objectives and strategies are identified to implement the goals of other chapters of this plan. ### OBJECTIVE LU8: SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT Promote sustainability and environmental quality through appropriate land use controls. **Strategies:** A. Identify environmentally sensitive land areas and amend regulations as necessary to ensure their protection. B. Through regulation and enforcement, protect existing tree canopy and increase canopy citywide, particularly in areas with low tree cover. C. Refine regulations to encourage cleaner uses in the business/industrial and waterfront/port areas. D. To protect properties from the impacts of flooding caused by extreme weather events and sea level rise, adopt regulations to achieve the protections needed. ### OBJECTIVE LU9: BUILT ENVIRONMENT Promote design excellence and historic preservation through appropriate land controls. **Strategies:** A. Amend regulations as needed to establish incentives for greater height and density in exchange for affordable units, public open space, sustainable development, and other desirable public amenities. No additional height should be allowed in residential land use designations. B. Evaluate the expansion of historic district zoning where appropriate to preserve historic resources. C. Strengthen design regulations in residential and neighborhood commercial areas to promote a high-quality built environment, while ensuring new design regulations do not unnecessarily increase the cost of development or make the development review process less efficient or unpredictable. D. Ensure scale and massing for multifamily development in residential areas is consistent with the existing built environment. E. Create incentives to promote property maintenance, including proper maintenance of historic buildings. F. Establish an ad hoc committee to advise on the creation of design regulations. The committee should include developers, architects and designers, and community stakeholders. G. Conduct staff and board level design review processes to ensure compliance with new design regulations. ### OBJECTIVE LU10: BUSINESS AND JOBS Promote job growth and retention through appropriate land use controls. **Strategies:** A. Regulate land use downtown to ensure its future as Rhode Island’s preeminent center for business, tourism, entertainment, while it also develops as a mixed-use neighborhood with ample housing. B. Reinforce existing jobs areas to allow for business growth and the development of the city’s tax base without conflicts with residential uses. C. Ensure residential uses do not discourage business growth and expansion in the business/mixed-use areas designated on the future land use map. ### OBJECTIVE LU11: HOUSING Promote varying levels of housing density through appropriate land use controls. **Strategies:** A. Identify opportunities for zoning regulation or map changes to promote the development of more housing. B. Adopt inclusionary zoning measures that are calibrated with tax and subsidy policy changes to enhance development feasibility. C. Identify and remove procedural barriers to development of housing. D. Strengthen regulation of short-term rentals and student housing to promote long-term housing. ### OBJECTIVE LU12: MOBILITY Promote the efficient use of land to promote transit, walking and biking through appropriate land use controls. **Strategies:** A. Allow for greater density and higher concentrations of development along transit corridors and in dense nodes. B. Reduce or eliminate off-street parking requirements for appropriate development types and in appropriate zones, in coordination with management and enforcement of on-street parking and implementation of transportation demand management measures. C. Ensure that parking regulations strike a balance between the demand for parking and the ability to develop land to its fullest potential by reducing parking minimums. D. Prioritize the elimination of parking minimums wherever feasible. E. Encourage the use of non-auto transportation options through land use controls and transportation demand management incentives, including prioritizing bike lanes and infrastructure for safe pedestrian access via high quality sidewalks and protected lanes. F. Work with RIPTA to build out appropriate locations for public transit infrastructure, including current work to expand and build out the R-Line. ### OBJECTIVE LU13: PEOPLE AND PUBLIC SPACES Promote the preservation and development of parks, open spaces, and public buildings through appropriate land use controls. **Strategies:** A. Promote open spaces and public access along the waterfront. B. Develop incentives for the provision of publicly accessible open spaces as a part of private developments. C. Develop ways to activate park spaces in conjunction with neighboring uses. D. Identify possible locations for additional parks and open spaces in neighborhoods that are currently underserved by these amenities. E. Continue to build on the system of greenways on public and private land. F. Appropriately regulate the development of public buildings. # Appendix A. Existing Conditions This Appendix sets forth existing conditions in the city. The information in this section provides the basis for analysis and policy formulation in this Comprehensive Plan. ## The People ### Overview According to the US Census, the population of Providence grew by nearly 7% between 2010 and 2020, from 178,042 to 190,934. During this same time, the state population increased by more than 4% (See Table A.1 Population Change, 2010-2020). This marked the fourth straight decade of population growth following four decades of decline from the peak population of 253,504 in 1940. The rate of population growth from 2010 to 2020 was also much faster than the previous decade. Table A.1 Population Change, 2010-2020 | | City | Change Since 2010 | State | Change Since 2010 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Population | 190,934 | 7.2% | 1,097,379 | 4.3% | | Households | 64,190 | 2.3% | 414,730 | 0.3% | | Families | 35,798 | 1.5% | 268,718 | 3.5% | | Public School Enrollment | 21,694 | -8.6% | 131,984 | -9.1% | Source: US Census, Providence School Department, RI Dept. of Education ### Households and Families Overall, the number of households in Providence increased by 2.3%, from 62,718 in 2010 to 64,190 in 2020. The overall number of family households increased by 1.5% and the number of non-family households grew by 3.5% (see Figure A.1 Household Type 2020). The number of people living in households in 2020 was 174,773, with an average household size of 2.7. Family households consist of two or more individuals who are related by birth, marriage, or adoption although they also may include other unrelated people. Nonfamily households consist of people who live alone or who share their residence with unrelated individuals. Figure A.1 Household Type, 2020 <
> Created with Datawrapper Source: US Census, 2020 ACS 5-Year Estimate Of the 64,190 households living in Providence in 2020, 34% were households with individuals living alone, including population of 65 and over. This figure is up 2% since 2010. The remaining family households are divided between married (31%), cohabitating nonfamily household (10%) and single parent with child (25%). ### Age and Race The median age in the city in 2020 was 31.2 years. The largest five-year age cohort is 20 to 24-year-olds (11.9% of the overall population). Residents aged sixty-five and older increased by 35.3% between 2010 and 2020, while the younger 5 to 19-year-old cohort declined by 7.7% (See Figure A.2 Providence Total Population, 2020). Figure A.2 Providence Total Population, 2020 <
> Source: US Census, 2020 Decennial Census The Providence Hispanic population increased by 19% between 2010 and 2020. This demographic now accounts for 43.9% of the city's total population. The city's Non-Hispanic White population decreased by 8% since 2010, currently making up 32.4% of the overall population. Non-Hispanic Black and African American residents decreased by 4.3% while the Asian, Hawaiian and Pacific Islander population grew by 3.2% (see Table A.2 Race Composition Changes Between 2010 and 2020). Table A.2 Race Composition Changes Between 2010 and 2020 | Race | Census count 2020 | % of Total Population | Change 2010-2020 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Hispanic | 83,815 | 43.9% | 19.1% | | Non-Hispanic White | 61,917 | 32.4% | -8.1% | | Non-Hispanic Black or African American | 22,917 | 11.7% | -4.3% | | Non-Hispanic Asian alone | 11,359 | 5.9% | 1.6% | | Non-Hispanic two or more races | 8,276 | 4.3% | 31.0% | | Non-Hispanic some other race | 2,167 | 1.1% | 20.3% | | Non-Hispanic Indian/Native | 905 | 0.5% | -- | | Non-Hispanic Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | 66 | 0.03% | 1.6% | Source: US Census, 2020 Decennial Census, 2016-2020 American Community Survey CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix 119 Immigration & Linguistic Isolation The 2020 foreign-born population—residents who are citizens by naturalization and those who are not citizens—was 33% of all residents in Providence. Of these 63,313 foreign-born residents, two thirds are not citizens. Between 2012 and 2022 Rhode Island became the initial home for settlement for 4,378 refugees, with more than 40% of them being unaccompanied minors (See Table A.3 Refugee Arrivals to Rhode Island). Table A.3 Refugee Arrivals to Rhode Island 2012-2022 | | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | Total | | :--- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | | Total | 130 | 171 | 188 | 370 | 606 | 438 | 321 | 542 | 152 | 567 | 893 | 4,378 | | Afghanistan | | | | | 17 | 1 | 4 | | | | 212 | 234 | | Angola | | | | 2 | | | | | | | | 2 | | Bhutan | 58 | 38 | 13 | 2 | 4 | 1 | | | | | | 116 | | Burma | 53 | 15 | 30 | 9 | 2 | | | | | | | 109 | | Burundi | | 15 | 7 | 21 | | 11 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 1 | | 66 | | Cambodia | | | | | | | | | | 9 | | 9 | | Colombia | | | 14 | 29 | 2 | 1 | 3 | | 5 | | | 54 | | Cuba | | | | 1 | 1 | | | | | | | 2 | | Dem. Rep. Congo | | 23 | 27 | 37 | 118 | 45 | 55 | 70 | 25 | 24 | 37 | 461 | | Djibouti | | | | | | 1 | | | | | | 1 | | El Salvador | | | | | 1 | 1 | 1 | | | | | 3 | | Eritrea | 2 | 23 | 20 | 11 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 2 | | | | 75 | | Ethiopia | | 2 | | | | 1 | | | | | | 3 | | Guatemala | | | | | 1 | | | | | 3 | 7 | 11 | | Honduras | | | | | 1 | | | | | | | 1 | | Iran | 11 | | 2 | | | | | 1 | | | | 14 | | Iraq | | 25 | 37 | 33 | 22 | 22 | 3 | | 1 | 5 | | 148 | | Liberia | 2 | 9 | 1 | 2 | | 2 | 1 | | 11 | | | 28 | | Nepal | | 1 | | 1 | | | | | | | | 2 | | Pakistan | | | 3 | | | | | | | | | 3 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Russia | | | | | | | | | 3 | | | | 3 | | Rwanda | | | 4 | | 3 | | | | 2 | | | | 9 | | Somalia | | 3 | 17 | 33 | 35 | 48 | 57 | 1 | | | | | 194 | | Syria | | | | | | 116 | 52 | | 6 | 5 | 14 | 19 | 212 | | Ukraine | | | | | | | 5 | 7 | 6 | 3 | | | 21 | | Unaccompanied Children | | | | | 185 | 269 | 234 | 235 | 453 | 92 | 520 | 609 | 2,597 | Source: DORCAS international According to the US Census 32% of Providence residents speak English less than “very well”. 13% of Providence households are considered linguistically isolated, meaning that all members of the household have some degree of difficulty with the English language. The Providence Public School system is home to nearly 60% of students who speak a language other than English as their first language (see Table A.4 First Language of Providence Students, 2020). Table A.4 First Language of Providence Students, 2020 | First Language | Elementary | Middle - High | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Subgroup with no data | 3% | 4% | | Arabic | < 1% | < 1% | | Chinese | < 1% | < 1% | | English | 39% | 38% | | French | < 1% | < 1% | | Haitian Creole | < 1% | < 1% | | Italian | < 1% | < 1% | | Khmer | < 1% | < 1% | | Portuguese | < 1% | < 1% | | Spanish | 32% | 39% | | Language not listed | 3% | 2% | | Speak multiple languages at home | 19% | 13% | Source: Providence School Department 2020 Among the working age population (18-64), 3% of all Providence residents responded that they spoke English “not well or not at all” (See Table A.5 Providence Population Age 18-64 by Language Spoken at Home and English Difficulty). Among the Spanish-speaking population of this age group, 26.4% have English difficulties while the 3.3% of those speaking an Asian/Pacific Island language and 4.3% of those speaking an Indo-European language. About 30% of the working age population report speaking at least some English at home. Table A.5 Providence Population Age 18-64 by Language Spoken at Home & English Difficulty | Language Spoken at Home | Pop Age 18-64 | Pct with English Difficulties | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | English | 64,235 | 59.80% | | Spanish | 44,897 | 26.40% | | Other languages | 11,881 | 10.20% | | Indo-European Languages | 7,193 | 4.30% | | Asian and Pacific Island Languages | 5,643 | 3.30% | Source: US Census, 2016-2020 American Community Survey Between 1980 and 1990, Providence grew in population by 2.5%, the City’s first positive growth since 1940. Between 2010 and 2020, the population grew by 7.2%, the second highest growth in the last four decades, after 1990-2000. By breaking this growth down by race, we see the difference in change between the White and non-White populations. While the overall population continued to grow over the decades, the racial breakdown shows that the percent of Non-White residents is increasing, as the percentage of White residents is on a four-decade decline (See Table A.6 Change in Population). Table A.6 Change in Population | Year | 1990 | 2000 | 2010 | 2020 | Change 1990-2020 | Change 2000-2010 | Change 2010-2020 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Population | 160,728 | 173,618 | 178,062 | 190,934 | 8.0% | 2.5% | 7.2% | | White | 75.0% | 54.5% | 49.8% | 37.7% | -27.3% | -8.7% | -24.2% | | Non-White | 25.0% | 45.5% | 50.2% | 62.3% | 81.9% | 10.5% | 24.0% | Source: US Census, 2020 Decennial Census Population growth from 2010 to 2020 can also be broken down into three different groups: individuals who moved into Providence city limits from somewhere else in Rhode Island, individuals who moved into Providence city limits from somewhere else in Providence County, and individuals who moved into the city from a different state. From Figure A.3 Population Moving Into the City of Providence 2010-2020 below, we understand that the majority of residents who moved into the city of Providence over the past decade have come from Providence County, followed by residents who moved from a different state, and lastly residents who moved to the city from another county inside of Rhode Island. ### Figure A.3 Population moving into the City of Providence, 2010-2020 | | Same County, Same State | Different County, Same State | Different State | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 2010 | 24K | 2.1K | 11.5K | | 2012 | 25.1K | 1.5K | 9.9K | | 2016 | 24.9K | 2.2K | 8K | | 2020 | 17.4K | 1.7K | 8.9K | Created with Datawrapper Source: US Census, 2010 and 2020 Decennial Census The most recent population projection completed by the Rhode Island Division of Statewide Planning in 2013 predicts the population for the city of Providence will be 190,604 (*adjusted*) by 2040 (Figure A.4 Population Projection, 2020-2040). As of the 2020 Census, Providence’s population of 190,934 already surpassed the 2040 population projection, demonstrating the need to update projections to reflect current trends. At this population level, however, Providence’s 2021 Comprehensive Housing Strategy estimated an unmet demand for (or a shortage of) over 12,000 income-appropriate housing units. ### Figure A.4 Population Projection, 2020 -2040 <
> Source: Rhode Island Division of Statewide Planning Income Median household income in 2020 was $49,065—an overall increase of 10% from 2010, when adjusting for inflation (see Table A.7 Providence Median Household Income in 2020 Dollars, 2000-2020). Providence household incomes have steadily increased over the past twenty years, but at a slightly slower pace than statewide median income. Table A.7 depicts a more significant increase in income since 2000. Table A.7 Providence Median Household income in 2020 Dollars, 2000-2020 | Year | Median (in real dollars) | % Change (adjusted to 2020 dollars) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 2000 | $26,867 | -- | | 2012 | $37,237 | 7.9% | | 2020 | $49,065 | 10.7% | Source: US Census, 2010 and 2020 Decennial Census Table A.8 Percent of Providence Families in National Income Brackets, 1989-2019 conveys the difference between the distribution of Providence incomes and the distribution of incomes nationwide. The percentage of households in the middle-income bracket stayed the same in 2009 and 2020 at 42.2%. Three decades prior, Providence’s middle class was almost identical to the national standard. In the same time span, the share of families in the low-income bracket rose to 29.6% of all families. The share of families in the high-income bracket increased almost 8%, a similar increase for the period from 2009 to 2020. Income ranges are defined as follows: * Lower income: less than $40,000 * Middle income: $40,000-$75,000 * Higher income: more than $75,000 Table A.8 Percent of Providence Families in National Income Brackets, 1989-2019 | National Bracket | Year | Providence Bracket Share | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Lowest Income (Lowest 20%) | 1989 | 30.7% | | | 1999 | 39.3% | | | 2009 | 27.5% | | | 2019 | 29.6% | | | 1989 | 55.0% | | | 1999 | 48.6% | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Middle Income (Middle 60%) | 2009 | 42.2% | | | 2019 | 42.2% | | High Income (Top 20%) | 1989 | 14.3% | | | 1999 | 12.1% | | | 2009 | 20.2% | | | 2019 | 28.2% | Source: 2020 Decennial Census Due to the manner in which the Census treats income, race, and ethnicity, it is possible to compare the income of Hispanic households to White households but not to households of other races, as the Census income survey of all other races does not distinguish Hispanic from Non-Hispanic head of household (See Table A.9 Percent of Providence Households by Income Range and (available) Race/Ethnicity, 2020). Table A.9: % of Providence Households by Income Range & (available) Race/Ethnicity, 2020 | Race and Ethnicity of Households | | | | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | All | Non-Hispanic White | Hispanic Any Race | | Number of Households: | 72,767 | 33,171 | 26,452 | | Income Range | | | | | Less than $20,000 | 20.6% | 15.6% | 27.7% | | $20,000 to $29,999 | 8.0% | 6.7% | 9% | | $30,000 to $39,999 | 6.0% | 5.8% | 6.1% | | $40,000 to $49,999 | 5.3% | 6.2% | 5.6% | | $50,000 to $59,999 | 6.7% | 6.1% | 6.9% | | $60,000 to $74,999 | 7.8% | 5.4% | 10.9% | | $75,000 to $99,999 | 12.9% | 15% | 9.2% | | $100,000 to $149,999 | 16.7% | 19% | 12.3% | | $150,000 or more | 16.1% | 19% | 12.7% | Source: US Census, 20015-2020 American Community Survey The number of households earning between $40,000—$75,000 has decreased, while the number of households earning less than $40,000 or more than $75,000 has increased (see Figure A.5 Percent of Providence Households by Income Range and (available) Race/Ethnicity, 2020). The decrease in households in the middle-income range is comparable to peer cities. Figure A.5: % of Providence Households by Income Range & (available) Race/Ethnicity, 2020 <
> Source: US Census, 2020 American Community Survey *Poverty, Working Poor and Public Assistance* Providence’s overall poverty rate decreased by about 4% between 2009 and 2020, such that under 22% of residents were living in poverty in 2020. There was a minor (1.1%) decrease in the poverty rate in Providence from 2019 – 2020 (See Table A.10 ‘Poverty Rate in Providence, 1989-2020’). Table A.10 Poverty Rate in Providence, 1989-2019 | Year | Rate | | :--- | :--- | | 1989 | 23.0% | | 1999 | 29.1% | | 2009 | 26.3% | | 2019 | 22.6% | | 2020 | 21.5% | Source: US 2020 Decennial Census *Education, Language and Workforce Training* *Educational Attainment among Providence Residents* The Providence adult population has steadily become more highly educated over the past ten years: close to 32% of all residents aged 25 years or older now have a 4-year college degree or higher (See Table A.11 Educational Attainment for Providence Population Age 25 and over, 2012-2020). Despite this increase, 8% of the adult population is still without a high school diploma or equivalent. Table A.11 Educational Attainment for Providence Population Age 25 or over, 2012-2020 | Highest Attainment | Year | Share | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Did Not Graduate High School | 2012 | 10% | | | 2014 | 13% | | | 2016 | 9% | | | 2018 | 7% | | | 2020 | 8% | | High School Graduate | 2012 | 25% | | | 2014 | 24% | | | 2016 | 29% | | | 2018 | 36% | | | 2020 | 31% | | Some College or associate degree | 2012 | 16% | | | 2014 | 16% | | | 2016 | 16% | | | 2018 | 15% | | | 2020 | 14% | | College Graduate or Advanced Degree | 2012 | 27% | | | 2014 | 30% | | | 2016 | 31% | | | 2018 | 30% | | | 2020 | 32% | Source: US Census education attainment 2012-2020 The rate of labor force participation among working-age adults with various levels of education offers insight as to who is finding employment and who is not (See Figure A.6 Labor Force Participation Rates by Education Level 2020 (R.I. and U.S). Rhode Island rates of labor force participation closely resemble those of the nation as a whole, with 60% of high school dropouts as active labor force participants. This is more than a 10% increase from 2010. Figure A.6 Labor Force Participation Rates by Education Level, 2020 <
> Created with Datawrapper Source: US Census Labor force participation, 2020 ### Business and Jobs ### Introduction The employment and incomes of Providence residents are examined through the characteristics of the working age population, including their occupations, education level, language skills, and commuting patterns. The strength and composition of the employment market, along with transportation options and workforce training, are also major determinants of job selection and realized earnings. As home to several colleges and universities, the city has great potential to foster a formidable workforce of creative and high-skilled workers. However, with high rates of poverty and high school dropout, challenges remain to improve adult education and public-school achievement in order to raise the earning potential of the current and future labor force. ### Labor Force Participation and Unemployment The labor force participation rate is the age of working-age people (age 16 to 64) who are either currently employed or are unemployed and looking for work. The participation rate has held steady over the previous decade at around 60% while the growth in the labor force has consistently increased. (see Table A.12 Providence Labor Force Size and Participation Rate, 1980-2020). Table A.12 Providence Labor Force Size and Participation Rate, 1980-2020 | Year | Number in Labor Force | Participation | Growth in Labor force | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1980 | 72,471 | 57.9% | -- | | 1990 | 76,328 | 60.5% | 3,857 | | 2000 | 76,833 | 57.7% | 505 | | 2010 | 89,381 | 63.4% | 12,548 | | 2020 | 90,275 | 61.8% | 894 | Source: US Census, 1980-2020 American Community Survey The unemployment rate is the percentage of the labor force that is currently unemployed. The annual average unemployment rate represents the mean of twelve-monthly unemployment calculations. In the calendar year 2019, an average of almost 4,000 members, or 4.4% of the Providence labor force, were unemployed (see Table A.13 Annual Average Unemployment Rate (unadjusted) in Providence, 1997-2019). The city’s unemployment rate is in a steady decline after seeing its peak during the great recession. The unemployment rate increased significantly in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to 11.2% but has since then dropped to 4.0% in 2022. These changes mimic national unemployment patterns. Table A.13 Annual Average Unemployment Rate (Unadjusted) in Providence, 1990-2022 | Year | # in the Labor Force | Number Unemployed | Unemployment rate | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 2022 | 88,650 | 3,537 | 4.0 | | 2021 | 89,244 | 5,830 | 6.5 | | 2020 | 90,275 | 10,051 | 11.2 | | 2019 | 89,534 | 3,930 | 4.4 | | 2018 | 89,300 | 4,505 | 5.0 | | 2017 | 88,844 | 4,810 | 5.4 | | 2016 | 86,319 | 5,369 | 6.2 | | 2015 | 86,660 | 6,115 | 7.1 | | 2014 | 87,164 | 7,864 | 9.0 | | 2013 | 87,075 | 9,227 | 10.6 | | | | | | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 2012 | 87,556 | 9,970 | 11.4 | | 2011 | 88,049 | 10,979 | 12.5 | | 2010 | 88,773 | 11,184 | 12.6 | | 2009 | 79,839 | 10,819 | 13.6 | | 2008 | 78,924 | 7,241 | 9.2 | | 2007 | 78,893 | 4,973 | 6.3 | | 2006 | 79,594 | 5,211 | 6.5 | | 2005 | 78,535 | 5,036 | 6.4 | | 2004 | 77,617 | 4,922 | 6.3 | | 2003 | 78,194 | 5,412 | 6.9 | | 2002 | 76,799 | 4,822 | 6.3 | Source: R.I. DLT-Local Area Unemployment Statistics The worker count is the subset of the labor force that is employed at the time of survey. The number of employed Providence residents has increased by 17,000 over the last five decades, with a total of 83,741 in 2020. This is a 6.7% increase from the previous decade of 78,093 workers. Table A.14 Employed Providence Residents aged 16 and over, 2020 | Year | Number of Workers | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1970 | 74,849 | - | | 1980 | 65,839 | -12.0% | | 1990 | 69,320 | 5.2% | | 2000 | 69,676 | 0.5% | | 2010 | 78,093 | 12.0% | | 2020 | 83,741 | 7.2% | Source: US Census, 2020 American Community Survey ### Employment of Providence Residents According to the 2020 Census, over one-third of Providence’s working residents are employed in the management or professional occupations, while more than 20% are in services. (See Figure A.7 Employment by Occupation for Working Providence Residents Age 16 and over, 2020.) The remaining CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix 130 40% is distributed among sales and offices; transportation, production, and material moving; and natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations. Figure A.7 Employment by Occupation for Working Providence Residents age 16 & over, 2020 <
> Source: US Census, 2020 American Community Survey In terms of industries, nearly 30% of employed residents work in Education, Health, and Social Services (see Figure A.8 Employment by Industry for Working Providence Residents Age 16 and over, 2020). The next most common industry of employment is Professional, Scientific, Management, Administrative and Waste Management Services with 11.9% of all working Providence residents, followed by Manufacturing at 11.1%. Figure A.8 Employment by Industry of Working Providence Residents Aged 16 and over, 2020 <
> Source: US Census, 2006-2010 American Community Survey ### Jobs and Industries Located in Providence Between 2010 and 2020, Providence has seen employment decline in 10 industries. The biggest decline was in the Information industry, which experienced a 61.4% decrease in average employment. The City of Providence maintains almost 23% of all jobs Rhode Island during 2020 (see Table A.15 NAICS Industry Divisions, 2010-2020). In terms of NAICS industry divisions by state share, Educational Services is the most heavily concentrated industry in Providence, with 63.1% of statewide employment located in the city. Providence also claims at least 30% of statewide employment in two other industries, Health Care & Social Assistance (35.1%) and Professional and Technical services (31.8%). Additionally, Providence claims at least 25% of statewide employment in the following industries: Administrative Support & Waste Management (27.4%), Management of Companies & Enterprises (27.4%). Given its share in overall employment, Providence has a relatively low portion of the jobs in several industries such as Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation (7.7%), Retail Trade (13.3%), Construction (15.9%) Manufacturing (7.6%), and Transportation & Warehousing (18.6%), Providence saw employment decline in seven industry divisions (not including Government), highlighted by the fall in Information (-61.4%) and in Manufacturing (-32.0%). Table A.15 NAICS City wide industry divisions 2020 | Industry | City wide 2010 | City wide 2020 | Change since 2010 | State Share | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Utilities | | 482 | ---- | ----* | | Construction | 1,964 | 2,532 | 28.9% | 15.9% | | Manufacturing | 4,484 | 3,050 | -32.0% | 7.6% | | Wholesale Trade | 2,131 | 2,645 | 24.1% | 16.7% | | Retail Trade | 6,641 | 6,109 | -8.0% | 13.0% | | Transportation & Warehousing | 637 | 1,616 | 153.7% | 18.6% | | Information | 3,379 | 1,303 | -61.4% | 13.0% | | Finance & Insurance | 4,810 | 4,154 | -13.6% | 41.6% | | Real Estate & Leasing | 1,367 | 1,328 | -2.9% | 23.6% | | Professional & Technical Services | 6,072 | 6,648 | 9.5% | 31.8% | | Management of Companies & Enterprises | 1,524 | 2,553 | 67.5% | 27.4% | | Administrative Support & Waste Mgmt. | 7,260 | 6,412 | -11.7% | 27.7% | | Educational Services | 11,747 | 12,106 | 35.1% | 63.1% | | Health Care & Social Assistance | 25,724 | 27,811 | 8.1% | 35.6% | | Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation | 953 | 583 | -38.8% | 7.7% | | Accommodation & Food Services | 8,035 | 7,094 | -11.7% | 16.9% | Source: RI DLT city wide industry division 2020 Due to the difficult nature of identifying data of a specific employer, the employment number in the Utilities industry has been removed for the year 2010. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) has prepared projections of how statewide employment will change within occupational categories over the decade of 2020-2030 (estimates are not available at the city level). Jobs within Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations (29.6%) and Personal Care and Service Occupation (22.1%) are expected to grow around twice the current rate of overall employment. The largest occupational category in 2020, Office and Administrative Support, is projected to remain steady at its current employment rate. Table A.16 Statewide Occupational Outlook by major occupational group, 2020- 2030 (Top 20) | SOC Code | Occupational Title | Employment 2020 | Employment 2030 | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 11-0000 | Management | 22,776 | 25,949 | 13.9% | | 13-0000 | Business and Financial Operations | 35,061 | 39,041 | 11.4% | | 15-0000 | Computer and Mathematical | 16,244 | 18,864 | 16.1% | | 17-0000 | Architecture and Engineering | 8,461 | 9,295 | 9.9% | | 19-0000 | Life, Physical, and Social Science | 3,956 | 4,359 | 10.2% | | 21-0000 | Community and Social Services | 9,387 | 10,534 | 12.2% | | 23-0000 | Legal | 6,047 | 6,728 | 11.3% | | 25-0000 | Education, Training and Library | 31,400 | 33,804 | 7.7% | | 27-0000 | Arts, Design, Entertainment, sports, and media | 9,522 | 10,822 | 13.7% | | 29-0000 | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 37,057 | 39,446 | 6.4% | | 31-0000 | Healthcare Support | 24,460 | 28,206 | 15.3% | | 33-0000 | Protective Service | 11,724 | 13,317 | 13.6% | | 35-0000 | Food Preparation and Serving Related | 38,214 | 49,509 | 29.6% | | 37-0000 | Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | 19,781 | 22,182 | 12.1% | | 39-0000 | Personal Care and Service | 13,255 | 16,178 | 22.1% | | 41-0000 | Sales and Related | 45,953 | 49,584 | 7.9% | | 43-0000 | Office and Administrative Support | 61,475 | 61,262 | -0.3% | | 45-0000 | Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | 778 | 867 | 11.4% | | 47-0000 | Construction and Extraction | 20,716 | 23,930 | 15.5% | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 49-0000 | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | 16,787 | 18,771 | 11.8% | | 51-0000 | Production | 27,993 | 28,828 | 3.0% | | 53-0000 | Transportation and Material Moving | 29,953 | 35,654 | 19.0% | Source: RI DLT-2020 Opportunities: Rhode Island’s Occupational Outlook for 2020 Commuting At the time of the Census, 52% of all Providence’s employed residents reported that they work in the capital city. Another 28% were working elsewhere in Providence County, and 20% worked outside of Providence County (See Table A.17 Work Location and Means of Commute for Working Providence Residents Aged 16 and over). 65% of workers report commuting to work by automobile, while the next most common mode is walking to work (8.1%). Public transportation as a means of commute registered at 5.4%. Table A.17 Work Location & Means of Commute for Working Providence Residents aged 16+ | Location of Work | % | | :--- | :--- | | In Providence City | 52% | | In Providence County | 28% | | Outside of Providence County | 20% | | **Mode of Transit** | **%** | | Drove or carpooled | 65% | | Walked | 8.1% | | Public Transportation | 5.4% | | Bicycle | 1.1% | | Other Means | 1.9% | | Worked at Home | 7.2% | Source: US Census, 2016-2020 American Community Survey Table A.18 New England States Employment | New England States | 2010 | 2020 | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Connecticut | 1,468,291 | 1,631,510 | 11.1% | | Maine | 488,932 | 610,600 | 24.8% | | Massachusetts | 2,967,877 | 3,566,000 | 20.1% | | New Hampshire | 568,043 | 659,220 | 16.1% | | Rhode Island | 413,584 | 491,000 | 18.7% | | Vermont | 264,766 | 293,280 | 10.7% | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, County Business Patterns Table A.19 Statewide Industrial Employment Outlook, 2018-2022 | NAICS code | Sector title | 2018 | 2022 | absolute change | % Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 11 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting | 871 | 1,093 | 222 | 25.5% | | 21 | Mining | 185 | 178 | -7 | -3.8% | | 22 | Utilities | 1,140 | 1,362 | 222 | 19.5% | | 23 | Construction | 19,223 | 21,006 | 1,783 | 9.3% | | 33-33 | Manufacturing | 40,333 | 40,172 | -161 | -0.4% | | 42 | Wholesale Trade | 48,659 | 16,302 | -32,354 | -66.5% | | 44-45 | Retail Trade | 10,493 | 47,256 | 36,763 | 350.4% | | 48-49 | Transportation & Warehousing | 5,927 | 11,655 | 5,728 | 96.6% | | 51 | information | 25,929 | 5,726 | -20,203 | -77.9% | | 52 | Finance & insurance | 6,363 | 26,190 | 19,827 | 311.6% | | 53 | Real Estate, Rental & Leasing | 13,324 | 6,428 | -6,896 | -51.8% | | | Management of companies & enterprises | 29,591 | 29,738 | 147 | 0.5% | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 55 | | | | | | | 56 | administrative & waste services | 20,145 | 11,068 | -9,077 | -45.1% | | 61 | educational services | 80,040 | 29,145 | -50,895 | -63.59% | | 62 | Health Care | 9,512 | 20,472 | 10,960 | 115.22% | | 71 | Arts, entertainment & food services | 49,644 | 78,521 | 28,877 | 58.17% | | 81 | Other services except public admin | 17,994 | 3,427 | -14,567 | -80.95% | | 92 | Government | 60,206 | 11,302 | -48,904 | -81.23% | Source: RI DLT-2018 Opportunities: Rhode Island’s Occupational Outlook for 2022. Table A.20 Office Vacancy Rates, 2020 | Area | Vacancy Rate | | :--- | :--- | | Northern RI | 13.7% | | Westbay | 11.0% | | East Bay | 11.5% | | Suburban Providence | 10.4% | | Aquidneck island | 8.0% | Source: CBRE-New England A little over half (54%) of Providence’s downtown office space is Class-B (Table A.21 Downtown Office Supply by Office Class, 2020). Table A.21 ‘Downtown Office Supply by Office Class, 2020 | Class | Square Feet | Vacancy rate | % of Total | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Class-A | 2,420,826 | 12.84% | 38% | | Class-B | 3,449,337 | 17.01% | 54% | | Class-C | 504,108 | 5.50% | 8% | | Total | 6,374,271 | 14.52% | 100% | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | Source: CBRE-New England Between 2010 and 2020, Downtown Providence went from having roughly 4,462,953 square feet of occupied Class A and B multi-tenant office supply to about 4,973,910 square feet of occupied space, an increase of 477,799 square feet of occupied office space (‘Table A.22 Downtown Class A and B Multi-Tenant Office Supply, 2010-2020). Table A.22 Downtown Class A and B Multi-Tenant Office Supply, 2010-2020 | Office Square Footage | 2010 | 2020 | Change from 2010 - 2020 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total | 5,490,932 | 5,870,163 | 379,231 | | Occupied | 4,496,111 | 4,973,910 | 477,799 | Source: CBRE-New England A comparison of the availability and lease rates of office space in various areas of Downtown Providence and other areas of Rhode Island are shown in Table A.23 Downtown Providence Office Market 2020 and Table A.24 Suburban Providence Office Market 2020. Table A.23 Downtown Providence Office Market 2020 | Districts | Total SF | Avail. SF | Vacancy | Absorption | Avg. Lease Rate | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Capital Center | 782,615 | 175,873 | 22.5% | -7,080 | $36.65 | | Financial | 2,079,603 | 280,324 | 13.5% | 27,675 | $28.08 | | Westminster | 617,360 | 33,775 | 5.5% | -4,000 | $22.08 | | South Main | 134,207 | 1,725 | 1.3% | 0 | $21.56 | | Randall Sq. | 201,663 | 30,117 | 14.9% | -10,344 | $23.03 | | Empire | 562,581 | 12,8970 | 2.3% | -600 | $23.84 | | Promenade | 1,138,336 | 211,820 | 18.6% | -78,122 | $23.95 | | Jewelry (Richmond) | 857,906 | 178,837 | 20.9% | -69,504 | $31.72 | | Total Market | 6,374,271 | 925,368 | 14.5% | -141,975 | | Source: CBRE-New England Table A.24 Suburban Providence Office Market 2020 | Districts | Total SF | Avail. SF | Vacancy | Absorption | Avg. Lease Rate | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Northern RI | 2,059,127 | 281,203 | 13.7% | 13,836 | $18.57 | | West Bay | 4,000,889 | 441,089 | 11.0% | 186,880 | $19.51 | | East Bay | 1,233,761 | 142,189 | 11.5% | 5,795 | $17.12 | | Suburban Providence | 1,157,858 | 120,574 | 10.4% | -32,404 | $19.07 | | Aquidneck Island | 1,090,360 | 87,660 | 8.0% | 11,419 | $15.71 | | Total Market | 9,541,995 | 1,072,715 | 11.2% | 185,526 | | Source: CBRE-New England Asking rents throughout the region are shown in Table A.25 Average Asking Rent per SF with Comparison Areas, 2020 Table A.25 Average Asking Rent per SF with Comparison Areas, 2020 | Area | Asking Rent per sq. ft. | | :--- | :--- | | Suburban Rhode Island | $16.46 | | Providence City | $22.81 | | Suburban Hartford | $18.63 | | Hartford City | $19.92 | | Suburban Boston | $19.11 | | Cambridge | $39.22 | | Boston City | $69.50 | Source: CBRE-New England Housing Housing Units The 2020 Census counted 75,257 housing units in the city of Providence, a 6% increase from 2010. By far the largest unit type increase was one-bedroom units, which increased by 37% (See Table A.26 Housing Units by Type). Table A.26 Housing Units by Type | | 2010 | 2020 | Percent Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **No Bedroom** | 2,760 | 2,822 | 2.25% | | **1 Bedroom** | 11,881 | 16,288 | 37.09% | | **2 Bedroom** | 27,156 | 28,776 | 5.97% | | **3 or More Bedroom** | 31,095 | 29,705 | -4.47% | Source: US Census, 2010 and 2020 Decennial Census Housing Density The housing density in Providence is 6.39 units per acre of land, or 4,088 units per square mile. The density ranges from areas with no housing to 412 housing units per acre (see Map A.1 Housing Density). Of the 3,099 Census blocks in Providence, 2,347 have at least one unit of residential housing. When density is calculated using only residential zoned acres density increases to 9.99 housing units per acre, or 24.7 housing units per block. There are six blocks in the city with density over 100 units per acre. Map A.1 Housing Density in Providence Rhode Island <
> Legend Units Per Acre by Block Less than 5 5 - 9 10 - 14 15 - 19 20 - 24 25 or more Housing Stock: Age & Quality The majority of structures built in the City of Providence are over eighty years old (See Figure A.9 Percent of Structures Built by Timeframe). This potentially has an impact on housing costs (heating, repairs) and at-risk property indicators, such as fire risk and lead-based paint. (See Table A.27 At-Risk Property Indicators). Figure A.9 Percent of Structures Built by Timeframe <
> Source: US Census, 2006-2010 American Community Survey Table A.27 At-Risk Property Indicators | | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2020 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Environmental Tickets | 2,939 | 2,641 | 2,349 | 3,026 | | Foreclosures | 1,508 | 754 | 514 | -- | | Structure Fires | 318 | 270 | 283 | 366 | Source: City of Providence, Depts. of Public Works, Fire, Planning and Development Housing Occupancy and Vacancy Homeownership The overall homeownership rate in 2020 was 33.5% of all occupied housing units—a small 3.4% decrease from 2010. At the same time, renter occupancy increased by 16.9%, with 66.5% of households renting their homes (see Table A.28 Housing Units, Percentage by Occupancy, Type, & Vacancy, 2010--2020) According to the 2020 Census, ownership vacancy was at 1.6% while rental vacancy was at 6.1%. Table A.28 Housing Units, Percentage by Occupancy, Type and Vacancy, 2010-2020 | | 2010 | 2020 | Percent change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Owner Occupied | 23,143 | 23,309 | 0.72% | | Renter Occupied | 39,575 | 46,268 | 16.9% | | Vacant | 8,812 | 5,660 | -35.7% | Source: US Census 2020 Decennial Census Table A.29 Residential Condominium Sales, 2017-2020 | Year | Rhode Island | Providence | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 2017 | 2,169 | 307 | | 2018 | 2,300 | 366 | | 2019 | 2,314 | 351 | | 2020 | 2,279 | 358 | Source: Rhode Island Realtors Association Median residential sales for single family homes have increased from the 1990s to 2020, in all parts of the city (See Table A.30 Median Single-Family Residential Sales Price 1985-2010). The City of Providence has more than recovered from the dramatic decline in sale prices during the recession of the early 2000s, with many residents experiencing a housing affordability crisis. Median sales prices in Providence (excluding the East Side) doubled between 2010 and 2020. East Side housing prices increased by more than 50% in the same time period but have consistently remained higher than the citywide average. Table A.30 Median Single-Family Residential Sales Price 1990-2022 | | Rhode Island | Providence | East Side of Providence | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **1990** | $125,000 | $85,000 | $185,000 | | **1991** | $121,000 | $86,500 | $170,285 | | **1992** | $117,000 | $84,900 | $182,000 | | **1993** | $115,000 | $76,100 | $169,000 | | **1994** | $115,000 | $74,000 | $206,000 | | **1995** | $115,000 | $69,000 | $190,000 | | **1996** | $116,600 | $68,500 | $185,000 | | **1997** | $118,000 | $69,000 | $205,000 | | **1998** | $122,600 | $72,000 | $190,000 | | **1999** | $126,000 | $75,000 | $248,500 | | **2000** | $135,976 | $83,000 | $294,000 | | **2001** | $156,000 | $97,925 | $359,500 | | **2002** | $188,150 | $121,354 | $385,000 | | **2003** | $230,000 | $147,750 | $392,625 | | **2004** | $264,700 | $185,000 | $475,000 | | **2005** | $282,900 | $210,000 | $510,000 | | **2006** | $282,500 | $212,475 | $502,000 | | **2007** | $275,000 | $197,000 | $468,075 | | **2008** | $234,900 | $123,500 | $486,000 | | **2009** | $199,000 | $85,000 | $440,000 | | **2010** | $200,000 | $115,000 | $432,000 | | **2011** | $195,000 | $100,000 | $426,000 | | **2012** | $190,000 | $90,000 | $449,100 | | **2013** | $205,000 | $105,000 | $439,500 | | **2014** | $215,000 | $122,750 | $460,000 | | **2015** | $225,000 | $130,000 | $480,000 | | **2016** | $239,900 | $150,000 | $493,000 | | **2017** | $255,000 | $168,000 | $570,000 | | **2018** | $270,000 | $190,000 | $590,000 | | **2019** | $285,000 | $204,400 | $625,000 | | **2020** | $319,900 | $230,000 | $660,000 | Source: RI Realtors Association Rental Market Fair market rents, as determined by HUD, have increased steadily across the board from 2016 to 2020 for studio to four bedrooms. (See Table A.31 Fair Market Rent Increase by Bedroom Size). Fair Market Rent is defined by HUD as “the 40th percentile of gross rents for typical, non-substandard rental units occupied by recent movers in a local housing market,” generally meaning it is the median of local market rents, not the average rent one would expect to pay in the market. Table A.31 Fair Market Rent Increase by Bedroom Size | | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Studio | $655 | $732 | $748 | $786 | $794 | | 1 Bedroom | $801 | $827 | $849 | $889 | $898 | | 2 Bedroom | $972 | $994 | $1,014 | $1,060 | $1,075 | | 3 Bedroom | $1,206 | $1,244 | $1,271 | $1,32 | $1,340 | | 4 Bedroom | $1,452 | $1,485 | $1,508 | $1,565 | $1,591 | Source: HUD In 2020, according to HousingWorks RI, the average 2-bedroom rent citywide was $1,781—up from $1,111 in 2010. When adjusted for inflation, this is a 37% increase in average rents in 10 years. Housing Affordability According to an analysis completed by Rhode Island Housing (RIH), Providence has 10,704 units of housing affordable to people of low or moderate income. This amounts to 14.9% of the total number of dwelling units in the city. Approximately 50% of the affordable units serve families, 41% serve elderly, and 8% serve people with disabilities. More than 40% of Providence households are housing cost burdened, with 47% of renters and 40% of homeowners paying more than 30% of their income on housing. Table A.32 Housing Cost Burden identifies both renter and owner households spending between 30% and 35% of income on housing and households spending more than 35% of income on housing. Housing costs have increased at a faster rate than household income between 2010 and 2020—income has increased by just under 11% while rents have increased by 37% and the cost of homeownership has increased by more than doubled in much of the city. Table A.32 Housing Cost Burden | | Homeowner | Renter | All Households | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cost Burden ≤ 30% | 18,515 ( | 22,805 | 41,320 (60.8%) | | Cost Burden >30% to ≤ 50% | 4,830 | 8,090 | 12,920 (19%) | | Cost Burden > 50% | 3,800 | 8,720 | 12,520 (18.4%) | | Cost Burden Data NA | 100 | 1,115 | 1,215 (1.8%) | | Total | 27,245 | 40,730 | 67,975 | Source: HUD Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy data (2017-2021 ACS) Public and Assisted Housing The Providence Housing Authority (PHA) owns, manages, and maintains 2,606 units of public housing for low-income individuals and families within 12 developments and 244 scattered sites citywide. In addition, PHA administers more than 2,700 Housing Choice Vouchers (including special vouchers such as Veterans Administration Supportive Housing/VASH, Mainstream, Emergency) that allow some of the most vulnerable populations to lease units in the private rental market. PHA is committed to project-basing up to 30% of its HCV Program voucher authority to support the preservation and creation of new affordable housing for low-income households. The PHA’s Public Housing Program portfolio includes over 260 buildings of various size and use dedicated to public housing for families, elderly as well as disabled residents. As the largest landlord of Providence, over 12,000 residents secure an affordable home through the agency. With over 85% of residents below 50% AMI, PHA also provides a wide array of on-site resident services that promote family economic self-sufficiency and healthy aging in place. Additional partners and policies ensure the security and safety of PHA residents and neighborhoods. As of FY 2024, over 72% of public housing residents identify as Latino, 25% Black, 2% American Indian/Native Alaskan, 2% Asian, and 22% of residents have a disability. Homelessness Given the high housing cost-burden for many in Providence, homelessness continues to be a significant issue. In order to address this problem, the state has 2,014 beds in emergency shelters, 538 beds in transitional housing, and 2,537 beds in permanent supportive housing. While the size of the homeless population has yet to be determined, the last Point in Time count conducted by the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness estimated that 67% of the homeless population were individuals and 33% were persons in families statewide. (See table 33. Point in Time Count summary of Homeless Population). Table A.33. Point in Time Count summary of Homeless Population | | Point in Time Count, January 25, 2023 | | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Persons in Families | 595 | 32.9% | | Individuals | 1214 | 67.1% | | Unaccompanied Youth (13-17) | 1 | 0.1% | | :--- | :--- | :--- | Source: Point in Time Count 2023, The Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness It is clear that many families are at serious risk of homelessness. A 5-year trend analysis from the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness shows a 15% increase in people experiencing homelessness. The largest increase is in persons unsheltered and in emergency shelters. Currently, there are 5,236 families with an income of less than 30% LMI that pay 50% of their income on housing. **Mobility** **Bus** The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) provides bus service throughout the state, and a significant portion of RIPTA service is in the urban core, especially in Providence. RIPTA provides frequent bus service on numerous routes within Providence, especially the R-Line running along North Main Street and Broad Street, passing Providence Station and the bus hub in Kennedy Plaza as part of the Downtown Transit Connector. Other corridors with frequent bus service currently include Elmwood Avenue, Broadway, Cranston Street, Smith Street, South Main Street, Angell Street, and Waterman Street. Besides RIPTA service, Providence is also served by intercity bus lines, including curbside stops downtown and service to the Peter Pan Bus Station close to the Pawtucket Line on Cemetery Street. **Rail** American passenger rail is most frequent on the Northeast Corridor between Washington, D.C., and Boston. Providence Station is served by MBTA Commuter Rail running between Boston South Station and Wickford Junction, Amtrak Northeast Regional service between Boston South Station and Norfolk, VA, and Amtrak Acela service between Boston South Station and Washington, D.C. There is also a rail spur from this Northeast Corridor rail line to the Port of Providence, which sees moderate levels of freight rail traffic. **Walking** Except for the lowest-density residential areas, Providence is served by sidewalks on both sides of the street and most major street crossings have marked crosswalks. Downtown and adjacent neighborhoods are areas of high walkability. Recreational walking is popular especially along Blackstone Boulevard, in Roger Williams Park, and in many other open spaces throughout the city. **Bicycling** Providence’s Urban Trail network includes separated bicycle facilities on Broad Street; along the waterfront in Fox Point; Downtown on Empire Street, Chestnut Street, Clifford Street, and Fountain Street; and segments of the Woonasquatucket River Greenway between Olneyville and the City line with Johnston. Since 2018, the City has permitted shared micromobility services provided by private companies governed by extensive City regulations to create flexible mobility options for residents and visitors. The city received a federal grant in 2023 through the USDOT Safe Streets and Roads for All program to improve urban trail connections and pedestrian safety. These projects will be implemented between 2024 and 2028. The Green and Complete Streets Advisory Council, made up of community members and established by ordinance in 2021, makes recommendations to the city for improving safety for walking and bicycling. Through these processes and through the Vision Zero resolution passed by City Council in February 2024, areas of high traffic stress are identified through both crash data and community input. ### Driving The city owns and maintains over 800 lane miles of roadway, making up 15% of Providence’s total land area. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation maintains limited-access highways Interstate 95, Interstate 195, U.S. Route 6, and R.I. Route 10, as well as various other state routes throughout the city. One of the most common ways to measure driving is through Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) which provides useful information by itself and on a per-capita basis. Traffic models often forecast continuous growth in VMT, while the reality is usually more complex. Detailed in Table A.34, Rhode Island saw a more modest year-over-year growth in VMT than the country as a whole between 2014 and 2018 (1.095% vs. 1.73%) but only a slightly lower year-over-year increase in per-capita VMT over the same time period (1.015% vs. 1.03%). Both Rhode Island and the nationwide VMT numbers were lower during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and had not stabilized into any recognizable trends by the most recent year of data. Interestingly, Rhode Island saw a decrease in total VMT in 2019 before the start of the pandemic, which mirrors some other cities that have seen flat VMT or reductions in recent years. Table A.34: Annual Vehicle Miles Traveled in Rhode Island and the United States | Year | Total Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) | | Per Capita VMT | | | :--- | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | | | RI (million) | US (trillion) | RI | US | | **2014** | 7667 | 3.026 | 7,279 | 9,633 | | **2015** | 7833 | 3.095 | 7,434 | 9,780 | | **2016** | 7927 | 3.174 | 7,517 | 9,965 | | **2017** | 8001 | 3.212 | 7,576 | 10,007 | | **2018** | 8008 | 3.240 | 7,579 | 10,035 | | *Annual growth from 2014 baseline* | 1.095% | 1.730% | 1.015% | 1.030% | | **2019** | 7581 | 3.262 | 7,171 | 10,046 | | **2020** | 6864 | 2.904 | 6,489 | 8,891 | | **2021*** | 7526 | 3.132 | 6,892 | 9,500 | | *2021 VMT is the latest data available and reflects ongoing impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic | | | | | Sources: U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, RI Long Range Transportation Plan ### Freight Significant “final mile” freight traffic occurs by truck in Providence as it does throughout the country. The Port of Providence is New England's second-largest deep-water port and serves as a distribution center for the whole region. It is managed by ProvPort, Inc, whose website states “Ships from around the world utilize the deep water federal channel, bringing products in from Central and South America, Europe, East Asia, Russia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand... bulk products pass through the port, utilizing the intermodal opportunities presented by the interface of two major highways (Interstates 95 and 195), the deep water seaport, and a railway capable of supporting double stack service.” The RI Freight Plan adds that “the Port of Providence is an important regional hub, particularly for the state’s leading export commodity, scrap metal. This commodity arrives from Massachusetts and Connecticut, as well as other nearby states. It is then shipped to Canada, Turkey, China, and other countries, providing regional connectivity to the rest of the world.” One pipeline carries natural gas under the Providence River into Providence at Collier Point. # Appendix B. Maps This Appendix fulfills the mapping requirements established in the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning Standards. Map B.1 Areas Served by Public Water & Groundwater Reservoirs # AREAS SERVED BY PUBLIC WATER ## GROUNDWATER RESERVOIRS PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> | Legend | | | :--- | :--- | | ▨ Sewered Areas | | | ■ Groundwater Reservoirs | | Data Sources: Providence Geographic Information System, RIGIS 0 0.5 1 Miles CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix 151 Map B.2 Canopy and Impervious Surface Coverage # CANOPY AND IMPERVIOUS SURFACE PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> | Canopy Coverage and Impervious Surface Coverage by Parcel | | | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Canopy Coverage (sqft) / Parcel Area (sqft) | | | | Impervious Surface Coverage (sqft) / Parcel Area (sqft) | | | High Canopy Coverage / Low Impervious Surface Coverage | | High Canopy Coverage / High Impervious Surface Coverage | | Low Canopy Coverage / Low Impervious Surface Coverage | | Low Canopy Coverage / High Impervious Surface Coverage | Data Sources: Providence Geographic Information System, RIGIS 0 0.5 1 Miles Miles CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix 152 Map B.3 Conservation Areas # CONSERVATION AREAS PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> Legend State-Recognized Conservation Areas Providence Zoning - Open Space/Public Space Providence Zoning - Conservation Data Sources: Providence Geographic Information System, RIGIS 0 0.5 1 Miles Miles CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix 153 Map B.4 Existing Land Use - Assessor # EXISTING LAND USE - ASSESSOR PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> | Legend | | | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Residential Vacant | Commercial Condo | TSA | | Single Family | Industrial | Vote of City Exempt by Charter | | 2-5 Family | Combination | Cemeteries | | Residential Condo | Charitable | Farm Forest | | Apartments | Church | Other Improved Land | | Commercial | Library | RR | | Ind Vct | School | Utility and RR | | Commercial I | Hospital | Right-of-Way | | Commercial II | Municipal | | | | State | | | | Federal | | CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix Map B.5 Existing Land Use - RIGIS # EXISTING LAND USE - RIGIS PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> ## Legend | | | |---|---| | | Low Density Residential | | | Medium Low Density Residential | | | Medium Density Residential | | | Medium High Density Residential | | | High Density Residential | | | Commercial | | | Industrial | | | Mixed Use | | | Institutional | | | Transportation & Utilities | | | Airports | | | Cemeteries | | | Developed Recreation | | | Agricultural | | | Undeveloped/Unprotected | | | Water | | | Wetland | Data Sources: Providence Geographic Information System, RIGIS 0 0.5 1 Miles CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix 155 Map B.6 Existing Zoning # EXISTING ZONING PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> | Legend | | | :--- | :--- | | [ ] R-1A | [ ] CD | | [ ] R-1 | [ ] D-1 | | [ ] R-2 | [ ] I-1 | | [ ] R-3 | [ ] I-2 | | [ ] R-4 | [ ] M-MU | | [ ] R-P | [ ] M-1 | | [ ] C-1 | [ ] M-2 | | [ ] C-2 | [ ] W-2 | | [ ] C-3 | [ ] W-3 | | [ ] OS | [ ] Parcels | | [ ] PS | [ ] with Footnotes | Data Sources: Providence Geographic Information System, RIGIS 0 0.5 1 Miles Miles CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix 156 Map B.7 Historic and Cultural Resources - Local # HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCE - LOCAL PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix Map B.8 Historic and Cultural Resources - National # HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES - NATIONAL PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> | Legend | | | :--- | :--- | | ▨ | National Register Historic Districts (NRHD) | | ▨ | NRHD Candidates | | • | NRHD Listed Building | | • | NRHD Listed Object | | • | NRHD Listed Site | | • | NRHD Listed Structure | Data Sources: Providence Geographic Information System, RIGIS 0 0.5 1 Miles CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix Map B.9 Hurricane Surge Inundation Areas # HURRICANE SURGE INUNDATION AREAS PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> Legend Hurricane Surge Inundation Areas (Worst Case) ■ Category 1 ■ Category 2 ■ Category 3 ■ Category 4 Data Sources: Providence Geographic Information System, RIGIS 0 0.5 1 Miles CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix 159 Map B.10 Natural Resources - Flooding # NATURAL RESOURCES - FLOODING PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> | Legend | | | :--- | :--- | | | Forested Areas | | | Surface Water | | :::: | 1% Annual Flood Chance | | :::: | 0.2% Annual Flood Chance | Data Sources: Providence Geographic Information System, RIGIS 0 0.5 1 Miles CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix 160 Map B.11 Natural Resources – Wetlands and Natural Heritage Areas # NATURAL RESOURCES - # WETLANDS AND NATURAL HERITAGE AREAS PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix 161 Map B.12 Natural Resources – Surface Water # NATURAL RESOURCES - SURFACE WATER PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> | Legend | | | :--- | :--- | | ■ Surface Water | | CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix Map B.13 Net Dwelling Units Added 2015-2024 # 2015-2024 NET DWELLING UNITS PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix Map B.14 Public Infrastructure # PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> Legend | | | | :--- | :--- | | 🏛 | City Hall | | 🅿 | Municipal Police Stations | | 🅿 | Other Law Enforcement Structures | | Ⓕ | Fire Stations | | 🚩 | Public Schools | | 🚩 | Other Schools | | 💷 | Public Libraries | | 💷 | Other Libraries | | Ⓗ | Hospitals | | Ⓟ | Wastewater Pump Stations | | Ⓣ | Wastewater Treatment Facilities | | Ⓦ | Waste Facilities | | █ | Other Municipal Buildings | Data Sources: Providence GIS, RIGIS, Narragansett Bay Commission 0 | 0.5 | 1 Miles | Miles CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix 164 Map B.15 Recreation and Open Space # RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> ## Legend State-Recognized Recreation Areas * Publicly Owned * Other * Public Shoreline Access * Rec Centers Providence Zoning * Providence Zoning - Open Space/Public Space * Providence Zoning - Conservation Data Sources: Providence Geographic Information System, RIGIS 0 | 0.5 | 1 Miles CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix 165 Map B.16 Redevelopment Areas <
> Four redevelopment areas were designated by the Providence City Council by Ordinance No. 246, Chapter 1996-24, dated May 23, 1996, and reconfirmed by City Council Resolution No, 143, approved March 25, 2008. These four redevelopment areas represent a consolidation of numerous redevelopment areas that were previously individually designated. The City Council has further designated Redevelopment Project Areas for individual Redevelopment Plans. Map B.17 Sea Level Affecting Marsh Model Rise – 1 Foot of Sea Level Rise # SEA LEVEL AFFECTING MARSH MODEL # 1 FOOT OF SEA LEVEL RISE PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> Legend | | | | :--- | :--- | | ![New Tidal Habitat] | New Tidal Habitat | | ![Persistent Tidal Habitat] | Persistent Tidal Habitat | | ![Tidal Habitat Loss] | Tidal Habitat Loss | Data Sources: Providence Geographic Information System, RIGIS 0 | 0.5 | 1 Miles | | Miles Map B.18 Sea Level Affecting Marsh Model Rise – 3 Feet of Sea Level Rise # SEA LEVEL AFFECTING MARSH MODEL # 3 FEET OF SEA LEVEL RISE PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> | Legend | | | :--- | :--- | | ![#00ff00](https://placehold.co/15x15/00ff00/00ff00.png) | New Tidal Habitat | | ![#ffcc66](https://placehold.co/15x15/ffcc66/ffcc66.png) | Persistent Tidal Habitat | | ![#00bfff](https://placehold.co/15x15/00bfff/00bfff.png) | Tidal Habitat Loss | Map B.19 Sea Level Affecting Marsh Model Rise – 5 Feet of Sea Level Rise <
> CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix 169 Map B.20 Soils # SOILS PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> Legend Farmland Classification * Not prime farmland * Prime farmland * Statewide Important Data Sources: Providence Geographic Information System, RIGIS 0 0.5 1 Miles CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix 170 Map B.21 Transportation # TRANSPORTATION PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix 171 Map B.22 Transportation - Roads # ROADS PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND <
> Legend FHWA Approved Classification ~ Interstate ~ Freeway ~ Principal Arterial ~ Minor Arterial ~ Major Collector ~ Minor Collector ~ Local Data Sources: Providence Geographic Information System, RIGIS 0 0.5 1 Miles CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan—Appendix # Appendix C. Implementation Program This Appendix fulfills the implementation program requirements established in the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning Standards. As described in further depth in Appendix D, in addition to specifying timelines and lead actors for the strategies of this plan, the implementation program below clarifies the relationship between the policy hierarchy of this plan and the guidance of the State’s Comprehensive Planning Handbook by specifying which strategies are considered “policies” or “implementing actions” according to the State’s definitions. Sustainability, Resilience & the Environment | Objective | Strategy | Policy | Action | Description | Timeline | Lead | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **SRE1** | | | | **CLIMATE PROTECTION, STORMWATER and FLOODING** | | | | | A | ☐ | ☑ | Assess stormwater and flood protection infrastructure, focusing on resiliency capacity, deferred maintenance and repair, particularly in flood-prone areas, with the intention of protecting water quality, preventing erosion and riverbank destabilization, and protecting human lives and property. | medium term | DPW, DPD | | | B | ☑ | ☐ | Reduce impervious surface and investigate mechanisms to incentivize pavement reduction, use of permeable surface materials, and green infrastructure/nature-based stormwater solutions. | short term/ongoing | DPD, DIS | | | C | ☐ | ☑ | Study and prioritize rivers, watersheds, and flood-prone areas for further analysis and funding (and explore funding sources and mechanisms). | short term | PEMA | | | D | ☑ | ☐ | Coordinate inter-departmental efforts between Planning and Development, Parks, Sustainability, Public Works, and Emergency Management to maximize stormwater management and flood mitigation planning, funding, design, and implementation. | ongoing | DPW, DPD, DIS, PEMA | | | E | ☑ | ☐ | Incorporate stormwater mitigation and management into all streetscape projects. | ongoing | DPW, DPD | | | F | ☑ | ☐ | Prioritize street projects that incorporate ancillary benefits including heat island mitigation, stormwater retention, traffic calming, complete streets configurations, and open space. | ongoing | DPW, DPD | | | G | ☑ | ☐ | Coordinate and incorporate plans and studies into multi-departmental decision-making, including the Hazard Mitigation Plan, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Woonsaquatucket Flood project and recommendations, and Seekonk River/York Pond Watershed projects and plans. | medium term/ongoing | DPW, DPD, DIS, PEMA | | | H | ☑ | ☐ | Coordinate with and assist community groups, residents, and businesses in their efforts to implement stormwater and flood reduction measures. | ongoing | DPW | | | I | ☐ | ☑ | Review and revise the City's stormwater ordinance to ensure a balance between the desire for increased development and density in certain zones and the impacts of increased impervious area and stormwater to avoid exacerbating flooding. Consider including requirements to address pollutants of concern for specific watersheds. Also consider more stringent on-site stormwater management requirements for new development or substantial redevelopment projects. | short term | DPW | | | J | ☐ | ☑ | Identify the areas most impacted by flooding caused by heavy rain events, sea level rise, and storm surge. Design and imolement regulatory measures to ensure development is safely sited and resilient to flooding. | medium term | DPD, DIS | | | K | ☐ | ☑ | Identify locations and consider strategies to restore floodplains to reduce the incidence of flooding and lessen risk to health, safety, and the economy. | medium term | PEMA | | | L | ☐ | ☑ | Review and revise City floodplain management responsibilities and procedures including maintenance of elevation certificates and related recordkeeping. | short term | PEMA, DIS, DPD | | | M | ☑ | ☐ | Incorporate phytoremediation and other natural solutions into stormwater and flood mitigation efforts where possible, mindful of the prevalence of contaminated land adjacent to water bodies and rivers. | short term | DPD, DPW | | | N | ☑ | ☐ | Encourage and assist in the use of nature-based solutions and “greening” of flood-prone areas wherever possible. Avoid further hardening of the landscape in response to flooding. | short term | DPW, PEMA | | | O | ☐ | ☑ | Build on the findings and recommendations of the Infrastructure Resilience Framework project and the ProvPort Master Plan to identify funding sources to develop and implement a plan for the Port of Providence to increase resilience to storm surge and to avoid the spread of hazardous materials and contamination that could result from significant flooding of the port area. | medium term | DPD, ProvPort | | | P | ☑ | ☐ | Devote resources to the ongoing maintenance of the hurricane barrier. | ongoing | DPW, PEMA | | | Q | ☑ | ☐ | Devote resources to the ongoing maintenance of nature-based solutions and stormwater management systems. | ongoing | DPW, PEMA | | **SRE2** | | | | **CLIMATE PROTECTION, AIR QUALITY, and HEAT MITIGATION** | | | | | A | ☑ | ☐ | A. Support and help expand public and private air quality monitoring programs, particularly in areas with high rates of asthma, odor complaints, highway and truck traffic, and industrial activity. | ongoing | RI DEM | | | B | ☑ | ☐ | B. Work with the state to strengthen environmental monitoring and enforcement of violations, to ensure regulatory compliance by industrial operators. | ongoing | RI DEM | | | C | ☑ | ☐ | C. Support and implement actions to reduce the incidence of air quality odors, issues, and violations, working with state and federal regulators and industrial operators. | ongoing | RI DEM | | | D | ☑ | ☐ | D. Investate ways to address the cumulative impacts of pollution sources in concentrated areas. | short term/ongoing | Sustainability | | | E | ☑ | ☐ | E. Support enforcement of anti-idling regulations, particularly in the port area and other high-traffic industrial and commercial areas and investigate off-street options for truck queuing and temporary parking. | short term/ongoing | DPD | | | F | ☑ | ☐ | F. Encourage, support, and implement best practices that reduce all types of harmful emissions from businesses and vehicle fleets in alignment with state mandates. | ongoing | DPD, RI DEM | | | G | ☑ | ☐ | G. Promote and encourage additional use of and membership in programs such as DERA (Diesel Emissions Reduction Act) and Green Marine. | ongoing | DPD, ProvPort | | | H | ☐ | ☑ | H. Plan for the elimination of fossil fuel imports, operations, and storage at ProvPort and in the port area overall, ensuring that there is no increase in fossil fuel infrastructure other than the City's existing legal obligations, including, but not limited to, active tax stabilization agreements and active revenue sharing agreements. | ongoing | ProvPort, DPD | | | I | ☑ | ☐ | I. Promote expansion of renewable energy businesses and operations and other clean and “green” industrial uses throughout the region. | ongoing | Sustainability | | | J | ☐ | ☑ | J. Promote development practices that increase green space, landscaping, native plants and wildflowers, tree-planting, natural vegetation, and reduced impervious surface to mitigate the heat island effect. | medium term | DPD, DIS | | | K | ☐ | ☑ | K. Support the implementation of the Providence Tree Plan and promote private and non-profit planting efforts that increase canopy coverage, especially in low-canopy neighborhoods. Partner across various municipal agencies to prevent disruptions to existing infrastructure (sidewalks, roads, etc) so that any trees planted can be sustained and grow, without causing mobility challenges for residents. | medium term/ongoing | Parks | | | L | ☐ | ☑ | L. Identify properties with large rooftops suitable for increased thermal emittance, or cool and reflective finishes, to offset heat island impacts, particularly in frontline communities and/or neighborhoods with high percentages of large buildings and roof coverage. | medium term | DPD | | | M | ☑ | ☐ | M. Work with state and federal agencies to mitigate the cumulative impact of emissions and pollutants generated by industrial operations. | short term/ongoing | DPD | | | N | ☑ | ☐ | N. Expand and facilitate use of non-carbon fuels and improve traffic circulation to reduce emissions and improve air quality. Prioritize development of non-car transportation options (biking, walking, scooting, etc) to eliminate emissions and improve air quality. | ongoing | DPD | | | O | ☐ | ☑ | O. Protect neighborhoods from the impacts of freight movement, particularly by truck, by promoting appropriate travel routes and temporary staging areas. | short term/ongoing | DPD | | | P | ☑ | ☐ | P. Reduce VMT (Vehicle Miles Traveled), expand, and prioritize public transit, bicycle, scooter, and pedestrian transportation and mobility through infrastructure investments. Support telecommuting and home-based employment. | ongoing | DPD | # Sustainability, Resilience & the Environment | Objective | Strategy | Policy | Action | Description | Timeline | Lead | | :--- | :--- | :---: | :---: | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **SRE3** | | | | **NATURE AND THE CITY** | | | | | A | ☐ | ☑ | Promote and advocate for the restoration of all rivers and waterbodies to fishable and swimmable conditions. | ongoing | DPW | | | B | ☐ | ☑ | Enforce regulations relating to stormwater and water quality and ensuring compliance with state total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and water quality standards. | ongoing | DPW | | | C | ☑ | ☐ | Support and promote the implementation of the Providence Tree Plan and voluntary planting efforts, with particular focus on developing funding strategies and programs to support tree planting and maintenance on public and private property in low canopy neighborhoods. | ongoing | PNPP | | | D | ☑ | ☐ | Support, promote, and implement naturalization of riverbanks, valleys and uplands where practicable. | long term/ongoing | Parks | | | E | ☑ | ☐ | Protect habitat in and along rivers and other waterbodies as well as on land, particularly in conservation zones and in parks. | ongoing | Parks | | | F. | ☐ | ☑ | Evaluate waterfront development and conservation standards such as WEDG (Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines) and the use of innovative materials to facilitate shoreline restoration. | medium term | DPD, ProvPort | | **SRE4** | | | | **RESOURCE CONSERVATION** | | | | | A | ☑ | ☐ | Continue developing and implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across energy, transportation, waste and other sectors in line with city and state plans and mandates like the Climate Justice Plan, the RI Act on Climate, and the 2025 RI Climate Action Plan. | ongoing | Sustainability | | | B | ☐ | ☑ | Continue and expand investments in multi-modal transportation safety, efficiency, and electrification in line with the Great Streets Plan, RI Transit Master Plan, and RI Long Range Transportation Plan, and the North Main Street Corridor Revitalization Study to encourage mode shifts toward public transportation, walking, biking, carpooling, and electric vehicles. | ongoing | DPD | | | C | ☑ | ☐ | Continue to transition the City fleet to low- or no-carbon vehicles by procuring fuel-efficient, hybrid technology and alternative energy vehicles | ongoing | DPW, Parks, Sust. | | | D | ☐ | ☑ | Support transition of RIPTA’s bus fleet to zero-emissions vehicles, with an emphasis on routes in areas impacted by poor air quality | medium term | Sustainability | | | E | ☐ | ☑ | Reduce vehicle emissions caused by excessive idling by measures including public education, enforcement of anti-idling regulations, and enforcement of existing regulations | medium term/ongoing | Sustainability | | | F | ☐ | ☑ | Continue to pursue weatherization, energy efficiency, and electrification at City-owned facilities and work to comply with the City Ordinance requiring all municipal buildings to be carbon neutral by 2040. | medium term/ongoing | Public Property | | | G | ☑ | ☐ | Reduce the City's use of materials, increase recycling rates, promote the use of recycled materials, and encourage source reduction in packaging | ongoing | Sustainability | | | H | ☑ | ☐ | Promote and incentivize weatherization, energy efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy sources for commercial and residential buildings | ongoing | Sustainability | | | I | ☐ | ☑ | Identify opportunities and locations for siting and constructing local renewable energy sources including wind and solar locations such as schools, rooftops of large buildings, and parking areas. | ongoing | Public Property, Sustainability | | **SRE5** | | | | **SUSTAINABILITY AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT** | | | | | A | ☐ | ☑ | In alignment with the City’s Green Building Ordinance, decarbonize City-owned buildings by 2040 through investments in weatherization, energy efficiency, electrification, renewable energy | long term | Public Property, Sustainability | | | B | ☑ | ☐ | Promote the use of “green” technology and practices in industry, business and construction | ongoing | Sustainability | | | C | ☑ | ☐ | Develop design criteria that maximize energy conservation, electrification & minimize the use of fossil fuels in buildings | ongoing | DPD | | | D | ☑ | ☐ | Encourage the use of recycled materials in the construction of buildings | ongoing | DPD | | | E | ☑ | ☐ | Encourage the reuse of existing buildings | ongoing | DPD | | | F | ☑ | ☐ | Promote the long-term benefits of energy-efficient rehabilitation & new construction; consider appropriate incentives | ongoing | DPD | | | G | ☑ | ☐ | Promote the use of rain barrels to collect rainwater and prevent sewer overflow | ongoing | Sustainability | | | H | ☑ | ☐ | Encourage “depaving” of properties | ongoing | DPD | | | I | ☑ | ☐ | Utilize institutional master plan review process to encourage institutional stakeholders to reduce excess pavement and develop more sustainable and resilient buildings and infrastructure | ongoing | DPD | | **SRE6** | | | | **BROWNFIELDS** | | | | | A | ☐ | ☑ | Continue to pursue US EPA Community Wide Assessment and Cleanup Grants, RIDEM Brownfields programs, and other resources for brownfields assessment, remediation, and redevelopment | ongoing | DPD, PRA, Sustain. | | | B | ☑ | ☐ | Work with state, private, non-profit entities to facilitate assessment, remediation, environmentally sustainable redevelopment of brownfield sites | ongoing | DPD, PRA | | | C | ☑ | ☐ | Identify environmentally compromised land and establish strategies to mitigate impacts | ongoing | DPD, PRA | | | D | ☐ | ☑ | Identify additional funding sources to encourage redevelopment of vacant, underused, environmentally compromised land | ongoing | DPD, PRA | | | E | ☐ | ☑ | Identify and coordinate geographic-specific grant needs for brownfields assessment and cleanup and ensure sufficient staff and consulting resources to develop high-quality grant applications | ongoing | DPD, PRA | | **SRE7** | | | | **PUBLIC AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT** | | | | | A | ☐ | ☑ | Lead by example and reduce the City’s environmental footprint by adopting environmentally conscious practices and procurement processes for City government and in City facilities | ongoing | Sustainability | | | B | ☑ | ☐ | Encourage & provide incentives to recycle, conserve water & energy, use renewable resources and alternative sources of energy, and use public transit and alternative modes of transportation | ongoing | Sustainability | | | C | ☑ | ☐ | Support & incorporate community-led efforts and scientific findings to improve environmental conditions & public health in frontline neighborhoods | ongoing | Sustainability | | | D | ☐ | ☑ | Synthesize & publicize findings and recommendations of ongoing efforts such as NOAA Shoreline Project, NSF Project, and ProvPort Master Plan | short term/ongoing | DPD, Sust, non-profits | | **SRE8** | | | | **FRONTLINE NEIGHBORHOODS AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE** | | | | | A | ☑ | ☐ | Greatly reduce impacts of industrial operations; fuel and materials storage; energy production; and freight movement on near-industry neighborhoods | ongoing | DPD, ProvPort | | | B | ☑ | ☐ | Require development & implementation of sustainable industrial practices including reducing emissions from truck traffic and idling, cargo-handling equipment, ships, building energy use, energy production, and industrial processes | ongoing | DPD, ProvPort | | | C | ☐ | ☑ | Transition to clean and renewable energy sources for port and industrial activities | medium term/ongoing | ProvPort, DPD | | Sustainability, Resilience & the Environment | | | | | | | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Objective** | **Strategy** | **Policy** | **Action** | **Description** | **Timeline** | **Lead** | | | D | ☐ | ☑ | Work with industry stakeholders to identify and support development of cleaner fuels and materials. | ongoing | DPD, ProvPort | | | E | ☑ | ☐ | Promote and plan for cleaner, “greener,” industrial operations and uses that balance economic, social, and environmental outcomes and improve resilience to sea level rise, storm surge, and environmental impacts. | medium term/ongoing | DPD, ProvPort | | | F | ☑ | ☐ | Ensure the port provides meaningful economic benefit to near-port neighborhoods–e.g. job-training and publicizing employment opportunities. | medium term/ongoing | ProvPort, DPD | | | G | ☑ | ☐ | Foster a transparent & collaborative relationship between the City, near-industry neighborhoods, industry and landowners, and other stakeholders. | medium term/ongoing | DPD, ProvPort | | | H | ☑ | ☐ | Increase public access to and involvement in the port area and shoreline, especially for residents of port-area neighborhoods while avoiding conflict with and danger from commercial uses | medium term/ongoing | DPD, ProvPort | | | I | ☑ | ☐ | Promote the improvement of environmental conditions of port properties, particularly those north of ProvPort, and encourage the establishment and growth of cleaner industry, such as offshore wind-related and other industry in the renewable energy sector. Prohibit and plan and prepare for the phase out of such businesses that will result from what is required to meet the science-based requirements of the Act on Climate, other than the City’s existing legal obligations, including, but not limited to, active tax stabilization agreements and active revenue sharing agreements. | ongoing | DPD, ProvPort | | | J | ☑ | ☐ | Position industrial areas to be prepared for a “post-carbon” future in alignment with state decarbonization mandates | long term | DPD, ProvPort | | | K | ☐ | ☑ | Establish local green justice area designations to identify neighborhoods most affected by cumulative impacts & environmental justice issues | short term | Sustainability | | | L | ☑ | ☐ | Prioritize green justice areas for resource allocation, ensuring that communities with historically disproportionate environmental burdens receive an equitable share of resources, such as the establishment of resilience hubs, energy efficiency, electrification of homes, and workforce development. Ensure the implementation of required sustainability projects via the Sustainability Projects Reserve Account in accordance with ProvPort Master Plan requirements. | ongoing | Sustainability, ProvPort | | | M | ☑ | ☐ | Prioritize and implement recommendations of ongoing efforts such as the NOAA Shoreline project, National Science Foundation project, SNEP Opportunity to Advance Resilience (SOAR), and ProvPort Master Plan to improve conditions for public health, access, wildlife habitat, and resiliency in the port area. | ongoing | DPD, ProvPort | | SRE9 | THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE REGION | | | | | | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | A | ☑ | ☐ | Coordinate the review of state & federal government plans & projects with adjoining communities to ensure proposals will not affect air, water quality & sensitive areas | ongoing | DPD | | | B | ☑ | ☐ | Encourage and participate in regional and state-led efforts to meet state decarbonization mandates set forth in the Act on Climate | long term | Sustainability | | | C | ☑ | ☐ | Coordinate with the neighboring municipalities of East Providence and Pawtucket on plans and projects with mutual benefits on and around the Seekonk and Providence rivers, including environmental protection (habitat, water quality), recreational boating, and shoreline access | ongoing | DPD | | | D | ☑ | ☑ | Work with the state and neighboring municipalities to address water-borne debris and marine hazards. | ongoing | DPD | | | E | ☐ | ☑ | Pursue regional and/or watershed-level approaches to stormwater management and flood control | medium term/ongoing | PEMA, DPW, DPD | | | F | ☑ | ☐ | Encourage the state to lead by example by using alternative fuel vehicles for fleet and transit vehicles, decarbonizing state-owned buildings, and building infrastructure that will reduce VMT. | medium term/ongoing | Sustainability | | | G | ☑ | ☐ | Work with state and other municipalities to address regional sustainability through coordinated approaches to transit, air and water quality, brownfield remediation, flood zone protection, and provision of bike paths and recreational areas. | long term | DPD | | | H | ☑ | ☐ | Ensure that state projects meet or exceed local landscaping requirements. | ongoing | DPD, DIS | | | I | ☑ | ☐ | Encourage the state to consider ease of maintenance in its designs and identify long-term maintenance plans for all of its projects. | ongoing | DPD, DIS | | The Built Environment | | | | | | | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Objective** | **Strategy** | **Policy** | **Action** | **Description** | **Timeline** | **Lead** | | **BE 1** | | | | **DESIGN EXCELLENCE** | | | | | A. | ☑ | ☐ | Promote high-quality urban design through design standards and design review. | short term | DPD/DRC | | | B. | ☐ | ☑ | Reevaluate and improve design standards for all development projects. | short term | DPD/DRC | | | C. | ☐ | ☑ | Strategically invest in public infrastructure, streetscapes, and public amenities to promote Providence's civic identity and attract high-quality development. | long term/ongoing | DPD, DPW | | | D. | ☐ | ☑ | Consolidate the development review process in Downtown by dissolving the Capital Center Commission and subjecting all projects to a uniform development plan review process. | short term | DPD | | | E. | ☑ | ☐ | Encourage high-quality innovative contemporary building design. | Ongoing | DPD | | | F. | ☑ | ☐ | Encourage, support, and use enforcement tools to ensure the maintenance and stewardship of all buildings in Providence. | Ongoing | DPD, DIS | | **BE2** | | | | **NEW DEVELOPMENT AND TRADITIONAL CHARACTER** | | | | | A. | ☑ | ☐ | Through the design review process, promote design innovation and architectural diversity that complements Providence's traditional character. | short term/ongoing | DPD | | | B. | ☐ | ☑ | Encourage developments to be compatible with surrounding uses while not stifling innovative design and architecture. | Ongoing | DPD | | | C. | ☐ | ☑ | Ensure that regulations reinforce high-quality urban design and traditional neighborhood character through rules governing size, scale and massing. | short term | DPD, DIS | | | D. | ☑ | ☐ | Promote and incentivize the redevelopment and reduction of surface parking lots and excessive impervious surface. | medium term | DPD, DIS | | | E. | ☑ | ☐ | Encourage mixed-use, pedestrian oriented developments along commercial corridors and in other growth areas at a greater height and density than in residential areas. | medium term | DPD | | | F. | ☐ | ☑ | Ensure that new developments improve pedestrian movement and provide pedestrian amenities. | medium term | DPD | | | G. | ☑ | ☐ | Promote adaptive reuse of existing buildings. | ongoing | DPD/PRA | | **BE3** | | | | **DESIGN OF THE PUBLIC REALM** | | | | | A. | ☑ | ☐ | Preserve, enhance, extend, and connect the historic patterns and character of the city's street and sidewalk system. | medium term | DPD | | | B. | ☐ | ☑ | Develop streetscape standards that enhance the pedestrian experience and incorporate high-quality design elements that are economical and easy to maintain. | short term/ongoing | DPD | | | C. | ☑ | ☐ | Promote public art in the built environment that reinforces a sense of place. | Ongoing | ACT | | **BE4** | | | | **PRESERVATION PLANNING** | | | | | A. | ☑ | ☐ | Protect and preserve historic resources citywide through design standards, zoning controls, easements, and other tools. | short term | DPD/HDC | | | B. | ☑ | ☐ | Consider adopting varying degrees of regulation for historic properties. Explore whether a lesser regulated local historic district is viable for certain areas | medium term | DPD/HDC | | | C. | ☐ | ☑ | Identify stronger enforcement options to discourage the alteration and demolition of historic resources without approval. | short term | DPD/HDC | | | D. | ☐ | ☑ | Develop additional financial incentives and tools, such as property tax incentives, for property owners to rehabilitate structures of architectural or historic merit. | medium term | DPD/HDC | | | E. | ☑ | ☐ | Require institutions to identify historic buildings and plan for their future use. Propose institutional properties listed or eligible for the State or National Historic Register for inclusion into local historic districts. | medium term | DPD/HDC | | | F. | ☐ | ☑ | Update the zoning map to reflect appropriate boundaries of historic districts, including adding new properties and removing properties where demolition has occurred. | short term | DPD | | **BE5** | | | | **DESIGN LEADERSHIP** | | | | | A. | ☑ | ☐ | Support and encourage historic preservation of City-owned properties. Historic City properties such as former schools and firehouses should be considered for adaptive reuse and demolished only as a last resort. | ongoing | Public Property | | | B. | ☐ | ☑ | Consider adaptive reuse of historic buildings when procuring office space for city agencies. | ongoing | Public Property | | | C. | ☐ | ☑ | Work with the state to evaluate and address the impact of building codes and other regulations on historic preservation and cost of construction. | medium term | DPD/HDC | | | D. | ☐ | ☑ | Design and construct City buildings as models of design excellence. | ongoing | Public Property | | | E. | ☐ | ☑ | Construct and rehabilitate municipal buildings to high standards of energy efficiency and sustainability. | ongoing | Public Property | | | F. | ☐ | ☑ | Continue to develop standard house designs that developers can easily adapt to vacant lots in the city. | short term | DPD | | **BE6** | | | | **PUBLIC AWARENESS** | | | | | A. | ☑ | ☐ | Raise public awareness of the historic significance of structures and areas in Providence. | ongoing | DPD/HDC | | | B. | ☑ | ☐ | Encourage partnerships with design and preservation organizations to organize public information campaigns, particularly in underrepresented communities. | short term/ongoing | DPD/HDC | | | C. | ☑ | ☐ | Support efforts to educate Providence residents on the importance of high-quality urban design, contemporary architecture, and historic preservation. | ongoing | DPD/HDC | | | D. | ☑ | ☐ | Support student education and involvement in urban design and historic preservation. | ongoing | DPD/HDC | | **BE7** | | | | **THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND THE REGION** | | | | | A. | ☑ | ☐ | Encourage the state to restore the historic tax credit. | medium term | DPD/HDC | | | B. | ☐ | ☑ | Work with adjacent communities to ensure high-quality design on the city's borders. | ongoing | DPD | | | C. | ☑ | ☐ | Encourage high-quality urban design for state projects within the city. | ongoing | DPD | | **BE8** | | | | **THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL HAZARDS** | | | | | A. | ☑ | ☐ | Continue to identify areas at risk of natural hazards within the built environment. | ongoing | PEMA | | | B. | ☐ | ☑ | Refine regulations regarding building in high hazard areas. | medium term | DIS | | | C. | ☑ | ☐ | Work to reduce vulnerability to natural hazards by improving stormwater management structures and practices. | medium term/ongoing | DPW | | | D. | ☐ | ☑ | If necessary, remove vulnerable structures in high hazard areas. | ongoing | DPW, PEMA | | | E. | ☑ | ☐ | Evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier in protecting the built environment. | short term/ongoing | DPW | # Economic Development | Objective | Strategy | Policy | Action | Description | Timeline | Lead | | :--- | :--- | :---: | :---: | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **ED1** | | | | **Invest in key sectors including the Blue Economy, Health & Life Sciences, Arts & Culture, Tourism & Hospitality, Food** | | | | | A. | ✔ | ☐ | Work with anchor institutions to align their growth with economic development targets, in addition to their academic pursuits. | medium term | ED/DPD | | | B. | ✔ | ☐ | Pursue funding from relevant federal agencies for the attraction and growth of these industries. | short term | ED/DPD | | | C. | ✔ | ☐ | Combine City and state efforts to ensure that maximum resources are available to prospective industries. | medium term | ED/DPD | | | D. | ✔ | ☐ | Ensure that marketing efforts are focused on highlighting the success in these key sectors to build Providence's related brand. | medium term | ED/DPD | | | E. | ✔ | ☐ | Invest in Providence's waterfront for economic growth. | long term | DPD/ED | | | F. | ✔ | ☐ | Promote the continued growth of the I-195 District and its cluster of life-sciences, blue economy, and other businesses and start-ups. | ongoing | DPD, 195 Com. | | **ED2** | | | | **Ensure that Providence is the best-run city for businesses and residents** | | | | | A. | ☐ | ✔ | Make long-term investments in City infrastructure including streets and sidewalks and bicycle lanes. Through the city's CIP, the city has proposed to invest up to $8M in street safety and transportation improvements and up to $25M in sidewalk improvements through fiscal year 2031. | ongoing | DPW, DPD | | | B. | ☐ | ✔ | Strive to assign constituent complaints to the responsible department within one business day and to respond to most complaints within one week. | ongoing | MCCS | | | C. | ✔ | ☐ | Partner with businesses in commercial corridors to address quality of life issues. | medium term | ED/DPD | | | D. | ☐ | ✔ | Simplify planning and permitting processes to ensure that projects that are in compliance with city regulations can move quickly to implementation in less than the statutorily mandated timelines for approval. | medium term | DPD, DIS | | | E. | ✔ | ☐ | Work with the City Council to evaluate and support TSAs and other economic tools that support economic development goals. | short term | ED | | | F. | ☐ | ✔ | Study and implement reductions to commercial tax rates to ensure Providence's business environment is competitive. If possible, reduce the commercial tax rate to levels that are equal to or less than other communities in the region. | short term | ED | | | G | ✔ | ☐ | Invest in strong public schools, as workers moving to and investing in Providence need thriving schools and communities for their families to engage in. | ongoing | Mayor's Office, PPSD | | | H | ☐ | ✔ | Enforce regulations so that all businesses are playing on a level playing field and complying with local environmental and other laws. To reach this goal, the City will--to the extent possible--increase enforcement staffing levels. | ongoing | ED, BoL | | **ED3** | | | | **Support & grow our small and micro business community** | | | | | A. | ✔ | ☐ | Provide dedicated customer service to Providence's small and micro businesses, providing the same level of resources and connectivity to locally owned and operated businesses as we would to attract new and large businesses. | ongoing | ED | | | B. | ✔ | ☐ | Support MWBE businesses to become certified and compete in City procurements. | ongoing | ED | | | C. | ✔ | ☐ | Invest in high quality local business support programs. | short term/ongoing | ED | | | D. | ✔ | ☐ | Work with business incubators to rationalize approaches and implement strategies to incentivize new businesses to stay in Providence. | short term | ED | | | E. | ✔ | ☐ | Ensure city procurements are designed in ways that allow locally owned and small /micro businesses and MWBE business to compete with larger, well-established companies. | ongoing | ED | | | F. | ☐ | ✔ | Differentiate between small businesses and micro businesses, with micro businesses being businesses that consist of ten employees or less. | short term | ED | | **ED4** | | | | **Facilitate access to capital for new and growing businesses** | | | | | A. | ✔ | ☐ | Utilize the Providence Business Loan Fund to support a diverse community of small and micro businesses. | short term | ED, PBLF | | | B. | ☐ | ✔ | Prioritize the allocation of funding to the Providence Redevelopment Agency for gap funding of priority projects. | short term | PRA | | | C. | ✔ | ☐ | Partner with organizations like the RI Black Business Association and the Latino Chamber of Commerce and others to ensure we are closing the racial wealth gap and investing in and providing support to businesses run by people of color in our communities. | ongoing | ED | | **ED5** | | | | **Invest in and develop our workforce** | | | | | A. | ✔ | ☐ | Utilize federal workforce dollars to invest in career pathways programs that result in family sustaining jobs. | medium term | ED | | | B. | ✔ | ☐ | Establish a vision and plan for the City's First Source program to ensure that Providence residents have access to today's jobs. | short term | ED | | | C. | ✔ | ☐ | Establish core learning standards across all city funded youth employment programs | medium term | ED | | | D. | ✔ | ☐ | Link industry partners to PPSD CTE programs | medium term | ED | | | E. | ✔ | ☐ | Work with local institutions of higher education to incentivize graduates with high demand credentials to stay in Providence | medium term | ED | # Housing | Objective | Strategy | Policy | Action | Description | Timeline | Lead | | :--- | :--- | :---: | :---: | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **H1** | | | | **IMPROVE & PRESERVE EXISTING HOUSING** | | | | | A. | ✔ | □ | Encourage retention & revitalization of existing housing stock. | ongoing | HHS / DPD | | | B. | ✔ | □ | Strictly enforce maintenance codes and encourage housing rehabilitation by providing funds for repairs. | long term | DIS/HHS | | | C. | ✔ | □ | Enhance & expand housing improvement loan and grant funds for critical safety repairs & code deficiencies. | short term | HHS/DIS | | | D. | ✔ | □ | Use Lead Safe Providence program to provide low-barrier, no-cost lending for lead paint mitigation and provide other health & safety upgrades to eligible rental properties. | short term | HHS/DIS | | | E. | □ | ✔ | Use techniques such as land banking, assemblage, strategic acquisition by the PRA to develop affordable & mixed-income housing. | medium term/ongoing | PRA | | | F. | ✔ | □ | Increase environmental enforcement of vacant and blighted lots. | ongoing | DIS | | | G. | □ | ✔ | Utilize Providence Housing Trust Fund and HUD entitlement grants to preserve properties with expiring affordability covenants & to acquire and deed-restrict affordable housing. | short term | HHS | | | H. | ✔ | □ | Pair assistance types cited above with rental restrictions to discourage displacement. | short term | HHS | | | I. | ✔ | □ | Expand knowledge of, access to, investment in energy efficiency & weatherization programs that decarbonize buildings and lower energy costs. | ongoing | HHS | | **H2** | | | | **PRODUCE NEW HOUSING FOR ALL** | | | | | A. | ✔ | □ | Provide diversity in type, density, location of housing to provide adequate supply of safe, sanitary housing at price levels appropriate to financial capabilities of all residents. | ongoing | HHS | | | B. | ✔ | □ | Promote diverse housing market to meet increasingly specialized housing requirements--elderly, disabled, student population, etc. | ongoing | HHS | | | C. | ✔ | □ | Ensure & develop home ownership and rental opportunities for all income groups. | medium term | HHS | | | D. | ✔ | □ | Encourage development of housing in rehabbed older commercial buildings & new structures. High-quality adaptive reuse of mills & offices offer opportunity for revitalization. | ongoing | HHS | | | E. | ✔ | □ | Encourage development of live/work housing for artists and craftspeople in old commercial & industrial buildings. | medium term | HHS | | | F. | ✔ | □ | Enable & encourage developmet of accessory units and "Missing middle" housing types that have potential to increase residential density and add units while preserving neighborhood character & design standards. | medium term | | | | G. | ✔ | □ | Encourage development of housing on existing & potential transit corridors. | medium term | DPD | | | H. | ✔ | □ | Focus on rehab of foreclosed &/or blighted multi-family for affordable owner-occupied rental or CBO-owned rental housing. | short term | HHS | | | I. | ✔ | □ | Encourage development of housing for residents at all points of the income spectrum. | ongoing | HHS | | | J. | ✔ | □ | Encourage & support equal access housing for all people regardless of race, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, physical or mental ability. | ongoing | HHS | | | K. | ✔ | □ | Work with RI Housing and Dept of Housing to preserve affordable housing. | ongoing | HHS | | | L. | ✔ | □ | Work with Providence Housing Authority to modernize & redevelop public housing assets with goal of preserving & expanding number of long-term low-income and affordable units. | ongoing | HHS | | | M. | ✔ | □ | Continue to support and establish new programs that encourage developers to build housing that is affordable to all, including by adopting inclusionary zoning measures that are calibrated with tax and subsidy policy changes to enhance development feasibility. | short term | DPD | | | N. | □ | ✔ | Develop process to streamline permitting process for developers of affordable & workforce housing. | short term | DPD, DIS | | | O. | ✔ | □ | Support for-profit and non-profit organizations and encourage collaboration for development of affordable housing. | ongoing | HHS | | | P. | □ | ✔ | Develop programs & regulations to increase development of affordable housing. | short term | HHS | | | Q. | ✔ | □ | Require colleges & universities to develop plans for additional on-campus student housing. | medium term | DPD | | | R. | □ | ✔ | Continue to study and implement best practices in anti-displacement strategies; work with residents & neighborhood organizations to address resident displacement. | ongoing | DPD | | | S. | ✔ | □ | Ensure processes related to TSAs and other incentives are clear, predictable, and designed to incentivize development at all price levels. | short term | DPD | | | T. | ✔ | □ | Work with Community Development Corporations (CDCs) to conduct an analysis of displacement risk across the city to understand which neighborhoods are most vulnerable and ensure they are prioritized for affordable housing development. | short term | DPD | | | U | ✔ | □ | Advocate for stronger tenant protections for renters who are defined as being the most vulnerable to displacement. | ongoing | HHS | | | V | ✔ | □ | Work with RIPTA to ensure housing affordability is linked to the development of new and existing transit corridors. | ongoing | DPD, HHS, RIPTA | | **H3** | | | | **SPECIAL NEEDS HOUSING** | | | | | A. | ✔ | □ | Encourage programs that will increase supply of accessible housing. | ongoing | HHS | | | B. | ✔ | □ | Expand or partner with programs that allow elderly homeowners who wish to age in place to modify their homes. | short term | HHS | | | C. | ✔ | □ | Work with owners of subsidized elderly housing complexes to maintain buildings as affordable housing for elderly. | medium term | HHS | | | D. | ✔ | □ | Encourage & support rehab of housing units to make them accessible. | short term | HHS | | | E. | ✔ | □ | Provide incentives to encourage construction of accessible units. Encourage & give preference to projects applying for Housing Trust or other subsidies that utilize Universal Design. | short term | HHS | | | F. | ✔ | □ | Encourage & support permanent supportive housing for those with special needs. | medium term | HHS | | | G. | ✔ | □ | Encourage development of programs that will assist homeless in acquiring permanent residences. | short term/ongoing | HHS | | | H. | □ | ✔ | Support continued operation of emergency shelters; enact land use/zoning changes that allow emergency& transitional shelters, special needs facilities of appropriate size by right in residential and mixed-use areas. | ongoing | DPD, DIS | | | I. | ✔ | □ | Support agencies that provide housing and support services to homeless persons and families. | ongoing | HHS | | | J. | ✔ | □ | Ensure that all city policies addressing homelessness and homelessness encampments on public property follow the guidelines outlined by the US Interagency Council on Homelessness. | ongoing | HHS | | | K. | □ | ✔ | Adopt policies supporting the City's unhoused residents including but not limited to providing temporary use permits for emergency shelters, improving outreach and social services to encampments, developing permanent housing options, ensuring access to mental health and substance use treatments, or other innovative solutions in housing, safety, and public health. | short term/ongoing | HHS | | **H4** | | | | **HOUSING DESIGN** | | | | | A. | ✔ | □ | Encourage energy-efficient residential design and construction through the use of LEED, Energy Star and other green building standards. | short term | DPD, DIS | | | B. | ✔ | □ | Encourage the decarbonization of residential buildings through best practice regulations a initiatives including expanding energy efficiency programs, encouraging heat pumps, requiring energy performance disclosures, and discouraging gas hookups in new construction, with emphasis on programs that prioritize investment in disadvantaged communities. | short term | Sust., HHS | | | C. | □ | ✔ | Prepare for more frequent extreme weather events by studying and implementing best practice resilient housing design standards and stormwater management practices (e.g. increased permeable surfaces) that address conditions including sea-level rise, riverine and nuisance flooding, and extreme heat. | medium term | DIS | | | D. | □ | ✔ | Create design standards for quality residential construction complementary to the character and qualities of Providence's historic neighborhoods. | short term | DPD/HDC, DIS | | | E. | □ | ✔ | Refine regulations for quality residential site design. | short term | DPD, DIS | | Housing | | | | | | | | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Objective** | **Strategy** | **Policy** | **Action** | **Description** | **Timeline** | **Lead** | | | F. | □ | ☑ | Develop a pattern book of pre-approved residential designs and plan sets based on Providence’s vernacular architecture, including of two, three, and multi-family dwelling types, “missing middle” housing types, and accessory dwelling units. | short term | DPD/HDC | | | G. | □ | ☑ | Determine appropriate residential densities to accommodate growth in areas of change, while valuing the preservation of local communities and their built character | short term | DPD | | **H5** | | | | **HOUSING AND TRANSIT** | | | | | A. | □ | ☑ | Amend the zoning ordinance to create nodes to focus medium density and high-density development, including institutions, in transit-oriented development areas along current and future high use transit lines, in line with the State’s Transit Forward 2040 Plan. | short term | DPD | | | B. | ☑ | □ | Work with RIPTA and developers to promote transit-oriented development as a tool for growth in housing and as an economic development. | medium term | DPD | | | C. | ☑ | □ | Place new residential developments at locations that increase potential ridership on the transit system and support Providence as the region’s employment and cultural center. | medium term | DPD | | | D. | ☑ | □ | Work with RIPTA to locate transit-oriented development nodes near amenities like parks, schools, job centers, and grocery stores to maximize the benefits of the public’s investments to as many households as possible | medium term | DPD | | **H6** | | | | **HOUSING AND THE REGION** | | | | | A. | ☑ | □ | Encourage the state to develop special needs and affordable housing in other communities and enforce other municipalities’ compliance with the Low-Moderate Income Housing Act. | ongoing | HHS | | | B. | ☑ | □ | Encourage the state to continue to create new, dedicated funding sources (such as the State Housing Tax Credit Program launched in 2024) for housing development; with a dedicated percentage of the funds set aside for Providence and other urban core communities. | ongoing | DPD | | | C. | ☑ | □ | Encourage the state to reinstate the state Historic Tax Credit Program to facilitate further preservation and redevelopment in Providence. | short term | DPD/HDC | | | D. | ☑ | □ | Encourage the state to facilitate development within growth areas through targeted financial incentives and zoning requirements. | short term/ongoing | DPD | | Objective | Strategy | Policy | Action | Description | Timeline | Lead | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **M1** | | | | **BUS** | | | | | A. | □ | ☑ | Work with RIPTA, RIDOT, and the community to prioritize and implement key transit improvements to encourage transit ridership and address climate goals. | short term | DPD/Mayor | | | B. | □ | ☑ | Advocate for sufficient funding to not only maintain existing service levels but increase them in line with the recommendations of the state-adopted Transit Master Plan. | medium term | DPD/Mayor | | | C. | □ | ☑ | Advocate for expanded eligibility for free or reduced fare bus passes provided that the overall system is adequately funded. | short term | DPD/Mayor | | | D. | □ | ☑ | Advocate for increased frequency of bus service in line with the recommendations of the state-adopted Transit Master Plan | medium term | DPD/Mayor | | | E. | □ | ☑ | Advocate for new bus routes between neighborhoods and stopping at grocery stores, including on Valley Street (N7 in the 2020 Transit Master Plan), along Dean Street from the VA Hospital to RI Hospital (N9), and between Olneyville Square and Eddy Street (N13) | medium term | DPD/Mayor | | | F. | □ | ☑ | Advocate for reduced emissions from buses especially in environmental justice areas through the introduction of more electric buses. | short term | DPD/Mayor | | | G. | □ | ☑ | Advocate for frequent service on more routes later into the evening. | short term | DPD/Mayor | | | H. | □ | ☑ | Improve infrastructure to prioritize buses and bus passengers especially on the highest frequency corridors including the creation of dedicated roadway right-of-way for the exclusive use of buses in high-frequency corridors. | medium term | DPW/DPD | | | I. | □ | ☑ | Establish and implement clear standards for prioritization of curb uses, including the preference for bus stops, where needed, over on-street parking. | short term | DPW/DPD | | | J. | □ | ☑ | Ensure sufficient sidewalk and ADA infrastructure exists at bus stops and to access bus stops. | short term | DPW/DPD | | | K. | ☑ | □ | Encourage large employers and institutions to offer subsidized transit passes, including employees of the City of Providence | ongoing | DPD/Mayor/Council | | | L. | ☑ | □ | Ensure the bus hub feels clean, safe, and welcoming for all users. | medium term | DID/Parks/RIPTA | | | M. | □ | ☑ | Focus residential growth around existing high-frequency transit corridors, such as North Main Street. | medium term | DPD | | **M2** | | | | **RAIL** | | | | | A. | □ | ☑ | Encourage RIDOT and MBTA to provide more frequent and faster regional rail service to Boston and RI TF Green Airport, especially in off-peak hours. | medium term | DPD/Mayor | | | B. | □ | ☑ | Leverage Providence Station's capacity to promote dense, transit-oriented population and job growth in Capital Center. Focus growth within ¼ mile of Providence Station. | short term | DPD | | | C. | □ | ☑ | Encourage non-car transportation at rail lines by installing secure bike parking at Providence Station and other transit hubs. | short term/ongoing | DPD, RIDOT | | | D. | □ | ☑ | Advocate to electrify MBTA line to enable faster service with reduced emissions. | short term | DPD/Mayor | | | E. | □ | ☑ | Advocate for secure bike parking at the train station such as lockers, a controlled access bike cage, or other designs that minimize the risk of bike theft | short term | DPD, RIDOT | | | F. | □ | ☑ | Improve routes to the train station for walking and bicycling to reduce traffic congestion and encourage train ridership | medium term | DPD, RIDOT | | | G. | □ | ☑ | Connect Providence Station to high population density neighborhoods across the city via the Providence Urban Trail network. | medium term | DPD | | **M3** | | | | **WALKING** | | | | | A. | ☑ | □ | Improve safety where pedestrians must cross motor vehicle traffic, prioritizing pedestrian safety over traffic flow. | short term/ongoing | DPW/DPD | | | B. | □ | ☑ | Update all traffic signals to provide pedestrian phasing such as Leading Pedestrian Intervals or exclusive pedestrian phasing and keep signal cycles short and efficient to minimize waiting and unsafe crossing. | medium term | DPW | | | C. | □ | ☑ | Where possible, restrict right turns from a red light at any location where unrestricted turns are detrimental to pedestrian safety. | medium term | DPW/Council | | | D. | □ | ☑ | Add crosswalk markings and accessible ramps to every crosswalk location where they are absent. | medium term | DPW | | | E. | □ | ☑ | Work with RIDOT to improve the safety and comfort of pedestrians on highway crossings. | medium term | DPD/DPW | | | F. | □ | ☑ | Install sidewalk bump-outs at corners to increase pedestrian visibility and enforce illegal parking rules adjacent to crosswalks, where possible | medium term | DPD/DPW | | | G. | □ | ☑ | Create more and better spaces that are designed for walking. | ongoing | DPD/DPW | | | H. | ☑ | □ | Improve maintenance of sidewalks so that accessible paths compliant with federal ADA and Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) are available throughout the city. | short term/ongoing | DPW | | | I. | □ | ☑ | Improve design standards for street trees to both provide more shade to sidewalk users and avoid trip hazards created by tree roots up-lifting the sidewalk. | short term | DPW/City Forester | | | J. | □ | ☑ | Focus residential and commercial growth in locations within ¼ mile of commercial districts. | short term | DPD | | | K. | □ | ☑ | Promote and enforce policies around clearance of snow from sidewalks and bike lanes. | short term | DPW/DPD | | | L. | □ | ☑ | Plow snow from sidewalks and bike lanes on city-owned property, including parks and schools, as well as sidewalks adjacent to bus stops | ongoing | DPW | | | M. | ☑ | □ | Create a clear and implementable strategy to mitigate issues where tree growth is reducing sidewalk accessibility. | short term | DPW/City Forester | | | N. | □ | ☑ | Prioritize ADA compliance for sidewalks abutting public schools, parks, and bus stops. | ongoing | DPW | | **M4** | | | | **BICYCLING** | | | | | A. | ☑ | □ | Provide a connected, safe and intuitive "All Ages and Abilities" network of spaces to bike without fear of car traffic within ¼ mile of all residents, by implementing and updating the Great Streets Plan, | medium term | DPD/DPW | | | B. | □ | ☑ | Increase the number of intersection crossings that provide dedicated bicycle signal phases | medium term | DPW | | | C. | ☑ | □ | Work with RIDOT to improve the safety and comfort of bicyclists on highway crossings and state-owned roadways | medium term | DPD/DPW | | | D. | □ | ☑ | Continue and expand programs that encourage more people to make trips by bicycle. | long term | DPD | | | E. | □ | ☑ | Establish a program to assist private property owners in upgrading bike parking to a useable standard | medium term | DPD | | | F. | □ | ☑ | Continue to provide shared micromobility services, improving parking compliance and service levels; consider establishing a City-owned bike share system. | medium term | DPW/DPD | | | G. | □ | ☑ | Encourage events such as Cyclovia and social bike rides accessible to a wide range of residents. | medium term | DPD/HHS | | | H. | □ | ☑ | Consider supplementing State incentives for e-bikes with a City incentive. | medium term | Mayor/Council | | | I. | ☑ | □ | Explore adding enhanced bicycle parking in the public right-of-way and at City-owned facilities including secure bike parking options | medium term | DPD, DPW, Public Prop. | | | J. | □ | ☑ | Work with colleges and universities to improve bicycling access in the vicinity of and on their campuses | medium term | DPD, Universities | | | K. | □ | ☑ | Add wayfinding signage on bike routes to improve navigation | ongoing | DPD, DPW | | **M5** | | | | **DRIVING** | | | | | A. | ☑ | □ | Mitigate negative impacts driving has on quality of life and quality of mobility options. | ongoing | all | | | B. | □ | ☑ | Consider traffic congestion mitigation measures at any locations under City jurisdiction in the RI Congestion Mitigation Plan | medium term | DPD/DPW | | Mobility | | | | | | | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Objective** | **Strategy** | **Policy** | **Action** | **Description** | **Timeline** | **Lead** | | C. | | ☐ | ☑ | Consider lowering statutory speed limits on local residential streets to 20mph | short term | DPW/Council | | D. | | ☐ | ☑ | Expand the use of Speed Safety Cameras, which reduce speeding in school zones by 63%, crashes on urban principal arterials up to 54%, and fatalities and injuries by 20% to 37% | medium term | DPW/PPD | | E. | | ☐ | ☑ | Expand camera uses to enforce other moving violations, namely, blocking the box, and turning right on red. | medium term | DPW/PPD | | F. | | ☑ | ☐ | Improve driving behavior, potentially by working with the state and local driving instructors on Driver’s Education | ongoing | DPD | | G. | | ☑ | ☐ | Prohibit right turns at red lights in more locations. | medium term | DPW/Council | | H. | | ☑ | ☐ | Work with industrial stakeholders to reduce diesel emissions in frontline communities | ongoing | DPD/Sustainability | | I. | | ☐ | ☑ | Upgrade all city vehicles and school buses to electric | long term | Sustainability/PPSD | | J. | | ☑ | ☐ | Advocate for sound barriers and pollution-mitigating features such as vegetation between urban highways and abutting residential areas | long term | DPD/Council | | K. | | ☐ | ☑ | Prohibit the development of new gas stations within City limits, while prioritizing the development and installation of EV charging stations across Providence. | short term | DPD | | L. | | ☐ | ☑ | Encourage the installation of electric vehicle charging stations when existing gas stations are updated/rehabilitated | short term | DPD | | M. | | ☐ | ☑ | Restrict the development of new drive-thru businesses, particularly in high priority growth corridors | short term | DPD | | N. | | ☐ | ☑ | Improve Overnight Parking Permit program to increase participation by evaluating the permit cost for vehicles registered in Providence, vehicles registered in RI, and vehicles registered out of state. | short term | DPW | | O. | | ☐ | ☑ | Eliminate parking minimums for new development and considering the establishment of maximum parking levels. | short term | DPD | | P. | | ☑ | ☐ | Discourage new surface parking lots while encouraging the redevelopment of existing surface parking lots | short term | DPD | | Q. | | ☐ | ☑ | Investigate ways to require any new surface lots, or existing surface lots that undergo renovations, to install electric vehicle charging stations. | medium term | DPD, DIS | | R. | | ☐ | ☑ | Formalize snow parking pilot to allow reverse-side parking and designated parking areas per ward during snow events | medium term | DPW | | S. | | ☐ | ☑ | Encourage employers that offer free or subsidized parking to offer workers the option to cashout their parking on a daily or monthly basis. | medium term | DPD, Council | | T. | | ☑ | ☐ | Create and implement standards to increase the frequency of accessible parking spaces and loading zones in business districts. | medium term | DPW | | U. | | ☑ | ☐ | Evaluate existing on-street parking policies and cost to residents to enhance quality of life in neighborhoods particularly impacted by major institutions and attractions. | ongoing | DPD, DPW | | V. | | ☑ | ☐ | Improve road safety by analyzing crash history and employing traffic calming measures. | ongoing | DPD, DPW, PPD | | W. | | ☑ | ☐ | To reduce automobile use, encourage employers and the City of Providence to provide subsidized transit passes to employees, and for universities to provide subsidized transit passes to students. | medium term | DPD, ED, Universities | | M6 | | | | FREIGHT | | | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | A | | ☑ | ☐ | Improve facilities to facilitate more efficient movement of freight within Providence. | ongoing | DPW/DPD/RIDOT | | B | | ☑ | ☐ | Pursue creation of consolidation facilities to allow large vehicles organized by supplier to distribute goods into smaller vehicles organized by destination, of a more suitable scale for Providence’s streets. Such facilities could be located at the periphery of the urban core with easy access to regional freight routes. | long term | DPD/Economic Development | | C | | ☐ | ☑ | Work with RI Statewide Planning, RI Freight Committee, and stakeholders to designate truck routes and feasible restrictions on other streets including such policies as specific hours of use and parking limits | medium term | DPD/DPW | | D | | ☐ | ☑ | Implement the State’s EV truck charging plan, including installation of charging infrastructure for heavy-duty trucks at the Port of Providence | long term | DPD/Sustainability | | E | | ☐ | ☑ | Consider improving access from the Port of Providence onto I-95 South. According to the State Freight Plan, “Solution could add direct access to I-95 SB, identify alternate route, or add pavement/ restriping to improve turning radii. Would improve marine port access, reduce truck activity on local roads, and improve operational efficiency for trucks accessing the port.” | medium term | DPD/RIDOT | | F | | ☐ | ☑ | Consider improving access between Route 146 and West River Street: According to the State Freight Plan, “Trucks serving the USPS RI Central facility and West River industrial area have difficulty turning left off Route 146 onto Admiral, due to need for wide turn which conflicts with auto traffic.” | medium term | DPD/DPW | | G | | ☑ | ☐ | Advocate for improved infrastructure to ensure freight rail traffic through Providence Station can be made efficiently and safely | ongoing | DPD/Amtrak/RIDOT | | H | | ☐ | ☑ | Work with Port of Providence stakeholders to ensure access roads to the Port of Providence are in adequate state of repair | ongoing | DPW | | I | | ☑ | ☐ | Mitigate negative impacts freight traffic has on quality of life and other modes of travel | ongoing | DPD/Sustainability/Council | | J | | ☐ | ☑ | Enforce idling regulations to minimize unnecessary tailpipe pollution. | short term/ongoing | PPD/DEM/Port Community Working Group | | K | | ☑ | ☐ | Utilize existing rail right-of-way to allow freight traffic to avoid city streets. | ongoing | DPD/RIDOT | | L | | ☑ | ☐ | Encourage the use of and advocate for requiring Lateral Protective Devices (LPDs) on large trucks to minimize risk to vulnerable road users. | medium term | DPD/Council | | M | | ☑ | ☐ | Establish incentives to shift freight deliveries on city streets to less congested times of day. | medium term | DPW/DPD | | N | | ☑ | ☐ | Encourage the use of urban-scale delivery vehicles such as cargo bicycles, medium-duty trucks, and light-duty trucks for last-mile deliveries within the city by creating regulation and incentives for companies to down-size their fleets. | medium term | DPD/Economic Development | | O | | ☐ | ☑ | Develop an active curbside asset database showing the location and size of existing loading zones, curb cuts, hours of operation, and other pertinent infrastructure, markings, and signs. | short term/ongoing | DPW | | P | | ☑ | ☐ | Evaluate and modify traffic patterns to reduce emissions in frontline communities: Work with the state and frontline communities to reduce transportation related air pollution, beginning with areas of high cumulative pollution. Conduct a study of truck traffic and identify corridors and neighborhoods where truck routes and related infrastructure should be eliminated or rerouted to reduce diesel emissions in burden in high residential and air pollution areas. Ensure involvement of frontline community members in future corridor planning, especially related to on-ramps and other major highway projects. | medium term | DPD/Sustainability/DPW | | Q | | ☑ | ☐ | Advocate for reducing emissions from trucks: Identify resources and programs to improve efficiency and EV infrastructure for buses, garbage trucks, construction and other commercial trucks working in Providence’s frontline communities. | long term | Sustainability | | R | | ☑ | ☐ | Incentivize more efficient shipping practices including infrastructure for more fuel-efficient vessels coming in and out of the Port. | long term | DPD/Sustainability | | S | | ☑ | ☐ | Set short-, medium- and long-term emissions reduction targets and create plans to meet targets. | ongoing | Sustainability | | T | | ☑ | ☐ | Work to eliminate fossil fuel and other hazardous materials import and export. | long term | Sustainability | Arts & Cultural Resources | Objective | Strategy | Policy | Action | Description | Timeline | Lead | | :--- | :--- | :---: | :---: | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **AC1** | | | | **ART AND WELL-BEING** | | | | | A. | ☐ | ☑ | Integrate the arts in K-12 learning to advance environmental and community health. | short term/ongoing | PPSD | | | B. | ☐ | ☑ | Increase support for artists who foster social cohesion and collective healing; create land-based projects and preserve ancestral knowledge. | short term | ACT | | | C. | ☑ | ☐ | Draw attention to the intersection of art, culture, and well-being. | ongoing | ACT | | | D. | ☑ | ☐ | Use creative strategies to support well-being in Providence communities impacted most by systemic racism and climate change. | ongoing | ACT | | | E. | ☐ | ☑ | Fund artist-led design processes that connect art, health, and climate resiliency at the grassroots level. | ongoing | ACT | | **AC2** | | | | **PLACEKEEPING IN NEIGHBORHOODS** | | | | | A. | ☑ | ☐ | Support neighborhood-based artists, organizers and businesses who bring relevant art and live events to their neighborhoods. | ongoing | ACT | | | B. | ☐ | ☑ | Commission artists to produce events, show work and perform in unexpected sites. | ongoing | ACT | | | C. | ☑ | ☐ | Support public projects that advance a spatial justice framework. | ongoing | ACT | | | D. | ☑ | ☐ | Invest in placekeeping strategies that preserve neighborhood-based cultural expression and strengthen a sense of belonging. | ongoing | ACT | | **AC3** | | | | **CREATIVE WORKFORCE** | | | | | A. | ☐ | ☑ | Address artists’ basic needs, including developing and implementing strategies relating to fair wages and benefits, housing needs, accessible creative space, and other needs. | short term | ACT | | | B. | ☐ | ☑ | Centralize resources for creative practitioners, including by facilitating opportunities for connection and professional development between artists and cultural organizations. | ongoing | ACT | | | C. | ☐ | ☑ | Support creative entrepreneurs, including by highlighting creative businesses, training artists in business, and providing technical assistance and small and micro business supports. | ongoing | ACT | | | D. | ☐ | ☑ | Establish new and fortify existing pathways for young adult artists to explore careers in the creative sector. | short term | ACT | | | E. | ☐ | ☑ | Hire artists and engage creatives in the development of civic projects and public policy, including by employing and supporting artists specializing in civic engagement and facilitation | short term/ongoing | ACT | | **AC4** | | | | **CREATIVE ECONOMY** | | | | | A. | ☑ | ☐ | Develop a more equitable and regenerative creative economy, including by adopting practices like providing general and flexible financial support to artists and arts businesses, offering more participatory budgeting opportunities, and sharing workspaces and resources. | medium term | ED | | | B. | ☐ | ☑ | Dismantle barriers for arts businesses and organizations to grow at a sustainable pace and to build resiliency, including by government and non-profits prioritizing local creator and arts business hiring and improving procurement, permitting, and licensing processes. | short term | ED | | | C. | ☐ | ☑ | Further develop Providence’s life at night and music economy, including by funding and facilitating a life at night study and implementing its recommendations. | medium term | ED | | **AC5** | | | | **RESILIENT NONPROFITS** | | | | | A. | ☐ | ☑ | Develop racial equity goals and accountability structures. | medium term | ACT / Non-profits | | | B. | ☐ | ☑ | Develop shared leadership models between government, non-profit, and community-based organizations. | medium term | ACT / Non-profits | | | C. | ☐ | ☑ | Re-evaluate grant application and reporting processes to center accessibility, including language access and taking specific steps to rid applications of embedded racial bias. | short term | ACT | | | D. | ☑ | ☐ | Develop interdisciplinary programs and collaborative cross-sector projects. | medium term | ACT | | **AC6** | | | | **THE FUTURE OF ARTS TEACHING AND LEARNING** | | | | | A. | ☑ | ☐ | Foster culturally responsive school communities. | ongoing | PPSD | | | B. | ☑ | ☐ | Develop neighborhood-based, all-ages arts learning opportunities. | medium term | ACT | | | C. | ☑ | ☐ | Create pathways for BIPOC arts educators and teaching artists to work in established creative businesses, nonprofit cultural organizations and schools. | medium term | ACT | | | D. | ☐ | ☑ | Standardize systems for teaching artists working with PPSD. | medium term | PPSD | | | E. | ☐ | ☑ | Create incentives for students and recent graduates to build creative careers in Providence. | medium term | ACT | | | F. | ☑ | ☐ | Support nonprofit cultural organizations that serve BIPOC, immigrant, incarcerated and queer/trans youth. | ongoing | ACT | | **AC7** | | | | **PUBLIC AWARENESS, ADVOCACY AND TOURISM** | | | | | A. | ☐ | ☑ | Develop marketing strategies that elevate BIPOC residents, artists and cultural offerings. | ongoing | ED | | | B. | ☑ | ☐ | Promote the work of independent practitioners, nonprofit cultural organizations, and creative businesses. | ongoing | ED | | | C. | ☑ | ☐ | Strengthen access and equity through cultural offerings and the commemorative landscape . | short term | ACT | | | D. | ☐ | ☑ | Promote Providence as a world-class cultural destination through initiatives including supporting live events in the public realm, supporting life at night, enhancing physical accessibility at venues and cultural facilities, marketing and lighting initiatives that encourage winter tourism, promoting walkability and multimodal access in public realm projects, and more. | ongoing | ACT | # People & Public Spaces | Objective | Strategy | Policy | Action | Description | Timeline | Lead | | :--- | :--- | :---: | :---: | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **PS1** | | | | **PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES** | | | | | A. | ☑ | ☐ | Provide a diversity of programming at park facilities. | ongoing | Parks | | | B. | ☑ | ☐ | Diversify and expand programmed athletic opportunities in parks. | ongoing | Parks/Rec | | | C. | ☑ | ☐ | Expand parks programming for youth. | medium term | Parks | | | D. | ☑ | ☐ | Develop new space(s) for large-scale festivals. | medium term | Parks | | | E. | ☑ | ☐ | Support and encourage public art in public spaces. | ongoing | ACT | | | F. | ☐ | ☑ | Expand use of school facilities for programs through interdepartmental collaboration. | medium term | PPSD | | | G. | ☐ | ☑ | Collaborate with organizations to enhance access to programming and educational opportunities. | short term/ongoing | ACT, Parks | | | H. | ☐ | ☑ | Adapt parks programming to changing demographics. | short term/ongoing | Parks | | | I. | ☐ | ☑ | Support federal and state parks and rec plans that help implement this plan. | short term/ongoing | Parks/Rec | | **PS2** | | | | **SUSTAIN OUR PARK ASSETS** | | | | | A. | ☐ | ☑ | Supplement City funding with additional funds from users, concessions, lease agreements, grants. | short term/ongoing | Parks | | | B. | ☐ | ☑ | Supplement City maintenance resources with maintenance sharing agreements. | short term/ongoing | Parks | | | C. | ☐ | ☑ | Collaborate with institutions, businesses, organizations to sponsor and fund programs. | short term/ongoing | Parks/Rec | | | D. | ☐ | ☑ | Ensure balance between services, fees, programming. | short term/ongoing | Parks/Rec | | | E. | ☐ | ☑ | Establish reasonable and feasible maintenance standards. | short term/ongoing | Parks/Rec | | | F. | ☐ | ☑ | Increase park maintenance staff during peak seasonal periods. | short term | Parks | | | G. | ☐ | ☑ | Incorporate low maintenance designs into park renovation projects. | ongoing | Parks | | | H. | ☐ | ☑ | Investigate and implement innovative park maintenance plans with public and private partners. | ongoing | Parks, non-profits | | **PS3** | | | | **LINK PUBLIC SPACES** | | | | | A. | ☐ | ☑ | Continue to develop a connected system of greenways for continual access along the waterfront and through neighborhoods. | long term | DPD, Parks | | | B. | ☐ | ☑ | Strategically acquire parcels to link open space. | long term | Parks | | | C. | ☐ | ☑ | Explore public and private land opportunities to provide continuous public access to waterfront along rivers and ponds without land acquisition. | long term | Parks, DPD | | | D. | ☑ | ☐ | Collaborate across City departments & with community organizations to ID and implement improvements to bike & ped networks. | medium term | DPD | | | E. | ☐ | ☑ | Through development incentives, negotiation, other mechanisms, create publicly accessible open spaces through private land development. | medium term | DPD, Parks | | **PS4** | | | | **INCREASE ACCESS TO PARK FACILITIES** | | | | | A. | ☐ | ☑ | Prioritize development of new parks and improvements to existing parks. | short term/ongoing | Parks | | | B. | ☑ | ☐ | Provide park and rec facilities in proximity to schools. | medium term | Parks | | | C. | ☑ | ☐ | Expand and diversify park use opportunities. | short term/ongoing | Parks | | | D. | ☐ | ☑ | Increase accessibility of park facilities for all physical abilities, incorporating universal design, PROWAG, infrastructure like picnic tables. | medium term | Parks | | **PS5** | | | | **STEWARDSHIP OF RESOURCES** | | | | | A. | ☑ | ☐ | Promote public access to waterfront and water-based rec activities. | medium term/ongoing | DPD, Parks | | | B. | ☑ | ☐ | Explore opportunities to create new open spaces along waterways. | long term | DPD, Parks | | | C. | ☑ | ☐ | Encourage conservation, restoration, preservation of environmentally sensitive areas; expand conservation areas. | short term | DPD, Parks | | | D. | ☐ | ☑ | Continue study and implememntation of best practices in climate resilient park and conservation area design, supporting management of stormwater, sea level rise, and extreme heat. | short term/ongoing | Parks | | | E. | ☑ | ☐ | Encourage pedestrian access to and passive use of conservation areas. | ongoing | Parks | | | F. | ☐ | ☑ | ID and protect key vistas and view corridors. | medium term/ongoing | DPD | | | G. | ☐ | ☑ | Ensure stewardship of historic park facilities and landscapes. | ongoing | Parks | | | H. | ☐ | ☑ | Promote restoration of historic park sculptures through public/private partnerships. | medium term | Parks | | **PS6** | | | | **COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT** | | | | | A. | ☑ | ☐ | Encourage community ownership of neighborhood parks, civic, public spaces. | ongoing | Parks | | | B. | ☑ | ☐ | Develop ongoing process for updating resident interests and needs for parks and rec programming. | short term | Parks | | | C. | ☑ | ☐ | Provide opportunities for community input in park and rec facility renovation. | short term | Parks | | | D. | ☑ | ☐ | Increase public knowledge about exiting park and rec spaces, athletic, arts and performing arts programming. | short term | Parks | | | E. | ☑ | ☐ | Promote a civic culture of properly caring for public spaces. | ongoing | Parks | | **PS7** | | | | **COMMUNITY GARDENING** | | | | | A. | ☐ | ☑ | Work with residents & community groups to identify viable community garden spots. | medium term | Parks | | | B. | ☐ | ☑ | ID & prioritize community garden expansion in neighborhoods lacking community gardens or access to healthy food. | medium term | Parks | | | C. | ☑ | ☐ | Expand community gardening opportunities on under-utilized park land. | short term | Parks | | | D. | ☐ | ☑ | Investigate ways to ID & match potential park-owned garden sites with growers. | short term | Parks | | | E. | ☑ | ☐ | Continue to aspire to every resident living within a 10-minute walk of a community garden. | ongoing | Parks | | Objective | Strategy | Policy | Action | Description | Timeline | Lead | | :--- | :--- | :---: | :---: | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **CS1** | | | | **CITY SERVICE COORDINATION** | | | | | A. | □ | ☑ | Continue centralizing constituent service requests through a central public facing hub (PVD 311). | ongoing | MCCS | | | B. | □ | ☑ | Improve public awareness of PVD 311 through additional signage, community outreach events, public advertising, and other best practices. | medium term | MCCS | | | C. | □ | ☑ | Improve accessibility and user experience of PVD 311, potentially through additional channels of communication, such as virtual chat and email. | short term | MCCS | | | D. | ☑ | □ | Continue to expand the services and information that can be requested via PVD 311. | ongoing | MCCS | | | E. | ☑ | □ | Continue improving the integration of PVD 311 requests and City department workflows, with transparent and regular progress updates reported back to constituents. | ongoing | MCCS | | | F. | □ | ☑ | Study how innovative new technologies, like generative artificial intelligence, can be used to improve PVD 311. | medium term | MCCS | | **CS2** | | | | **POLICE, FIRE AND PUBLIC SAFETY** | | | | | A. | ☑ | □ | Support innovation in methods and technology to advance the work of the police and fire departments. | short term | PPD, PFD | | | B. | ☑ | □ | Coordinate the operations of the police and fire departments and support inter-operational systems like dispatch. | short term | PPD, PFD | | | C. | □ | ☑ | Maintain and support programs to address substance use and prevent overdoses, including emerging best practices in public health, exemplified by RI's first overdose prevention center and in the City of Providence's overdose prevention plan. | ongoing | Public Safety | | | D. | ☑ | □ | Coordinate disaster operations and Homeland Security functions with the Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). | short term/ongoing | PEMA | | | E. | ☑ | □ | Promote ongoing training and certification of police and fire personnel. | ongoing | PPD, PFD | | | F. | ☑ | □ | Promote fire prevention and safe buildings. | ongoing | PFD | | | G. | ☑ | □ | Maintain and improve public education efforts such as the smoke and carbon monoxide detector program. | ongoing | PFD | | | H. | ☑ | □ | Coordinate fire and police operations with code enforcement. | short term | DIS, Public Safety | | | I. | □ | ☑ | Promote accessible routes for fire and emergency response; this also entails effective and legible street and directional signs. | short term | PFD | | | J. | □ | ☑ | Improve traffic safety citywide, emphasizing pedestrian and bicycle as well as automobile safety. | short term/ongoing | DPW | | | K. | □ | ☑ | Educate the public on the proper use of the 911 system and non-emergency line to reduce abuse of the system. | short term/ongoing | Public Safety | | | L. | ☑ | □ | Continue to support and emphasize the importance of community policing and community engagement in all departments. | ongoing | PPD | | | M. | ☑ | □ | Improve enforcement of traffic regulations citywide, including by studying and utilizing new technology and best practices. | ongoing | PPD | | | N. | □ | ☑ | Review and develop public safety strategies around nightlife, to ensure that Providence is a safe destination for active nightlife that contributes to and does not detract from quality of life in the city. | short term | PPD, PFD | | **CS3** | | | | **EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT** | | | | | A. | ☑ | □ | Update hazard assessments to incorporate the latest data and scientific understanding with an emphasis on future projections to ensure readiness for evolving threats. | short term | PEMA | | | B. | ☑ | □ | Before designing mitigation measures, study and leverage nationwide best practices, explore nature-based solutions, perform a "root cause analysis," and understand the design of legacy systems in the context of current and future capacity needs. | ongoing | PEMA | | | C. | ☑ | □ | Foster collaboration between different systems and agencies to create more cohesive and efficient mitigation opportunities. | ongoing | PEMA | | | D. | ☑ | □ | Leverage emerging opportunities presented by new regulations (e.g. Executive Order 20-01: Advancing a 100% Renewable Energy Future for Rhode Island by 2030) and technological advancements, while concurrently mitigating the risks or challenges that they introduce. | medium term | PEMA | | | E. | ☑ | □ | Tailor hazard mitigation strategies to align with the evolving landscape and its novel ramifications. | medium term | PEMA | | | F. | ☑ | □ | Increase public involvement in disaster preparedness through education and outreach programs. | short term/ongoing | PEMA | | | G. | ☑ | □ | Uplift community organizations in emergency response by encouraging community-driven ideas and solutions and providing resources to ensure success. | short term | PEMA | | | H. | ☑ | □ | Build up the financial resilience of Providence communities and provide aid after catastrophic losses. | medium term | PEMA | | | I. | ☑ | □ | Ensure that policy, building code, and investment decisions are proactive and adaptive, aligning with the current and future risk environment and mitigation best practices to safeguard communities. | ongoing | PEMA | | **CS4** | | | | **Water** | | | | | A | □ | ☑ | Implementing a watershed protection plan for the entire Scituate Reservoir system watershed area. | medium term | ProvWater | | | B | □ | ☑ | Continuing use of the watershed protection surcharge for watershed land acquisition. | ongoing | ProvWater | | | C | □ | ☑ | Protecting and preserving the watershed land of the Scituate Reservoir by mandating additional regulations to restrict pedestrian and vehicular access to the reservoir. | short term | ProvWater | | Protect the City's water supply by: | D | ☑ | □ | Continuing to support all watershed protection efforts, including use of the power of eminent domain to acquire property rights. | medium term | ProvWater | | | E | □ | ☑ | Working to create emergency connections with other water providers throughout the state and region based on the recommendations of the supplemental water supply study. | short term | ProvWater | | | F | □ | ☑ | Working to amend the enabling legislation for the PWSB to allow the City to reserve enough water for its future needs. | medium term | ProvWater | | | G | ☑ | □ | Working with the State to plan for statewide water supply challenges and needs. | long term | ProvWater, Statewide Planning | | | H | □ | ☑ | Discouraging industrial use of potable water when other water sources can be made available or technology can minimize the need. | short term | ProvWater | | Maintain the City's water supply by: | I | ☑ | □ | Encouraging users to create gray water systems to lessen demand on the potable water supply. | medium term | ProvWater | | | J | ☑ | □ | Meeting and exceeding all applicable water quality regulations. | long term | ProvWater | | | K | □ | ☑ | Continuing to upgrade and maintain infrastructure throughout the system, including the replacement of lead service lines, with proper notification and outreach to eligible families about incentive programs and health risks. | long term | ProvWater | | | L | ☑ | □ | Addressing storage and distribution problems in order to cope with predicted long-term growth in the service region and population served. | medium term | ProvWater | | Objective | Strategy | Policy | Action | Description | Timeline | Lead | | :--- | :--- | :---: | :---: | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Upgrade the water supply system by: | M | □ | ☑ | Conducting studies of water system demand, safe yield, and facilities needs to ensure that future needs for water are met. | short term | ProvWater | | | N | ☑ | □ | Improving the water distribution system with the installation of state-of-the art equipment and infrastructure. | long term | ProvWater | | | O | □ | ☑ | Completing installation of automated water meters throughout the system. | long term | ProvWater | | | P | ☑ | □ | Exploring new areas for potential to serve as reservoirs for additional water supply. | medium term | ProvWater | | CS5 | | | | Wastewater | | | | :--- | :--- | :---: | :---: | :--- | :--- | :--- | | The City shall ensure efficient operation of city wastewater facilities by: | A | ☑ | □ | Pursuing funding opportunities to maintain and improve City owned wastewater lines and storm water treatment systems. | medium term | DPW | | | B | □ | ☑ | Pursuing legislation for revenue sharing with NBC to ensure maintenance of City-owned wastewater lines. | medium term | Mayor’s Office, DPW, NBC | | | C | □ | ☑ | Continuing to ensure that all new development and redevelopment projects include separate wastewater and storm water lines. | ongoing | DPW, DPW, DIS | | | D | □ | ☑ | Incorporate Best Management Practices (BMPs) for storm water to limit storm water flow into the city's rivers and combined sewers, reducing outfall, flow and capacity issues. | short term | DPW, NBC, DPD | | | E | □ | ☑ | Expand and incentivize the use of innovative storm water management interventions, de-paving and rain gardens, especially in anticipation of increased extreme weather events associated with climate change. | medium term | DPW, DPD, Parks | | | F | □ | ☑ | Amending regulations to allow the operation of grey water systems to reduce the amount of wastewater entering the treatment system. | medium term | DPW, NBC | | | G | □ | ☑ | Completing Phase III of the Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Project. | long term | NBC | | Encourage NBC to ensure the efficient and effective operation of its wastewater facilities by: | H | ☑ | □ | Continuing the Combined Sewer Monitoring and Metering Program which provides capacity and maintenance analysis. | ongoing | NBC, DPW | | | I | □ | ☑ | Making sewer improvements which include: video inspection of all sewer lines, development of an asset management program linked to GIS and upgrading infrastructure as needed. | ongoing | NBC, DPW | | | J | ☑ | □ | Ensuring ability to maintain and upgrade infrastructure through review and enforcement of all overland maintenance easements. | medium term | NBC, DPW | | | K | ☑ | □ | Preparing treatment facilities for the effects of climate change, including sea level rise and storm surge risks at Field’s Point. | medium term | NBC, DPW | | CS6 | | | | Solid Waste Collection and Disposal | | | | :--- | :--- | :---: | :---: | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | A | ☑ | □ | Expand recycling and composting public education and enforcement measures to increase citywide recycling rates to meet and exceed the 35% recycling and 50% diversion rates required by the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC). | ongoing | DPW | | | B | ☑ | □ | Encourage, invest in, and dramatically expand recycling and composting programs to reduce the amount of solid waste sent to the landfill, and consider implementing incentives to do so. | medium term | DPW, non-profits | | | C | □ | ☑ | Study and consider launching a municipal compost program that collects food waste and yard debris and sells compost back to residents for use. | short term | DPW | | | D | ☑ | □ | Promote the beneficial reuse of materials. | ongoing | DPW | | | E | □ | ☑ | Work with RIRRC and RIDEM to have multi-family housing solid waste reclassified as municipal waste rather than commercial to facilitate recycling at these properties. | medium term | DPW, DPD | | | F | □ | ☑ | Encourage and support the work of non-profit groups and community organizations to help reduce litter and dumping in the city's neighborhoods and promote the proper disposal of solid waste. | ongoing | DPW, non-profits | | | G | ☑ | □ | Educate consumers regarding the impact of purchases on waste generation and reduction, and materials recovery, through the purchase of recycled content products, and the purchase of products with reduced toxicity and packaging. | ongoing | DPW, PPSD | | | H | ☑ | □ | Encourage industrial processes that generate reduced amounts of waste. | ongoing | DPD, DPW | | | I | ☑ | □ | Encourage local businesses and industries to recycle and to use recycled and recyclable products. | ongoing | DPW, ED | | | J | ☑ | □ | Promote litter prevention efforts at the local and state levels, stressing the protection of waterfront areas and waterbodies, and establishes a culture of stewardship of public spaces. | short term | DPW | | | K | ☑ | □ | Continue to modernize the City's solid waste management system. | medium term | DPW | | | L | □ | ☑ | Investigate the feasibility of a municipal Pay as You Throw program for Providence. | medium term | DPW | | | M | □ | ☑ | Work with RIRRC to expand the list of acceptable recyclables (i.e. colored glass, plastic types 3 through 7). | medium term | DPW | | | N | □ | ☑ | Work with RIRRC and RIDEM to expand the Recycle Together public education program. | medium term | DPW | | CS7 | | | | Energy | | | | :--- | :--- | :---: | :---: | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | A | ☑ | □ | Work with local generators and distributors by providing them with city plans for growth and change as they plan for the future utility needs of city and state residents. | short term | DPD, Sustain., RI Energy | | | B | ☑ | □ | Discourage the development of private generators using fossil fuels as a primary fuel and encourage the development of generators using renewable energy sources and heat pumps. | short term | DPD, Sustain., RI Energy | | | C | □ | ☑ | Transition energy supply to renewable sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and tidal. | medium term | Sustainability, RI Energy | | | D | ☑ | □ | Encourage utility companies to use best and most advanced technology to minimize environmental impacts on air quality. | short term | Sustainability, RI Energy | | | E | ☑ | □ | Encourage co-generation of electricity, including home and community solar programs. | ongoing | Sustainability, RI Energy | | | F | ☑ | □ | Promote conservation of existing energy resources through education programs. | ongoing | Sustainability, RI Energy | | | G | □ | ☑ | Create standards for the siting and design of physical plants, service vaults, transformers, and electric and gas meters within the city limits. | short term | DPD, Sustainability | | | H | □ | ☑ | Work with the city's institutions to incorporate energy sustainability and net-zero, LEED, and passive building standards into their master plans. | medium term | DPD, Hospitals, Universities | | | I | ☑ | □ | Increase participation in RePOWER PVD the City's voluntary energy challenge program. | ongoing | Sustainability | | | J | □ | ☑ | Prioritize electric and alternative fuel vehicles when adding to the City's fleet. | ongoing | Public Property | | | K | □ | ☑ | Develop plans and strategies to ensure all municipal buildings are carbon-neutral by 2040. | long term | Public Property | | | L | □ | ☑ | Determine locations where wind turbines and solar farms could be constructed in the city, under certain conditions. | medium term | DPD, Sustainability | | Objective | Strategy | Policy | Action | Description | Timeline | Lead | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **CS8** | | | | **Schools** | | | | | A | ☐ | ☑ | Increase the number of PPSD school that are rated 2-stars or higher by the state evaluation system. | short term | PPSD | | | B | ☐ | ☑ | Increase the number of parents and caregivers engaged with PPSD formal community engagement structures. | short term | PPSD | | | C | ☐ | ☑ | Increase the percentage of students who are present 90% of the school year. | short term | PPSD | | | D | ☐ | ☑ | Increase the percentage of students who are meeting and exceeding their Multilingual Learner (MLL) targets on the ACCESS assessment | short term | PPSD | | | E | ☐ | ☑ | Increase the percentage of students meeting and exceeding expectations in 3rd grade ELA RICAS. | short term | PPSD | | | F | ☐ | ☑ | Increase the percentage of students meeting and exceeding expectations in 3rd grade Math RICAS. | short term | PPSD | | | G | ☐ | ☑ | Increase the percentage of PPSD students who graduate within four years. | short term | PPSD | | | H | ☐ | ☑ | Increase the percentage of students who graduate with college credit, AP credit or a CTE credential. | short term | PPSD | | | I | ☐ | ☑ | Developing partnerships with local colleges and universities, as well as major employers and foundations to ensure students have access to opportunities. | short term | PPSD | | | J | ☐ | ☑ | Recruiting highly effective teachers and school leaders who reflect Providence's diversity and are focused on student growth and achievement. | ongoing | PPSD | | | K | ☐ | ☑ | Collaborating with local colleges and universities on teacher training, education curriculum and continuing education opportunities to ensure teachers are highly qualified. | short term | PPSD | | | L | ☐ | ☑ | Working with local businesses, institutions and non-profit agencies to develop school-to-career programs and cooperative work experiences that provide practical application of academic knowledge and prepare students to join the workforce. | medium term | PPSD, ED | | | M | ☐ | ☑ | Exploring partnerships with libraries and local colleges and universities to increase access to resources and programming. | short term | PPSD | | | N | ☐ | ☑ | Collaborating with community organizations to expand Eat Play Learn and other year-round out of school educational, recreational and cultural activities for children of all ages. | ongoing | PPSD | | | O | ☑ | ☐ | Utilizing state and local bond funding to improve school facilities to meet current and future educational needs. | ongoing | PPSD | | | P | ☑ | ☐ | Preserving the continuity of school communities and transform the middle school experience through the expansion of pre-kindergarten through 8th grade school models. | short term | PPSD | | | Q | ☑ | ☐ | Building new schools in strategic locations where Providence families are concentrated. | medium term | PPSD | | | R | ☑ | ☐ | Building “newer and fewer” schools, to right-size the number of buildings to align with current and future projected enrollment. | medium term | PPSD | | | S | ☐ | ☑ | Modernizing security and educational technology at all school buildings. | short term | PPSD | | | T | ☑ | ☐ | Ensuring that new and rehabilitated schools are models of environmental sustainability and design excellence. | short term | PPSD | | | U | ☑ | ☐ | Improving pedestrian and bicycle access to schools from the surrounding neighborhoods. | ongoing | PPSD, DPD | | | V | ☑ | ☐ | Opening grounds and facilities for community use, such as recreation and joint landscaping projects, to create additional urban green space in neighborhoods. | short term | PPSD, Parks | | | W | ☑ | ☐ | Exploring opportunities for the creation of joint-use facilities such as athletic, recreational, and libraries, with community organizations. | short term | PPSD | | | X | ☑ | ☐ | Implementing maintenance programs for buildings and grounds. | short term | PPSD | | | Y | ☑ | ☐ | Ensuring that schools are free from physical violence and psychological abuse such as bullying. | ongoing | PPSD | | | Z | ☐ | ☑ | Support efforts to create a predictable and fair school funding formula statewide that recognizes the particular challenges and needs of urban school systems. | short term | PPSD | | **CS9** | | | | **Library Services** | | | | | A | ☑ | ☐ | Acquire, organize and maintain comprehensive collections that reflect diversity and a wide spectrum of views. | ongoing | PPL , CLPVD | | | B | ☑ | ☐ | Provide specialized reference services. | ongoing | PPL , CLPVD | | | C | ☑ | ☐ | Refine and expand library services statewide through the development and implementation of cooperative services and individual programs, with and for community and professional groups and individual experts. | medium term | PPL , CLPVD | | | D | ☑ | ☐ | Improve the effectiveness of library services for children by developing and implementing programs, in cooperation with other organizations, that serve the child in the context of her/his family and the larger community. | short term | PPL , CLPVD | | | E | ☑ | ☐ | Expand library services to adolescents. | short term | PPL , CLPVD | | | F | ☑ | ☐ | Provide sufficient hours at all library locations to ensure that the needs of the community are met. Maintain a high standard of customer service in library staff to ensure that the needs of users are met. | short term | PPL , CLPVD | | | G | ☐ | ☑ | Bridge the gap between those with ready access to information and those without by providing access to technology through the provision of up-to-date computer equipment, programs and access to the Internet. | short term | PPL , CLPVD | | | H | ☑ | ☐ | Continue training and educational programs to inform and aid individuals accessing and using the library's electronic and physical information resources. | ongoing | PPL , CLPVD | | | I | ☐ | ☑ | Provide remote access to library resources utilizing electronic databases. | medium term | PPL , CLPVD | | | J | ☐ | ☑ | Provide access to library resources to individuals with disabilities including the provision of assistive technology for the vision and hearing-impaired. | short term | PPL , CLPVD | | | K | ☐ | ☑ | Host community events at libraries to increase community awareness of library services and continue expanding library spaces as hubs for community connection. | ongoing | PPL , CLPVD | | **CS10** | | | | **Recreation & Community Centers** | | | | | A | ☐ | ☑ | Analyze changing neighborhood demographics and conduct community outreach to assess what community needs can be served by community facilities and programming. | short term | Recreation | | | B | ☐ | ☑ | Enhance the physical infrastructure of recreation center buildings through capital improvements and grant funds, with attention to accessibility and climate resiliency. | medium term | Recreation, Public Property | | | C | ☑ | ☐ | Consider developing new recreation centers in neighborhoods where there are lacking youth and community recreation opportunities. | medium term | Recreation, Public Property | | | D | ☐ | ☑ | Improve the accessibility, outreach, and communication of recreation center programs and initiatives through improved technology, website, and use of social media. | short term | Recreation | | | E | ☐ | ☑ | Expand relationships with community organizations to expand programs in line with the mission of the City and Department of Recreation | short term | Recreation | Community Services & Facilities | Objective | Strategy | Policy | Action | Description | Timeline | Lead | | :--- | :--- | :---: | :---: | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | F | □ | ☑ | Create opportunities for programming and initiatives that will enrich the experience of children, families, and community members by establishing opportunities to address athletics, health and wellness, food insecurity, and extended learning. | short term | Recreation | | | G | ☑ | □ | Hire and train staff to advance the mission of the Department of Recreation. | short term | Recreation | | | H | □ | ☑ | Develop relationships with elementary and secondary schools to build expand programming and extended learning opportunities. | short term | Recreation, PPSD | | | I | □ | ☑ | Develop relationships with senior centers and assisted living facilities to expand programs for community members of all ages. | short term | Recreation, Senior Services | | Objective | Strategy | Policy | Action | Description | Timeline | Lead | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | | | | **GOAL: Ensure the continued strength and stability of Providence's neighborhoods and direct growth to appropriate areas.** | | | | **LU1** | | | | **PROTECT AND ENHANCE STABLE NEIGHBORHOODS** | | | | | A. In Historic Districts: | | | | | | | | A1 | ☑ | □ | Strictly regulate alterations and new construction to preserve buildings and sites of historical, architectural, and cultural significance and to ensure compatibility of new construction with existing historic fabric. The Historic District Commission may regulate land and buildings more strictly than the underlying zoning in order to achieve this mission. | short term/ongoing | DPD/HDC | | | A2 | ☑ | □ | Review, evaluate, and amend regulations for historic districts to ensure that they are appropriate to modern preservation practices. | ongoing | DPD/HDC | | | A3 | □ | ☑ | Continue to evaluate properties or areas that may be suitable for historic district designation. | ongoing | DPD/HDC | | | B. In Managed Growth Areas: | | | | | | | | B1 | ☑ | □ | Allow for and encourage infill development in line with existing scale and use patterns. | short term | DPD/DIS | | | B2 | ☑ | □ | Review, evaluate, amend regulations to protect integrity of areas. | short term | DPD/DIS | | | B3 | □ | ☑ | Use zoning to allow for different types of housing than currently allowed, such as accessory dwelling units, apartment buildings, rowhouses, and cluster development, in a manner that protects and enhances the existing built environment. | ongoing | DPD/DIS | | **LU2** | | | | **DIRECT GROWTH** | | | | | A. | ☑ | □ | Enhanced Growth - Residential Areas: Allow for residential development at high densities with reduced or eliminated parking requirements, but with building height and massing compatible with existing development patterns. | short term | DPD | | | B. | ☑ | □ | In All Growth Areas: Prioritizing the elimination of parking minimums wherever feasible. | short term | DPD | | | C. | ☑ | □ | Growth Corridors - Mixed Use areas: Allow for commercial and residential development at high densities, with moderate building heights. | short term | DPD | | | D. | ☑ | □ | Priority Growth - Mixed Use areas: Allow for commercial and residential development at high densities, with taller building heights. | short term | DPD | | | E. | ☑ | □ | Institutional Growth areas: Allow for the growth of healthcare and higher educational institutions, while respecting the surrounding neighborhoods. | ongoing | DPD | | | F. | ☑ | □ | General Industrial Growth areas: Allow for the growth of business, with no residential uses, prioritizing clean industry. | short term | DPD | | | G. | ☑ | □ | Blue-Green Industrial Growth areas: Allow for the growth of water-dependent economic development, prioritizing clean business and industry. | short term | DPD | | | | | | **GOAL: Promote a balance of uses to support sustainable patterns of development providing healthy and walkable neighborhoods, thriving business districts, and a high quality of life.** | | | | **LU3** | | | | **MANAGE GROWTH IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS** | | | | | A. | □ | ☑ | In low-density residential areas, new housing development will be single-family dwellings, some with accessory dwelling units; low-density cluster development; adaptive reuse for housing in previously non-residential buildings; and low-density rowhouse developments. Large lots or large buildings may be considered for multifamily development through a special use permit process that safeguards against student housing and short-term rentals. New buildings will be no taller than three stories. Corresponding zones: R-1, R-1A. | short term | DPD | | | B. | □ | ☑ | In medium-density residential areas, new housing development will be one-, two- and three-family dwellings, some with accessory dwelling units; medium-density cluster development; adaptive reuse for housing in previously non-residential buildings; and medium-density rowhouse developments. Multifamily buildings may be appropriate at a density consistent with the surroundings through a special use permit process, and with dwelling unit density bonuses for affordable housing. New buildings will be no taller than three stories. Within this land use designation, two-family zoning should be rezoned to three-family zoning. Corresponding zones: R-3, R-P. | short term | DPD | | | C. | □ | ☑ | In high-density residential areas, new housing development will be one-, two-, three-, and multifamily dwellings, some with accessory dwelling units; cluster development where appropriate; adaptive reuse for housing in previously non-residential buildings; and high-density rowhouse developments. Dwelling unit density will be defined with bonuses for affordable housing. New buildings will be no taller than four stories. Within this land use designation, areas of three-family zoning should be rezoned to allow for multifamily zoning. Corresponding zones: R-4, R-P. | short term | DPD | | | D. | □ | ☑ | Allow for limited non-residential uses such as neighborhood corner stores, offices and home-based businesses while maintaining the residential character of the area. | short term | DPD | | | E. | □ | ☑ | Encourage adaptive reuse of historic non-residential buildings for housing. | short term | DPD | | | F. | □ | ☑ | Encourage neighborhood revitalization by identifying vacant lots for housing, green space, playgrounds, or community gardens, based on the needs of the neighborhood. | medium term | DPD | | | G. | □ | ☑ | Further regulate uses incompatible with stable neighborhoods, including high-density student housing and short-term rentals. | short term | DPD | | | H. | □ | ☑ | Refine dimensional and design regulations to ensure compatibility of new residential development with existing land use patterns. | short term | DPD | | | I. | □ | ☑ | Allow for the creation of undersized lots for individual units within rowhouses and to unmerge lots that had previously been merged. | short term | DPD | | | J. | □ | □ | Create mechanisms to encourage maintenance of existing structures and discourage demolition of existing housing, particularly in historic buildings | short term | DPD/HDC | | | K. | □ | ☑ | Adopt inclusionary zoning measures that are calibrated with tax and subsidy policy changes to enhance development feasibility. | medium term | DPD, Council | | **LU4** | | | | **PROMOTE VIBRANT MIXED-USE AREAS** | | | | | A. | □ | ☑ | In areas designated as neighborhood commercial/mixed use, promote the development of a mixture of high-density residential and neighborhood-serving commercial uses. New buildings may be up to four stories, with incentives that may add up to two additional stories. To streamline regulation in these areas, combine the C-1 and C-2 zoning districts. Zoning will be primarily C-2 and R-4. | short term | DPD | | | B. | □ | ☑ | In areas designated as general commercial/mixed use, promote the development of a mixture of commercial uses that serve citywide needs and higher density residential uses. New buildings may be up to four stories, with incentives that may add up to two additional stories. | short term | DPD | | | C. | □ | ☑ | In the area designated as downtown/mixed use, encourage continued investment with a high concentration of business, commercial, institutional, cultural, and residential uses. Ensure that historic structures are preserved, and that new construction is compatible with the existing built environment. Refine design regulations and rules pertaining to height as appropriate. | short term | DPD/DRC/HDC | | | D. | □ | ☑ | Encourage the development of historically industrial areas designated as business/mixed use on the future land use map with a balanced mixture of commercial, light industrial, office and residential uses. | short term | DPD | | | E. | □ | ☑ | Use zoning tools to ensure that adjacent land uses are compatible and don't negatively impact each other. | short term | DPD | | | F. | □ | ☑ | Allow for rezoning from residential to a mixed-use district for properties within growth corridors as identified on Map 11.1 or in locations that have historically nonconforming commercial uses. | short term | DPD | | **LU5** | | | | **PROTECT AREAS FOR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY** | | | | | A. | ☑ | □ | Encourage the growth of industrial activities by preserving industrial land primarily for manufacturing purposes in areas designated as business/industrial. | short term | DPD | | | B. | ☑ | □ | Promote water-dependent industrial uses in areas designated waterfront/port. | short term | DPD | | | C. | ☑ | □ | Promote the preservation of industrial parks to encourage the expansion and, if possible, the return of manufacturing companies to the city to expand the economic base. | ongoing | ED | | | D. | □ | □ | Prohibit all residential uses in these land use designations. | short term | DPD | | | E. | ☑ | □ | Prioritize clean, sustainable, and resilient economic development. | short term | ED | | | F. | □ | □ | Study and support the implementation of policies in partnership with state and federal authorities to regulate the cumulative environmental impact of large-scale industrial development projects in areas of concentrated industrial use. | medium term | DPD | | | G. | □ | ☑ | Prioritize new, clean, sustainable, and resilient uses in the waterfront/port zone by working with stakeholders to (1) identify the water-dependent industries it wants to attract (e.g. wind industry), (2) identify those industries' needs, and (3) work with industry to develop the modern infrastructure to address those needs (e.g. modern piers providing access to the deepwater channel). | medium term | DPD, PRA, ProvPort | | **LU6** | | | | **MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE OPEN SPACES AND PUBLIC FACILITIES** | | | | | A. | ☑ | □ | Provide opportunities for recreation and visual relief by preserving Providence's parks, playgrounds, golf courses, cemeteries, and undeveloped city-owned open space. | ongoing | Parks | | | B. | ☑ | □ | Preserve open space along the city's waterbodies by creating open space corridors along rivers and ponds. | ongoing | DPD | | | C. | ☑ | □ | Promote a diversity of recreational activities in the City's parks, playgrounds, and other recreational areas | ongoing | Parks | | | D. | ☑ | □ | Protect and preserve environmentally sensitive and significant areas. | ongoing | DPD | | | E. | ☑ | □ | Provide and encourage the provision of a variety of active and passive recreation facilities geographically distributed to serve the present and future needs of city residents. | ongoing | Parks/Rec | CITY OF PROVIDENCE Comprehensive Plan--Appendix 189 | Objective | Strategy | Policy | Action | Description | Timeline | Lead | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | F. | ☐ | ☑ | Expand the amount of public open space in Providence. | ongoing | Parks | | | G. | ☑ | ☐ | Identify city and/or state-owned open spaces best suited for urban agriculture. | medium term | Sustainability | | | H. | ☑ | ☐ | Improve the city's public buildings to provide high-quality services. | medium term | Public Property | | | I. | ☐ | ☑ | Develop a plan for the reuse of public buildings that are no longer being used for public purposes. | medium term | Public Property | | | J. | ☐ | ☑ | Continue to build on the system of greenways on public and private land. | ongoing | DPD, Parks | | **LU7** | | | | **ALLOW FOR INSTITUTIONAL GROWTH WHILE PRESERVING NEIGHBORHOODS** | | | | | A. | ☑ | ☐ | Use institutional zoning to regulate where and how institutions grow. | ongoing | DPD | | | B. | ☑ | ☐ | Continue to require health care and educational institutions to prepare long-range master plans that will allow the city to evaluate and mitigate impacts of proposed expansions on city neighborhoods. | ongoing | DPD | | | C. | ☑ | ☐ | Require institutions to use land efficiently while ensuring compatibility of built environment with the surrounding neighborhood. | ongoing | DPD | | | D. | ☑ | ☐ | Require institutions to regularly engage with members of the community within which they are located. | short term | DPD | | | E. | ☐ | ☑ | Encourage institutions to minimize traffic and parking impacts on neighborhoods by adopting transportation demand management strategies to reduce driving, developing parking garages to minimize surface parking lots, and studying traffic and parking around their campuses and mitigating negative impacts. | medium term | DPD | | | F. | ☐ | ☑ | Require colleges and universities to anonymously track and report on off-campus student housing to ensure accountability in managing student behavior, as well as identifying and addressing inappropriate conduct of students living off campus. | ongoing | DPD, PPD | | **LU8** | | | | **SUSTAINABILITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT** | | | | | A. | ☑ | ☐ | Identify environmentally sensitive land areas and amend regulations as necessary to ensure their protection. | short term | DPD | | | B. | ☑ | ☐ | Through regulation and enforcement, protect existing tree canopy and increase canopy citywide, particularly in areas with low tree cover. | ongoing | City Forester, DIS | | | C. | ☐ | ☑ | Refine regulations to encourage cleaner uses in the business/industrial and waterfront/port areas. | short term | DPD | | | D. | ☐ | ☑ | To protect properties from the impacts of flooding caused by extreme weather events and sea level rise, adopt regulations to achieve the protections needed. | short term | DPD | | **LU9** | | | | **BUILT ENVIRONMENT** | | | | | A. | ☐ | ☑ | Amend regulations as needed to establish incentives for greater height and density in exchange for affordable units, public open space, structured parking, sustainable development, and mixed use. No additional height should be allowed in residential land use designations. | short term | DPD | | | B. | ☐ | ☑ | Evaluate the expansion of historic district zoning where appropriate to preserve historic resources. | short term | DPD/HDC | | | C. | ☐ | ☑ | Strengthen design regulations in residential and neighborhood commercial areas to promote a high quality built environment, while ensuring new design regulations do not unnecessarily increase the cost of development or make the development review process less efficient or unpredictable. | short term | DPD | | | D. | ☐ | ☑ | Ensure scale and massing for multifamily development in residential areas is consistent with the existing built environment. | short term | DPD | | | E. | ☐ | ☑ | Create incentives to promote property maintenance, including proper maintenance of historic buildings. | medium term | DPD/HDC, DIS | | | F. | ☐ | ☑ | Establish an ad hoc committee to advise on the creation of design regulations. The committee should include developers, architects and designers, and community stakeholders. | short term | DPD | | | G. | ☐ | ☑ | Conduct staff and board level design review processes to ensure compliance with new design regulations. | ongoing | DPD, DIS | | **LU10** | | | | **BUSINESS AND JOBS** | | | | | A. | ☑ | ☐ | Regulate land use downtown to ensure its future as Rhode Island's preeminent center for business, tourism, entertainment, while it also develops as a mixed-use neighborhood with ample housing. | short term | DPD/DRC | | | B. | ☑ | ☐ | Reinforce existing jobs areas to allow for business growth and the development of the city's tax base without conflicts with residential uses. | short term | DPD | | | C. | ☑ | ☐ | Ensure residential uses do not discourage business growth and expansion in the business/mixed-use areas designated on the future land use map. | short term | DPD | | **LU11** | | | | **HOUSING** | | | | | A. | ☑ | ☑ | Identify opportunities for zoning regulation or map changes to promote the development of more housing. | short term | DPD | | | B. | ☐ | ☑ | Adopt inclusionary zoning measures that are calibrated with tax and subsidy policy changes to enhance development feasibility. | medium term | DPD, Council | | | C. | ☑ | ☐ | Identify and remove procedural barriers to development of housing. | short term | DPD | | | D. | ☐ | ☑ | Strengthen regulation of short-term rentals and student housing to promote long-term housing. | short term | DPD | | **LU12** | | | | **MOBILITY** | | | | | A. | ☐ | ☑ | Allow for greater density and higher concentrations of development along transit corridors and in dense nodes. | medium term | DPD | | | B. | ☐ | ☑ | Reduce or eliminate off-street parking requirements for appropriate development types and in appropriate zones, in coordination with management and enforcement of on-street parking and implementation of transportation demand management measures. | short term | DPD, DPW | | | C. | ☑ | ☐ | Ensure that parking regulations strike a balance between the demand for parking and the ability to develop land to its fullest potential by reducing parking minimums | medium term | DPD | | | D. | ☐ | ☑ | Prioritize the elimination of parking minimums wherever feasible. | medium term | DPD | | | E. | ☐ | ☑ | Encourage the use of non-auto transportation options through land use controls and transportation demand management incentives, including prioritizing bike lanes and infrastructure for safe pedestrian access via high quality sidewalks and protected lanes. | medium term | DPD | | | F. | ☑ | ☐ | Work with RIPTA to build out appropriate locations for public transit infrastructure, including current work to expand and build out the R-Line. | medium term | DPD, DPW | | **LU13** | | | | **PEOPLE AND PUBLIC SPACES** | | | | | A. | ☑ | ☐ | Promote open spaces and public access along the waterfront. | ongoing | DPD | | | B. | ☑ | ☑ | Develop incentives for the provision of publicly accessible open spaces as a part of private developments. | medium term | DPD | | | C. | ☑ | ☐ | Develop ways to activate park spaces in conjunction with neighboring uses. | medium term | Parks | | | D. | ☐ | ☑ | Identify possible locations for additional parks and open spaces in neighborhoods that are currently underserved by these amenities | medium term | Parks | | | E. | ☑ | ☐ | Continue to build on the system of greenways on public and private land. | medium term | DPD | | | F. | ☑ | ☐ | Appropriately regulate the development of public buildings. | medium term | DPD | # Appendix D. State Guide Plan Conformance **Policy Hierarchy** The State of Rhode Island’s Comprehensive Planning Guidance Handbook (2024) requires that “goals, policies, and implementation techniques (or actions) be included to address each of the required topics.” A goal is defined as “a desired outcome.” Policies are defined as statements to “guide municipal decision-makers in support of efforts to achieve a goal.” Implementing actions are described as “specific, measurable act(s) whose implementation will bring the municipality closer to achievement of a goal” (page 3). The policy hierarchy of this Comprehensive Plan was written in alignment with the State’s guidance, but with slightly different terminology: Goals, Objectives, and Strategies rather than Goals, Policies, and Actions. These alternative terms continue the precedent set by Providence Tomorrow, the City’s previous Comprehensive Plan, which was approved by the State of Rhode Island in January of 2015, and includes a guiding goal for each chapter, within which there are a set of objectives, each with their own strategies. To clarify alignment with the State’s policy hierarchy guidance, the Implementation Matrix (Appendix C) identifies which strategies are considered “actions” (specific, measurable implementation acts) or “policies” (guiding decision making). **Alignment with State Guide Plan Elements** **Land Use 2025** All goals, objectives and strategies in this plan are intended to embody the state’s goals for land use as defined in Land Use 2025: Rhode Island's State Land Use Policies and Plan (2006) (State Guide Plan Element #121). Providence is an urban place within the Urban Services Boundary. The entire city is sewered and served by a water supply system with adequate supply and robust transportation infrastructure consisting of a complete hierarchy of roadways, intercity and commuter rail, dedicated bikeways and sidewalks along almost all local roads. As such, it is the best place to accommodate dense development. Dense development in Providence serves the state by slowing the rate of sprawl and enabling the conservation of critical natural resources outside of the Urban Services Boundary. This plan is explicitly consistent with the following policies of Land Use 2025: LUP 1: Link land use planning with water use planning to encourage new growth in appropriate locations that preserves a clean and adequate water supply. LUP 2: Control sprawl and the urban exodus of business and industry. LUP 3: Use open space to control and shape urban growth. LUP 4: Achieve a livable, coherent, and visually pleasing environment. LUP 5: Relate the use of land to its natural characteristics, varying suitability and capacity for development. LUP 6: Relate the use of land to the level of public facilities and services available, or planned to be available. LUP 7: Promote the establishment of higher residential densities and smaller lot frontages in urban and suburban areas, and town centers, where public water and sewer service is present or planned. In areas that lack supporting infrastructure, promote conservation development and identification of appropriate sites for village centers that will provide compact mixed-use areas for locating services, commercial space, housing, and public transportation hubs. LUP 16: Create an interconnecting network of bike paths, trails, and walkways to expand pedestrian and bicycle travel options. LUP 20: Develop residential, commercial, and mixed-use areas that are compactly grouped, attractive, and compatible with the ability of land and water resources and level of public facilities and services available to support development. LUP 21: Develop and promote innovative and sustainable land development techniques and apply available technology to make decent housing affordable for low- and moderate-income households. LUP 22: Provide a variety of housing options in proximity to major employment generators to meet the needs of the labor force. LUP 23: Preserve and enhance the distinctiveness of urban, suburban, village, and rural communities and landscapes. LUP 24: Preserve historic buildings, districts, and archeological sites. LUP 25: Relate the location of residential developments and neighborhoods to employment and commercial centers, community facilities and services, and mass transit corridors. LUP 26: Relate industrial and commercial development to overall land use by promoting the use of development controls and performance standards that mitigate conflicts with other land uses and activities. LUP 27: Stimulate the expansion of economic development activities, including cultural, educational, and research centers, in the central business districts of Rhode Island's municipalities. LUP 28: Protect and provide utility services that are adequate to meet the needs of present and future populations. LUP 29: Conserve and enhance desirable existing industrial areas, regional shopping areas, office complexes, and concentrations of service activities to maximize the investment and utilization of existing infrastructure. LUP 30: Locate public water and sewer facilities so as to shape development in accordance with State land use policies, rather than simply to accommodate growth. LUP 31: Plan new or expanded public sewer and water services, highway improvements, and mass transit service, for industrial and commercial development where such development is appropriate in terms of natural constraints of the land, air, and water, and where the area is being developed at an intensity that is consistent with State land use policy and will not promote wasteful use of resources. LUP 32: Locate development with other than domestic waste discharges in areas served or planned for service by public sewer systems, or where appropriate waste treatment and disposal can be provided and maintained in an effective, environmentally sound manner. LUP 33: Encourage development that applies best management practices for water and stormwater management. LUP 34: Promote State and local development programs and activities that encourage new growth in locations and at densities that will achieve appropriate utilization of existing water supply sources. LUP 35: Develop and maintain a balanced, integrated, safe, secure, and cost efficient transportation system, locating residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional development within transportation corridors. Relate the design and location of transportation facilities positively to the natural and cultural landscape. LUP 36: Provide a high aesthetic quality in the transportation system. LUP 37: Link transportation and land use planning and apply appropriate land use controls and design standards in transportation corridors and interchange areas in order to maintain the functional integrity of existing and planned roadways, alleviate congestion, promote safety, and reduce the need for new highways. LUP 38: Promote concentrations of high-density housing and employment near existing and planned commuter rail stations and other mass transit routes and terminals. LUP 39: Require the integration of appropriate transit, pedestrian, bicycle and other modal choices in new development to lessen dependence on the automobile where feasible. LUP 41: Encourage development patterns that promote energy efficiency and help attain State air quality objectives. LUP 42: Promote land use development that contributes to energy conservation and increased reliance on renewable energy resources, while assuring dependable sources of fuel supplies to meet long-term energy needs. LUP 43: Recognize the varying demands for energy associated with different land use patterns, and encourage patterns that tend to reduce the need for energy. LUP 44: Promote the designation of growth centers at appropriate locations and of appropriate design to achieve a concentrated development pattern in accordance with the vision of Land Use 2025. The Plan is also explicitly consistent with the development densities of the State Future Land Use Map (FLUM), Figure 121-02(1) of Land Use: 2025. This plan’s FLUM is consistent with the densities proscribed in the Sewered Urban Development Category of Land Use: 2025 to optimize public infrastructure investment where public sewer service is available. Within this land use designation, Land Use 2025 calls for “residential [uses] of varying types and generally of medium (1-2 dwelling units per acre) to high (5+ dwelling units per acre) densities (with many areas at substantially higher densities exceeding 20 units per acre, ... along with substantial commercial, industrial, mixed, and institutional uses, and supporting infrastructure (transportation, utilities, parks, and recreation areas). Providence’s least dense residential zoning allows for 11 units per acre, with several residential and mixed-use zones without residential density caps. The City has ample zoning districts to support commercial, industrial, mixed, and institutional uses, and the public infrastructure to support all types of development. ### Ocean State Outdoors The goals, objectives and strategies of the People and Public Spaces element in combination with other Comprehensive Plan chapters, including Land Use, Sustainability, Resilience and the Environment, and Community Services and Facilities embody the state’s goals and policies for outdoor recreation and open space as defined in Ocean State Outdoors, Rhode Island’s Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (2019) (State Guide Plan Element #152). The seven objectives and forty-four strategies included in the People and Public Spaces element outline a plan to sustain, steward and expand public outdoor space assets in Providence over the horizon of the Comprehensive Plan with an emphasis on better connecting outdoor spaces within the State’s recreation network, improving accessibility, and expanding community awareness and involvement. Collectively, these policies align with the goals of Ocean State Outdoors and their associated policies to: 1. Invest in new and improved opportunities for outdoor recreation to meet the public’s needs, promote wellness and create economic benefits. 2. Strengthen, expand and promote the statewide recreation network while protecting natural and cultural resources as well as adapting to a changing environment. 3. Ensure sustainable operation, maintenance and management of the statewide outdoor recreation network. 4. Improve access by removing barriers and enhancing information and communication systems. **Energy 2035** The goals, objectives and strategies of the Community Services and Facilities element and other Comprehensive Plan chapters, including Land Use, Sustainability, Resilience and the Environment, Mobility, and Housing embody and build upon the state’s goals and policies for energy production and consumption as defined in Energy 2035: Rhode Island State Energy Plan (2015) (State Guide Plan Element #15). Objective CS7 of the Community Services and Facilities element, with its twelve strategies, addresses topics such as promoting energy efficiency in new building development, encouraging a transition to renewable energy sources, advancing strategic investments in energy infrastructure, and advancing the clean energy transition of municipal vehicles and buildings. Collectively, Objective CS7 and the priorities set forth in the Land Use, Sustainability, Housing, and Mobility chapters are in alignment with the security, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability themes of Energy 2035 and the policies and their associated strategies to: 1. Maximize Energy Efficiency in All Sectors 2. Promote Local and Regional Renewable Energy 3. Develop Markets for Alternative Thermal and Transportation Fuels 4. Make Strategic Investments in Energy Infrastructure 5. Mobilize Capital and Reduce Costs 6. Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions 7. Lead by Example **State Historic Preservation Plan** The goals, objectives and strategies of the Built Environment chapter, in combination with those of the Land Use, Housing, and Arts and Cultural Resources chapters, embody the State’s goals for historic and cultural resources as defined in Protecting Our Legacy of Buildings, Places, and Culture: An Historic Preservation Plan for Rhode Island (State Guide Plan Element #210). The Built Environment chapter includes eight objectives that aim to enhance design standards and innovation in new development and public realm projects, while also expanding the City of Providence’s best practice preservation efforts, including through the expansion and regulation of local historic districts, advocating for development finance incentives to support adaptive reuse, leading by example through preservation of public buildings, and public education and empowerment to ensure that Providence’s dynamic community is knowledgeable about the City's built heritage and local preservation practice can adapt to be responsive to changing communities. Together these goals, objectives and strategies embody State Guide Plan Element 210’s goals of: 1. Protect and Preserve all of Rhode Island’s Historic Properties 2. Retain community character through preservation of local heritage by the protection, restoration, and reuse of historic and cultural resources 3. Rhode Island communities and neighborhoods will be healthy, accessible, and diverse, with historic properties and areas serving as community keystones 4. Ensure equity and representation in historic preservation and cultural heritage 5. Residents of Rhode Island will be knowledgeable about our historic buildings, areas, archeological sites, and cultural heritage 6. Rhode Island’s ethnic heritages and cultural traditions will be preserved for future generations Rhode Island Rising and Ocean State Accelerates The goals, objectives and strategies of the Economic Development chapter, in combination with those of the Land Use, Housing, Mobility, and Arts and Cultural Resources chapters, embody the State’s goals for economic development as defined in Rhode Island Rising: A Plan for People, Places, and Prosperity (State Guide Plan Element #118) and Ocean State Accelerates (the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy). The five objectives of the Economic Development chapter and its twenty-eight strategies outline a comprehensive approach, organized into categories including investing in targeted strong or emerging sectors, supporting the growth of small businesses, ensuring that government is well run to support business operations and growth, and expanding workforce development efforts. Strategies incorporate prominent themes of State plans, including attention to equity and inclusion and linkages between local education, workforce development, and economic growth initiatives. Objectives and strategies in the Land Use, Housing, Mobility, and Sustainability chapters also support the State’s goal of coordinating planning and investment in housing, transportation, economic development, sustainability, and climate resilience. In alignment with the State’s goals for agriculture, the land use chapter outlines a growth strategy that encourages dense development in part to support the preservation of important agricultural land outside of Rhode Island’s Urban Services Boundary, while still supporting the growth of community gardens and urban agriculture where possible. The Economic Development and Arts and Cultural Resources chapter also speak to the importance of the City’s food and beverage sector (with reference to farm-to-table eateries) and the need to support workforce development and local industry clusters. Collectively, these goals, objectives, and strategies align with the six goals of Rhode Island Rising and twelve goals of Ocean State Accelerates and their implementing policies and actions. The goals, objectives and strategies in this plan also embody and build upon the state’s goals for housing, natural resources, solid waste management, transportation, and water resources as defined in other State Guide Plan Elements and Reports, including: * Rhode Island Five Year Strategic Housing Plan (2010) – Element #423 * State Housing Plan (2000) - Element #421 * Forest Resources Management Plan (2005) - Element #161 * Urban and Community Forestry Plan (1999) - Element #156 * A Greener Path: Greenspace and Greenways for Rhode Island’s Future (1994) – Element #155 * State Airport System Plan (2011) – Element #640 * Moving Forward Rhode Island 2040, LRTP (2020) – Element #611 * Rhode Island State Rail Plan (2014) – Element #661 * Rhode Island Waterborne Passenger Transportation Plan (1998) – Element #651 * Rhode Island Water 2030 (2012) – Element #721 * Rhode Island Water Quality 2035 (2016)—Element #731 * Solid Waste 2038 (2015) – Element #171 # Appendix E. Approvals # City of Providence STATE OF RHODE ISLAND # CHAPTER 2024-66 ### No. 465 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE CITY OF PROVIDENCE'S OFFICIAL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN **Approved November 22, 2024** *Be it ordained by the City of Providence:* **Section 1.** The attached Comprehensive Plan for the City of Providence is hereby adopted and incorporated into the Code of Ordinances. **Section 2.** This Ordinance shall take effect upon passage for the purpose of conforming municipal land use decisions. This Ordinance shall not become effective for the purposes of guiding state agency actions until it is approved by the State of Rhode Island pursuant to the methods stated in Chapter 45-22.2 of the Rhode Island General Laws, or pursuant to any rules and regulations adopted pursuant to such chapter. | IN CITY COUNCIL | IN CITY COUNCIL | | :--- | :--- | | NOV 07 2024 | NOV 21 2024 | | FIRST READING | FINAL READING | | READ AND PASSED | READ AND PASSED | | [Signature] | [Signature] | | Jina L. Masticiannu | RACHEL M. MILLER, PRESIDENT | | CLERK | Jina L. Masticiannu | | | CLERK | I HEREBY APPROVE. [Signature] Mayor Date: 11/22/24 STATE OF RHODE ISLAND Department of Administration DIVISION OF STATEWIDE PLANNING 235 Promenade St., Suite 230 Providence, RI 02908-5870 Office: (401) 222-7901 | E-Mail: DOA.Planning@doa.ri.gov January 29, 2026 Robert E. Azar, AICP- Deputy Director Providence Department of Planning and Development 444 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02903 Re: State Approval for Providence Comprehensive Plan Update Dear Mr. Azar: This letter explains the results of my review of the City of Providence’s *Comprehensive Community Plan Update* (“the Plan”), as adopted by the Providence City Council on November 21, 2024 and revised in response to our comments of October 24, 2025. The Comprehensive Planning and Land Use Regulation Act (“the Act”) requires that we review municipal comprehensive plans to ensure that plans and their amendments comply with the requirements listed in §45-22.2-9(d). Therefore, pursuant to these requirements, I find that: (1) The intent and goals of the Act as stated in §45-22.2-3(b)(1) and (c)(1) - (c)(10) have been met; (2) The Plan is internally consistent and complete, as required by §45-22.2-6; (3) The Plan is consistent with, and embodies, the goals and policies of the State and its departments and agencies as contained in the State Guide Plan and the laws of the State; (4) Municipal planning activities have been coordinated according to the provisions of §45-22.2-7; (5) The Plan has been officially adopted and submitted for review in accordance with §45-22.2-8 and other applicable procedures; (6) The Plan complies with the rules and regulations adopted by the State Planning Council; and (7) Adequate, uniform, and valid data have been used in preparing the Plan. **Decision** Based on these findings, I certify that the City of Providence’s *Comprehensive Plan* is consistent with the goals, findings, and intent as established by the Act. Congratulations! I appreciate the level of focused and dedicated work that went into the production of this Plan. We would like to publicly recognize this accomplishment. I would like to invite you (and any additional City representatives) to attend a presentation of a Certificate of Recognition at the meeting of the State Planning Council scheduled for March 12, 2026, at 9AM at the RI Department of Administration (Powers Building) at 1 Capitol Hill, Providence in Conference Room 2A. An important benefit of having a state-approved comprehensive plan is that “programs and projects of State agencies shall conform to that plan” (§45-22.2-10.) We would like to assist you in making your plan available to state agencies and the public, so please provide us with one electronic and one paper copy of the Plan as approved (including maps, in color if appropriate), as soon as possible. We will post the electronic version to our website and will make the paper copy available for review in our office. On behalf of the State of Rhode Island, we look forward to working with Providence to shape the City’s future as envisioned by its residents and expressed through the *Comprehensive Plan*. Yours truly, <
> MEREDITH E. BRADY Associate Director cc: Roberta Groch, AICP - Assistant Chief Joshua O’Neill, AICP - Supervising Planner (blank page) CITY OF PROVIDENCE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT JOSEPH A. DOORLEY MUNICIPAL BUILDING 444 WESTMINSTER STREET PROVIDENCE, RI 02909 MAYOR BRETT P. SMILEY CITY OF PROVIDENCE