1 How do you feel about Providence’s current economic climate?
Providence is on the move more noticeably and intensively than it has been in a long time. New housing developments, building rehabilitations, hotel proposals, ribbon cuttings and announcements for new companies locating here are happening on a regular basis.
2 What do you see as the greatest barrier to economic growth?
Our obstacles are already familiar to us and can seem daunting – unmet public infrastructure needs; uncompetitive commercial property taxes; challenges in municipal finances; the economics of real estate development are still “upside down,” requiring government investment programs to complete most projects; issues around education, workforce development and job creation; and a statewide housing shortage. However, we can see progress in nearly every one of these areas.
3 What change – if any – do you think is needed?
We can facilitate mixed-income housing by passing a citywide tax-stabilization ordinance, making investment in Providence more attractive and the development process more predictable. Investing in our downtown public spaces will support redevelopment, cultural life and our emerging innovation district. … We can implement a transit-improvement plan that includes construction of a new intermodal hub and improved rail connectivity between Boston and Providence.
4 What foundation projects are you most excited about right now?
We are [working] to create a Downtown Providence Parks Network, a world-class waterfront park system that will improve the availability of connected green space throughout downtown Providence, supporting both economic development and quality of life here in our city. We are also excited to be part of efforts to develop an attractive, functional and much-needed intermodal transit hub proximate to the existing Amtrak station. This will ... spur economic development and create easier and more environmentally sustainable ways for people to get around.
5 What goals have you set for yourself as executive director?
I want to continue the valuable legacy of The Providence Foundation by developing an organization whose practices, values, resources and relationships ... have a positive influence over the health and well-being of our exceptional city and its people.
