As the state moves toward a phased reopening of the economy, it will be crucial for leaders to use Rhode Island’s small size as a strength before it becomes a weakness. They can best do so by communicating similar messages to avoid confusing and discouraging residents and business owners.
State and local leaders thus far have worked reasonably well together during the shutdown, but the stakes will increase once a stay-at-home order is lifted and more businesses begin opening.
Parks will be among the first tests. State parks have been open for people to walk through but some communities, including Providence, have closed such public spaces to discourage people from congregating.
Once the state expands access, however, it could quickly become counter-productive for local mayors to try to maintain their own restrictions on parks and open spaces they supervise.
Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza was on track to do just that, with a plan to restrict access to some streets and close others to most vehicles. The idea was to encourage use by pedestrians and cyclists while continuing to keep city parks closed. But Mayor Elorza ended up limiting traffic on fewer streets than initially considered and wisely agreed to open some parks for limited use.
The move should help discourage Providence residents from simply going to parks in nearby communities, and it brings the city more in line with state guidelines.
Mayors have a responsibility to look out for their own communities but, as we’ve already seen, a pandemic doesn’t recognize country – or community – borders.