Mayor Brett P. Smiley announced today new data that highlights the community contributions made by Providence’s four private higher learning institutions under the historic Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement. Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence College and Johnson & Wales University have committed millions in financial support and contributed thousands of volunteer hours to enhance local public services and community initiatives. The data demonstrates how these higher education institutions are partnering with the city to support community projects and drive economic development across Providence.
“These colleges and universities have been vital in the success of Providence, and this data reinforces just how committed they are to making our city stronger and more vibrant,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “Through the PILOT program, these institutions are helping to build a stronger and more resilient city. The contributions they make to the community go beyond financial support. They are an integral part of what makes Providence a thriving, creative and innovative city.”
Since the new PILOT agreement was finalized in 2023, the four colleges and universities have committed to contributing $442 million over the next 20 years. This includes both voluntary financial payments and community contributions that will directly benefit Providence through support for local schools, public infrastructure and neighborhood initiatives.
Brown University
In fiscal year 2024, Brown University made significant contributions to the Providence community, totaling $17 million. This amount includes $5.1 million in voluntary payments as part of the city’s PILOT program, as well as $11.9 million in community contributions. The $11.9 million in community contributions consists of $10.6 million in direct spending and $1.3 million in in-kind contributions. These investments support priorities, such as K-12 education, community programming and scholarships for local residents. Over the next 20 years, Brown has committed to contributing nearly $175 million in voluntary payments through shared Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a separate Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the university and the city.
“Investing in the success of Providence is embedded in Brown’s mission of education, research and service, and students, faculty and staff across campus bring that commitment to life every day,” said Brown University President Christina H. Paxson. “The contributions reflected in this new data resource demonstrate how Brown and other local higher education institutions can have a meaningful impact as we work together with local leaders to address shared challenges, spark economic development and improve quality of life for residents across the city we call home.”
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
The Rhode Island School of Design has been a key contributor to Providence’s cultural and economic vitality. Over the past year, RISD has focused on capturing and measuring its contributions to the community in a more comprehensive way. Through its college and museum, RISD plays an important role in enhancing Providence’s civic life and reinforcing the city’s reputation as a hub for creativity and innovation.
“RISD has always contributed to Providence’s vibrant community life, and over the last year, we have begun to capture and measure the impact of those contributions in more robust and meaningful ways,” said RISD President Crystal Williams. “Through our college and museum, RISD helps drive Providence’s civic life, economic vitality, and cultural vibrancy. We are committed to ensuring Providence – ‘The Creative Capital’ – remains a destination that nurtures the next generation of artists, designers, makers, and thinkers.”
Providence College (PC)
Providence College’s Division I Athletics program plays a crucial part in driving economic activity in both Providence and the State of Rhode Island. The program, according to a recent study by EconsultSolutions, Inc., generates over $100 million in economic impact annually for Rhode Island, with approximately $65 million of that amount benefiting Providence directly. The study also highlights the program’s significant role in job creation, supporting 630 jobs statewide, including 450 within the city. Additionally, the annual visitor spending associated with PC Athletics events contributes an estimated $32 million to Providence’s economy, helping to drive business and tourism in the area.
Providence College also has a long-standing tradition of community service through its Urban Action program. Since 1991, approximately 150 incoming first-year students volunteer in the program, dedicating three full days to community service before the academic year begins. In 2024, Urban Action volunteers supported local schools, such as St. Pius V, St. Augustine, and Robert F. Kennedy schools, helping teachers and preparing classrooms for the new school year. Students also participated in neighborhood improvement projects, like clean-up projects in the Pleasant Valley Parkway and Smith Hill area, collaborating with City Councilors Jo-Ann Ryan and Althea Graves to improve local public spaces.
“The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that Providence College (PC), along with the other private, Providence-based institutions of higher education, signed in September of last year was indicative of our continued commitment to support the City financially,” said Providence College President Fr. Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P. “PC is also strongly committed to supporting the people of Providence through a variety of community service work including educational initiatives, civic initiatives, social service, and more. We believe our first report of these activities is a testament to the depth and level of service we provide, and plan to continue providing on an annual basis, and we are pleased to share that data for public consumption.”
Johnson & Wales University (JWU)
As a long-standing member of the community, Johnson & Wales University actively contributes to the city’s economic and social growth. In addition to providing financial aid to local students, the university opens its facilities and athletics fields to the community and dedicates hundreds of hours of community service each year. Additionally, many of its graduates have chosen to make Providence their home, starting businesses that contribute to the local economy.
“The City of Providence has been home to Johnson & Wales University since 1914,” said Johnson & Wales University Chancellor Mim L. Runey, LP.D. “We are deeply committed to being a good neighbor and community partner, and we are proud of how the thousands of Johnson & Wales’ students, faculty, staff, and alumni have and continue to contribute to the vibrancy of Providence.”
The full details of the contributions made by these institutions are available here: https://providenceri.gov/ccp.