Mayor Brett P. Smiley today joined City Council President Rachel Miller, City Plan Commission Chair Michael Gazdacko, West Broadway Neighborhood Association (WBNA) Executive Director Siobhan Callahan and Department of Planning and Development Deputy Director Bob Azar to sign Providence’s new Comprehensive Plan, a visionary roadmap designed to guide the city’s growth, resilience and prosperity over the next decade. This milestone reflects years of collaboration with neighbors, businesses and civic leaders and underscores the City’s commitment to preserving its unique character while addressing critical challenges such as housing, climate change and economic development.
“In an era of complex challenges, a well-crafted plan is our strongest foundation,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “This Comprehensive Plan, shaped by invaluable input from our neighbors and community members, tackles major issues like the housing and climate crises and provides a blueprint for a vibrant, resilient Providence that offers opportunities for everyone.”
Mandated by the State of Rhode Island every ten years, the Comprehensive Plan serves as a holistic guide to urban development, with goals and strategies on a range of topics that shape the city’s future, including land use policies that guide where and how Providence grows. The newly adopted plan focuses on housing, land use, economic development, mobility, city services, sustainability, tourism, culture and more. The plan, drafted by the Smiley Administration, was adopted by the City Plan Commission in June and approved with amendments by the City Council in November.
The new Comprehensive Plan outlines a framework for updating Providence’s zoning ordinance to increase housing opportunities throughout the city. Addressing the significant strain on the local housing market, the plan promotes zoning changes that support diverse housing options in every neighborhood. These changes are designed to alleviate market pressures and ensure that individuals and families across all income levels can secure a home in Providence. By legalizing accessory dwelling units citywide, allowing ‘missing middle’ housing types by right and expanding areas where small apartment buildings are permitted, the Comprehensive Plan addresses Providence’s housing shortage head on, while also expanding historic preservation efforts and establishing new design standards.
Notably, the plan emphasizes the integration of economic development with environmental stewardship, addressing climate challenges while enhancing quality-of-life for residents. The Sustainability Chapter of the plan introduces robust goals to improve air quality, mitigate heat and manage stormwater, particularly in frontline neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by the impacts of climate change and pollution. It advocates for cleaner industrial practices, expanded air quality monitoring and resource prioritization for green justice areas, ensuring growth is sustainable and equitable.
“This Comprehensive Plan represents a historic commitment to the people of Providence,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “Shaped by extensive community input, it’s a bold vision that puts working families first, ensuring that as we grow, we grow together. The plan addresses urgent challenges from housing affordability to climate justice, laying the foundation for a stronger, more equitable city for all who call Providence home. I’m proud of the collaboration that made this possible and ready for the work ahead to bring this vision to life.”
Highlights of the Comprehensive Plan include strategies to:
· Expand housing options and address affordability amidst a national housing crisis.
· Advance sustainable practices to combat climate change and enhance resilience.
· Promote equitable economic development and job creation.
· Support and preserve cultural assets that that celebrate Providence’s diversity.
· Make it safer and more convenient to move around Providence by alternative modes of transportation.
“The City Plan Commission’s work on the Comprehensive Plan reflects our commitment to creating a Providence that thrives for all its residents—today and for generations to come,” said City Plan Commission Chair Michael Gazdacko. “After many evenings of deliberation and discussion, we were proud to approve the Comprehensive Plan put forward by Mayor Smiley and the Department of Planning and Development, who have been exemplary leaders in developing thoughtful, inclusive, and robust civic engagement throughout this entire process.”
The Comprehensive Plan was developed over two years of public engagement led by the City’s Department of Planning and Development. The department integrated feedback from thousands of neighbors, business owners and members of neighborhood groups, collected over more than 90 public meetings and events held across every Providence neighborhood.
“The political moment in which we now find ourselves speaks to how important it is to really lean into local engagement,” said WBNA Executive Director Siobhan Callahan. “The work that went into this Comprehensive Plan is a great example of that.”
“This is the third time I’ve been a part of developing a new comprehensive plan, and I can say that this has been by far the most robust, inclusive and rewarding planning process yet,” said Department of Planning and Development Deputy Director Bob Azar. “In a city as wonderfully diverse as Providence, creating a community-wide plan is a challenging undertaking. We have to somehow find consensus around policies to tackle our greatest challenges. In seeking that consensus, we run the risk of sacrificing ambition. But that’s not the case here — this plan is full of big and bold ideas and points towards a bright future for Providence.”
The full Comprehensive Plan is available online at plan.providenceri.gov.