The Power of Place Summit May 23, 2014 - Rhode Island Convention Center

THE POWER OF PLACE SUMMIT MAY 23, 2014 - RHODE ISLAND CONVENTION CENTER

The Power of Place: Positioning Rhode Island for an Economic Renaissance

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__ TRUMPS___ SPARK THE CHANGE/MOMENTUM BUILDING MOMENTUM PROGRESS ACCELERATED THE PRECEDENT HAS BEEN SET BOLDLY GOING WHERE WE’VE GONE BEFORE LET’S BE BOLD AGAIN BEING BOLD SINCE 1636 iT’S JUST ANOTHER BOLD MOVE MAY 2014 GROW SMART RHODE ISLAND www.growsmartri.com n 3

Time to move beyond damage control and play to our strengths hode Island overall has been rate of growth in the number of ger state economy. The Summit a major underachiever eco- farms in New England; our well brings together 500 business and Rnomically for the last several positioned deep water ports and civic leaders, state and local offi- decades. We’ve been like the stu- harbors; some of the most energy cials, developers, architects, com- dents we all know about—those efficient development patterns of munity activists, real estate pro- kids with tremendous raw talent any state at a time when the era of fessionals, planners and staff from who can’t seem to find their way cheap oil is ending; a remarkable many policy advocacy groups. and achieve up to their poten- urban rural balance as the 2nd In addition to a compelling key- tial. The results of our state’s un- most urbanized and 15th most note address and a panel discus- derachievement include our high forested state in the country; easy sion among the five major candi- unemployment rate, perennial access to diverse natural resourc- dates seeking to be Rhode Island budget shortfalls, unsafe bridges and beauty; the best culinary Island’s next Governor, there will es, pothole intensive streets and scene in the country-- ahead of be 19 workshops presented by struggling urban school systems. many much bigger metropolitan teams of respected and accom- But at Grow Smart RI we be- areas including New York, Phila- plished local and regional profes- lieve there’s no reason why our delphia, Chicago and Boston; an sionals. And of course we’ll be dynamic and charming, if quirky, economically enviable location celebrating Rhode Island success Howard M. Kilguss little state can’t have one of the within a day’s drive of more than stories during the luncheon with Chairman of the Board nation’s most prosperous econo- 40 million people… and the list our third Annual Smart Growth mies and continue to be one of goes on. Award Ceremony. the most user friendly and distinc- Our 5th biennial Power of Place So please join us in exploring tive of the 50 states, given how Summit on Friday, May 23rd is a how Rhode Island can redefine much we have going for us. chance to celebrate and promote its economic strategy by focusing Our assets include having more successful development and plan- on its assets. Let’s play to our historic buildings per square mile ning in Rhode Island. And it’s strengths with the same laser-like than any other state; more col- also an opportunity to examine focus and passion that for so lege students per capita than vir- the many ways to better leverage many years has been devoted to tually any other state; the highest the Power of Place for a stron- our weaknesses. Mission Grow Smart Rhode Island provides statewide leadership for diverse public and private interests seeking sustainable and equitable economic growth. We promote such growth by advocating for compact development in revitalized urban, town and village centers balanced with responsible stewardship of our region’s natural assets – farmland, forests, the coastline and the Bay. We inform leaders, decision makers and concerned citizens about the many benefits of compact development Scott Wolf and asset stewardship and provide research and training on proven smart growth strategies. Executive Director We build broad coalitions that advocate policy reforms and specific projects designed to build communities where all people and businesses can thrive.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Grow Smart RI STAFF

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Stephen J. Farrell Howard M. Kilguss Michael L. Friedman Wilfrid L. Gates, Jr. Junior Jabbie BOARD OF DIRECTORS Stanley J. Kanter Jason E. Kelly Ashish G. Airan Gail E. McCann Susan Arnold Kelley Nickson Morris William Ashworth Donald W. Powers William Baldwin John A. Rupp Daniel A. Baudouin Richard Schartner Samuel J. Bradner Lucie G. Searle Kenneth Burnett Pamela Sherrill Joseph Caffey Julia Anne M. Slom Dave Caldwell Jr. Jonathan F. Stone John Chambers Barbara van Beuren Kathleen Connell Martha L. Werenfels Gib Conover Jen Cookke DIRECTORS EMERITUS: Trudy Coxe Arnold “Buff” Chace David Cunningham Louise Durfee, Esq Kristin A. DeKuiper Michael S. Hudner Dennis L. DiPrete Michael F. Ryan GROW SMART RI STAFF MEMBERS FRONT ROW (LEFT TO RIGHT) Dr. David Dooley Deming E. Sherman Dorothy Dauray, Leslie Denomme. Back row (left to right) Jodi Castallo, Maia Farish W. Edward Wood Sheila Brush, Scott Wolf & John Flaherty

Grow Smart Rhode Island 235 Promenade Street, Suite 550, Providence, Rhode Island 02908 | 401.273.5711 4 n www.growsmartri.com GROW SMART RHODE ISLAND MAY 2014 16 Years of bringing stakeholders together for a better Rhode Island In 1997, six organizations came together concerned that Rhode Island’s quality of life was in dan- ger and that the state’s economy was not performing to its potential. As they evaluated existing conditions, one thing became very clear – the state needed to think and act more strategically about future growth and begin identify- natives for sustainable prosperity. Jim Dodge, then Chairman and ronmental, preservation, housing ing, nurturing and capitalizing on The outcome of the conference CEO of the Providence Gas Com- and transportation sectors. To- Rhode Island’s many strengths. was a consensus that a focused pany, offered to spearhead the day, that collaboration has grown Then, on April 12, 1997, 600 con- statewide effort was needed to creation of Grow Smart Rhode to include representatives from cerned citizens, business leaders link these groups and educate cit- Island in 1998 and was assisted academia and the development and officials came together for izens, business leaders and elect- by conference sponsors and the and public health communities Preserving Place, Growing Smart, ed officials about the impacts of RI Public Expenditure Council. and has propelled the smart a statewide conference to more sprawl and about policies, strate- Those early efforts for smarter growth movement into one that is closely examine the impacts of gies and incentives to encourage growth were bolstered by the making a positive and noticeable haphazard growth and develop- growth that adds value to Rhode influence and diversity of groups difference in the quality of life for ment and to consider the alter- Island’s quality of life. representing the business, envi- all Rhode Islanders. FOUNDING ORGANIZATIONS:

Providence Foundation n Providence Gas (now National Grid) n Providence Preservation Society, Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission n Rhode Island Builders Association, Rhode Island Housing n Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council n Save The Bay n Scenic Rhode Island (now the Dunn Foundation) n South County Regional Transportation Initiative.

The Preservation Society of Newport County Congratulates Grow Smart RI on its efforts to create a more sustainable Rhode Island.

401-847-1000 • www.NewportMansions.org MAY 2014 GROW SMART RHODE ISLAND www.growsmartri.com n 5

We RI traditions

Taking the kids to the beach ... Catching a PawSox game ... Fishing off Galilee ... Clam cakes and chowder with family and friends. All things we ♥ about Rhode Island. As the nation’s oldest community bank, we ♥ Rhode Island because it’s the place we’ve called home since 1800. And as we celebrate what’s great and special in Rhode Island, we welcome you to join us. Visit our website, iluvri.com, to share your favorite Rhode Island photos, best places, trivia, and more. You’ll also find updates on local community events, special discounts from Rhode Island businesses, and more!

Member FDIC ~ www.washtrust.com ~ 800-475-2265 ~ www.iluvri.com

Rhode Islanders Since 1800 6 n www.growsmartri.com GROW SMART RHODE ISLAND MAY 2014

Smart Growth leaders, projects and plans to be honored at May 23rd ‘Power of Place Summit’ Luncheon

There’s no better way to promote the many benefits of smart growth than to profile successful local examples that play to Rhode Island’s strengths, generate sustainable economic benefits and improve communities and neighborhoods in the process. 2014 marks the third Annual Smart Growth Awards. These awards celebrate and recognize outstanding leaders, projects and plans or policies that are accelerating economic and community benefits for this and future generations. They also inspire others to aim for smart, thoughtful development that achieves enduring value for Rhode Island. View previous award winners at www.GrowSmartRI.org

Outstanding Smart Growth Leaders

Bike Newport Since 2011, Bike Newport has encouraged biking for transportation, health, and recreation- and has led a collaborative effort by city government, businesses and community-based organizations to improve bicycle safety and enhance the overall experience for bicyclists. The result is a much more bicycle friendly urban community, with municipal stakeholders committed to supporting bicycling and increasing the number of bicycling visitors. Thanks to these improvements, in October, 2013, the League of American Bicyclists recognized Newport as a Bicycle Friendly Community – making it the first municipality in Rhode Island to achieve that honor. In announcing the award, the League commented, “We were very impressed with how far Newport has come in such a short period of time. This is a great example of how a strong local advocacy group can make a real difference.”

Outstanding Smart Growth Policies & Plans

East Providence Special Waterfront Development District Plan Adopted in 2003, the East Providence Special Waterfront Development District Plan is propelling the City’s waterfront in a new direction. The East Providence Waterfront District, located along the Seekonk and Providence Rivers, consists of approximately three hundred acres of vacant and/or underutilized land, including a significant amount of brownfields. The Plan creates seven waterfront sub-districts, each allowing a different mix of uses, and defines a system of infrastructure improvements and public spaces that forms a framework for high-quality private development. It allows for the potential building of over 2 million square feet of office/commercial space and 2,500 new residential units. The Waterfront District provides the best opportunity to expand the local tax base and offers the greatest potential in the City for attracting new business and jobs. To administer the plan, the RI General Assembly passed legislation enabling East Providence to establish a Special Development District Commission. Over the past 10 years, this all-volunteer body of professionals with experience in architecture, land use planning, urban design, law and business has helped to shepherd development proposals and infrastructure projects through a predictable and rapid review procedure. The dedicated Commission members have used the Plan to guide the gradual transformation of land once used for petroleum and chemical storage and distribution facilities into attractive uses that generate activity and create revenue and employment opportunities for City residents and the region.

Town of South Kingstown – Healthy Places by Design Action Plan In 2011, the RI Department of Health selected the Town of South Kingstown as one of three model communities for its Healthy Places by Design grant program. In partnership with the South County YMCA, the Town undertook an extensive community engagement effort to involve local residents and stakeholders in identifying land use, transportation and urban design policy barriers to physical activity and healthy eating and developing solutions. A Healthy Places by Design Action Plan, including policy changes suggested by residents, was developed during a week-long community summit and approved by the Town Council in March, 2012. While the formal HPBD grant period ended in June, 2012, the program has had a lasting impact on the South Kingstown community. Policies contained in the Action Plan were incorporated into the Town’s Comprehensive Plan Update, adopted in February 2014. “Grass roots” working groups have maintained the project’s positive momentum and involved new residents, business owners and interested parties. In collaboration with the Town and the YMCA, these groups have spearheaded a range of initiatives, including a community-business effort to improve the walkability and bikability of the auto-oriented, strip commercial development along the Dale Carlia Corner/Old Tower Hill Road, a first-of-its-kind Memorandum of Agreement between the Town and University of Rhode Island to collaborate and share Town/URI resources to promote community health, installation of additional bike racks throughout the town and introduction of Bike to School Wednesdays and an annual Bike Day. Increased citizen support has helped to upgrade plans for proposed bike path connections from “potential” to “pending.” While many plans languish on shelves, the Healthy Places by Design Action Plan continues to enhance community health throughout South Kingstown. MAY 2014 GROW SMART RHODE ISLAND www.growsmartri.com n 7

2014 RI Smart Growth Awards Nominated projects and plans were evaluated using the following Smart Growth Principles as criteria: 4 Locate development in or adjacent to established or planned centers 2014 4 Making full use of existing buildings and infrastructure. SMART 4 Preserve open space and farmlands. 4 Promote compact building and neighborhood design. GROWTH 4 Mix land uses. AWARDS 4 Encourage a range of housing types for a range of incomes. 4 Promote walkable communities that utilize transportation alternatives. 4 Capitalize on existing assets and attractive places with public amenities. 4 Follow environmentally sensitive building and site design practices 4 Encourage citizen and stakeholder participation. 4 Foster creative public-private partnerships to maximize resources.

Outstanding Smart Growth Projects

The Meeting Room, Queen Anne Square, Newport The human scale of Newport’s architecture, its density, cultural and historical context and its mixed uses make it a very walkable city. Parks are an important element of walkability, but only if they are safe, well maintained and engaging. In 1978, the Newport Restoration Foundation created the park known as Queen Anne Square in front of downtown Newport’s Trinity Church. By all accounts it was an attractive open space enjoyed by residents and visitors to Newport. However, the maintenance of the park proved too expensive, and thirty years after it was created, the park was neglected and run down. In 2009, the Newport Restoration Foundation proposed to revitalize the park as a gift to the City. Nationally renowned artist Maya Linn was chosen to design the space and collaborated with landscape architect Edwina von Gal and the nationally acclaimed local stone carvers of the John Stevens Shop. The resulting design, known as “The Meeting Room,” added trees, created spaces for people to sit and for children to play, and provided sight lines that increased the sense of security. To ensure the park’s long term care, the Newport Restoration Foundation raised funds for a maintenance endowment that will be managed by the Queen Anne Maintenance Trust, a new public/private entity that includes representatives from the Foundation, city government, and the community at large. The Meeting Room has become a popular public space for meeting, reading, pausing, exploring, resting, and playing.

The Arcade, Providence Built in 1828, the Arcade in downtown Providence was the first indoor shopping mall in America. It featured an impressive exterior dominated by 12 21-foot granite columns. Shops on the second and third levels were connected by open balconies overlooking the main floor, and a massive glass skylight flooded the open area between the three floors with natural light. However, after a series of economic downturns, the National Historic Landmark had been shut down and was placed on the Providence Preservation Society’s list of the City’s 10 most endangered properties. Developer Evan Granoff rescued the National Historic Landmark with a bold adaptive reuse project. Assisted by Federal and State Historic Tax Credits, the project carefully preserved the Arcade’s early 19th century architectural details while converting the building to mixed use. The Arcade features retail shops and restaurants on the first floor. On the upper floors, it offers 38 micro-lofts ranging from 225 to 350 square feet and 10 somewhat larger units ranging from 550 to 800 square feet. The micro-lofts were a macro-hit, with more than 300 potential tenants signing on to a waiting list before the project was finished. The project, designed by Northeast Collaborative Architects, demonstrates that a historically significant building can be repurposed to accommodate 21st century demands for live, work, and play opportunities in urban areas. The Arcade won the 2013 American Institute of Architect’s Preservation Award and was featured in an exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York, “Making Room: New Models for Housing New Yorkers”

Woonsocket Middle School Complex, Woonsocket The newly developed Woonsocket Middle School complex is a remarkable example of far-sighted city planning. Faced with the need to build two new middle school facilities, City leaders evaluated many potential sites. Concerns about the long-term financial and environmental costs of student transportation led to consideration of centralized downtown parcels, but no uncontaminated downtown site large enough for the school campus existed. In the end, the City decided on a 20-acre former textile and metal finishing mill complex along the Blackstone River, which was heavily contaminated as a result of past industrial use. While the project would require up-front environmental remediation costs of $9 million, City leaders had the vision to see that the remediation costs were a one-time expenditure while continuing student transportation costs for non-centralized school sites would in time exceed the clean-up costs. They also realized that redeveloping the site would reinvigorate the surrounding neighborhood. Following a complicated clean-up of the site and of contaminated groundwater that had threatened the Blackstone River, plus installation of a clean soil cap and vapor intrusion protection beneath the buildings, the city created a safe, state-of-the-art educational complex that features two freestanding 880-pupil middle schools, athletic facilities, and additional site improvements.

Westfield Commons and Lofts, Providence The former Rau Fastener complex, embedded within a primarily residential area of Providence’s West End, consisted of several 19th century mill buildings and additions, parking lots and outlying parcels. Neglected for decades, the facility finally closed in the early 1990s, leaving the neighborhood with a blighted brownfield property that attracted prostitution and drug dealing. West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation’s complicated two-phase redevelopment project converted the property from blight to neighborhood asset. Phase One, known as Westfield Lofts, entailed the adaptive reuse of the two historic mill buildings into sixty-nine mixed-income loft apartments. Assisted by state and federal Historic Tax Credits, it included extensive restoration of the buildings and significant environmental remediation. Phase Two, completed in 2011, involved renovation of the circa 1887 Charles W. Perkins building, the oldest portion of the Rau Fastener Complex. The mixed-use project, known as Westfield Commons, created 16 market rate and affordable living units and 5,000 square fee of commercial office space. The entire south facing portion of the roof is covered with solar panels that not only provide the building’s commercial areas with electricity but also send unused energy back to the grid. 8 n www.growsmartri.com POWER OF PLACE SUMMIT - MAY 23, 2014 MAY 2014 Morning Keynote Who Should Attend? Benjamin R. Barber: Political analyst and author of “If Mayors Ruled the World” - Professional practitioners (planners, architects, designers, engineers) - Developers and builders In the face of the most perilous challenges of our time - climate change, terrorism, economic stagnation - the nations of the world - Members of municipal boards and seem paralyzed. The problems are too big, entrenched, and divisive for the nation state. Is the nation state, once democracy’s best Continuing Education Credits commissions hope, today dysfunctional and obsolete? The answer is “yes”, says Benjamin R. Barber in If Mayors Ruled the World: Dysfunctional Continuing education credits are - Municipal planners and managers available through the local chapters of Nations, Rising Cities. - Elected officials the American Planning Association and What about Rhode Island? How does a city-state (as we’re often called) compete and govern most the American Institute of Architects. - Citizens and citizen planners effectively in this new world order Barber talks about. In his latest book he asserts that cities, and the See online registration for details. - Representatives from State and mayors that run them, offer the best new forces of good and effective governance. Why cities? Because Federal agencies they’re the most networked and interconnected of our political associations, defined above all by col- - The financial and lending laboration and pragmatism, by creativity and multiculturalism. They are the primary incubator of the communities cultural, social, and political innovations that shape our planet. So could Rhode Island, the 2nd most - Nonprofit organizations nurbanized state in the nation, capitalize more fully on our urban character and better empower our 39 - Students cities and towns to shape a more prosperous and resilient region? Come hear what Benjamin Barber - Preservationsists & Conservationists has to say about that.

REGISTER ONLINE Grow Smart is pleased to present the keynote speaker in www.GrowSmartRI.org Registration fees partnership with the Providence Preservation Society Through After 5/2 5/2 Gubernatorial Candidates’ Panel Discussion Regular $125 $150 Nonprofit Gov’t $75 $95 Student $50 $50

KEN ALLAN CLAY Payment can be made by check, credit card, or purchase order. Online registration will remain BLOCK FUNG PELL open until 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, May 20, 2014. After that time, all phone and walk-in registrations will be accepted at the rate of $175. All five major candidates for Governor will also participate in a panel discussion to share their views on using smart growth strategies and policies to strengthen Rhode Island’s economic and community development. Providence Business News Editor Mark Murphy will moderate. Grow Smart RI would like to thank the following sponsors

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ADDITIONAL SUPPORT BY: American Institute of Architects - RI Chapter n American Planning Association - RI Chapter n Bank Newport n Banneker Industries, Inc.

PHOTO CREDITS: Beta Group n Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island n Brown University n E. W. Burman, Inc. n Caldwell & Johnson, Inc. n Care New England Health System n Durkee Brown Viveiros & Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau n Frank Mullin n Goody Clancy Werenfels Architects, Inc. n Gray & Pape, Inc. n Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston n The Hope Loan Foundation and Hope Man Initiatives, Inc. n Horsley Witten Group, Inc. n KPMG n Grow Smart Rhode Island n Jerri Moon n RI Division of Planning n DBVW Architects Local Initiatives Support Corporation - RI n MetLife Auto & Home n Nationwide Construction Corporation n Nortek, Inc. n Omni Development Corporation n Pare Corporation n Partridge, RIDOT n Quonset Development Corporation n Rhode Island General Assembly Snow & Hahn n Peregrine Group, LLC n City of Pawtucket, RI n The Pawtucket Foundation n Places & Spaces Realty n The Providence Foundation n Quonset Development Corporation n

RI Builders Association n Rhode Island Council for the Humanities n Robinson & Cole n TRAC Builders, Inc. n Union Studio Architecture and Community Design n Washington Trust 8 n www.growsmartri.com POWER OF PLACE SUMMIT - MAY 23, 2014 MAY 2014

Benjamin R. Barber: Political analyst and author of “If Mayors Ruled the World” Summit Agenda In the face of the most perilous challenges of our time - climate change, terrorism, economic stagnation - the nations of the world seem paralyzed. The problems are too big, entrenched, and divisive for the nation state. Is the nation state, once democracy’s best hope, today dysfunctional and obsolete? The answer is “yes”, says Benjamin R. Barber in If Mayors Ruled the World: Dysfunctional May 23, 2014 Nations, Rising Cities. 8:00 A.M. – 8:30 A.M. Registration / Networking What about Rhode Island? How does a city-state (as we’re often called) compete and govern most effectively in this new world order Barber talks about. In his latest book he asserts that cities, and the 8:30 A.M. – 10:30 A.M. Morning Plenary mayors that run them, offer the best new forces of good and effective governance. Why cities? Because Welcome – Howard Kilguss, Chairman of the Board, Grow Smart RI they’re the most networked and interconnected of our political associations, defined above all by col- Summit Overview – Scott Wolf, Executive Director, Grow Smart RI laboration and pragmatism, by creativity and multiculturalism. They are the primary incubator of the cultural, social, and political innovations that shape our planet. So could Rhode Island, the 2nd most Keynote Address: nurbanized state in the nation, capitalize more fully on our urban character and better empower our 39 Benjamin R. Barber, Author & Political Analyst cities and towns to shape a more prosperous and resilient region? Come hear what Benjamin Barber has to say about that. Remarks by Governor Lincoln Chafee

Grow Smart is pleased to present the keynote speaker in partnership with the Providence Preservation Society Gubernatorial Panel Discussion: Providence Business News Editor Mark Murphy (Moderator) Gubernatorial Candidates’ Panel Discussion Ken Block, Mayor Alan Fung, Clay Pell, Treasurer Gina Raimondo, Mayor Angel Taveras

10:30 A.M. – 10:45 A.M. Break in Exhibit Area

10:45 – Noon Morning Workshops n Transportation Funding in 2014: Every State for Themselves?

n How the Proposed $75M Environmental Bond can Boost RI’s Economy

CLAY GINA ANGEL n What’s Attracting Young Talent & Companies to Rhode Island? PELL RAIMONDO TAVERAS All five major candidates for Governor will also participate in a panel discussion to share their views on n Agriculture as a 21st Century Land Use using smart growth strategies and policies to strengthen Rhode Island’s economic and community devel- n TDR: Using the Market to Draw Development to Centers, Away from Sprawl opment. Providence Business News Editor Mark Murphy will moderate. n Bringing New Voices to the Table: Moving the Equity Agenda to Advance RI’s Economy Grow Smart RI would like to thank the following sponsors n Examining Rhode Island’s Tourism Brand

12:15 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. Luncheon and Smart Growth Awards Program

1:30 – 2:45 P.M. Afternoon Workshops n Maximizing the Value of The LINK Through Regulatory Innovation

n Improving Transit Connectivity and Economic Growth in our City-State

n Throw Out the Rulebook: Exploring Radical Approaches for Redevelopment in RI

n Navigating the New Historic Tax Credit Program and Ensuring its Continuation

n Innovative Ideas Driving Main Street Revitalization in 3 RI Communities

n Planning for a Strong Local Food System in Rhode Island

2:45 P.M. – 3:15 P.M. Afternoon Break in Exhibit Area

RHODE ISLAND 3:15 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Afternoon Workshops II TOURISM DISTRICT n NETWORK Warwick Station Development District: Collaboration for Revitalization

n RhodeMap RI: Are we on the Right Track?

n Leveraging Local and Regional Assets to Reinvigorate Historic Centers ADDITIONAL SUPPORT BY: n Climate Change Leadership & Innovation: Transportation Strategies for a Resilient RI American Institute of Architects - RI Chapter n American Planning Association - RI Chapter n Bank Newport n Banneker Industries, Inc.

Beta Group n Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island n Brown University n E. W. Burman, Inc. n Caldwell & Johnson, Inc. n Care New England Health System n Durkee Brown Viveiros & n Placemaking: How Arts Stakeholders are Shaping New Approaches n n n n n n Werenfels Architects, Inc. Gray & Pape, Inc. Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston The Hope Loan Foundation and Hope Man Initiatives, Inc. Horsley Witten Group, Inc. KPMG n Why Streetcar? Why Now? Local Initiatives Support Corporation - RI n MetLife Auto & Home n Nationwide Construction Corporation n Nortek, Inc. n Omni Development Corporation n Pare Corporation n Partridge,

Snow & Hahn n Peregrine Group, LLC n City of Pawtucket, RI n The Pawtucket Foundation n Places & Spaces Realty n The Providence Foundation n Quonset Development Corporation n RI Builders Association n Rhode Island Council for the Humanities n Robinson & Cole n TRAC Builders, Inc. n Union Studio Architecture and Community Design n Washington Trust 4:30 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. Cash Bar Reception in Exhibit Area 10 n www.growsmartri.com GROW SMART RHODE ISLAND MAY 2014

Jon Reiner, Director of Planning, Town of North Kingstown Morning Sessions (10:45 A.M. - Noon) Nate Kelly, Horsley Witten Group Transportation Funding in 2014: Every State for Themselves? Bringing New Voices to the Table: Moving the With the Highway Trust Fund headed for insolvency, the federal transportation funding authorization law (MAP 21) set to expire in September and transit agencies Equity Agenda to Advance RI’s Economy What is equity? How is it affected by place? What can the state and local across the country struggling to meet a growing demand, proposals from gover- nors, state legislatures and blue ribbon commissions galore have sparked a new governments do to create a more equitable Rhode Island? This interactive debate over the ways we collect revenue to support transportation at every level. session will present an overview of the concept of equity, provide a frame- Rhode Island faces a particular challenge because it’s more dependent than most work for thinking about equity in economic and community development states on federal funding, because our backlog of structurally deficient roads and decision-making, and will use real-life examples to help participants under- bridges is among the highest nationally and because RIPTA is under increasing stand how equity is impacted by planning and policy. Learn from local pressure with one of the fastest growing ridership gains in the country while its pri- leaders and begin to move the equity agenda forward in your work. mary revenue source continues to decline. Chelsea Siefert, Principal Planner, RI Division of Planning Jerry Elmer, Staff Attorney, Conservation Law Foundation and Co-Chair, Coalition Amanda Martin, Staff to Rhode Map RI’s Social Equity Advisory Committee for Transportation Choices (Moderator) (SEAC) James Corless, Executive Director, Transportation for America Angela Ankoma, Chief, RI Department of Health’s Office of Minority Health State Representative Jay Edwards, House Majority Whip Anna Cano-Morales, Director, Latino Policy Institute at RWU Michael Lewis, Director, RIDOT U.S. Senator Jack Reed (invited) Examining Rhode Island’s Tourism Brand Raymond Studley, Director, RIPTA This facilitated conversation begins to forge the unique brand elements that set RI apart as a premiere New England destination. We begin with ideas that make experiencing a place special. We then present the unique Econo- How the Proposed $75M Environmental Bond can metric Model the United Nations World Tourism Organization and Rhode Boost Rhode Island’s Economy Island use to measure its tourism economic impact. We’ll discuss challenges In his State of the State, Governor Chafee proposed a “Healthy Communities” facing the industry, identify known tourism landmarks, and uncover gems bond referendum proposal that would invest in a range of environmental programs waiting for the spotlight. Based on the known and yet to be known gems, aimed at boosting Rhode Island’s economy. Included in the allocations are $20 we will identify the DNA that sets Rhode Island apart as we set out to craft million to finance “water pollution abatement” projects; $15 million for public water the unique brand. supply improvements; $5 million for brownfield remediation; $4 million for “green infrastructure” projects; $3 million for flood prevention; $7 million for land acquisi- Robert Leaver, Founder, New Commons tions and conservation efforts; $3 million for farmland acquisitions; $3.2 million for Robert Billington, Director, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council shellfish management and restoration; $4.3 million for marine infrastructure and Presented by the Rhode Island Tourism Districts and the RI Division of Tour- pier development; $4 million for park and management area improvements, and $4 ism million for local recreational facility improvements. Find out what kinds of projects would qualify, how funds would be awarded and how projects funded by previous environmental bonds are now paying dividends for our state. Afternoon Session (1:30 P.M. - 1:30 P.M.) Janet Coit, Director, Rhode Island DEM Jeanne Boyle, Director of Planning, City of East Providence Janine Burke, Executive Director, Warwick Sewer Authority (proposed) Maximizing the Value of The LINK Walter Burke, Director of Bristol Parks, Recreation & Environment, Town of Bristol Through Regulatory Innovation Through shared focus and collaboration among the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission, the City of Providence, CRMC, and RIDEM, Rhode What’s Attracting Young Talent Island has used its regulatory framework to substantially increase the & Companies to Rhode Island? potential economic and cultural benefits of future redevelopment in The The new generation of creative workers and entrepreneurs are different than their LINK. State regulators have made the regulatory framework in The LINK a elders. Across the country, they are changing business location decisions. In what development asset by collaborating on a permitting process that provides type of community do they want to work, to live, to start a business? What commu- unparalleled predictability, integration, and expediency relative to other real nity and neighborhood characteristics are important to them and how does Rhode estate. This is a mindset and approach that provides a tremendous compet- Island measure up? What action can Grow Smart and its allies take to help create itive advantage to The LINK, the City of Providence, and the State of Rhode neighborhoods and communities that help attract and retain creative workers and Island. This type of approach can play a major role in attracting investment entrepreneurs and business? Join four downtown Providence entrepreneurs who to all of the state’s urban centers. are attracting creative talent to help them grow their businesses. John Chambers, Sr. V.P., Fuss & O’Neill, Inc. (Moderator) Dan Baudouin, Executive Director, Providence Foundation (Moderator) Colin Kane, Chairman, I-195 Redevelopment Commission Nick Kishfy, Founder & CEO, Mojo Tech James Boyd, Coastal Policy, Coastal Resources Management Council Jason Kelly, Executive VP, Moran Shipping Agencies Ron Gagnon, Chief, Office of Technical & Customer Assistance, RIDEM Jeremy Crisp, Managing Partner, NAIL Bob Azar, Director of Current Planning, City of Providence Agriculture as a 21st Century Land Use This session explores agriculture’s role in a 21st century metropolitan area, with Improving Transit Connectivity and innovation economics as the frame of reference. The session looks at specific efforts Economic Growth in our City-State to transition land use planning and zoning practice pertaining to agriculture to build Rhode Islanders are using mass transit at an increasing rate – RIPTA’s rider- healthy, vibrant, multi-dimensional communities. The February 2014 issue of Eco- ship is up nearly 11% in the last three years. It now ranks 7th in the nation nomic Development Quarterly is devoted to the topic “Urban and Rural: Opposites for the fastest rate of bus ridership growth among large transit agencies (just No More!” How can this new reality play out in Rhode Island with its noteworthy behind Washington, DC, Houston, Cincinnati, Seattle, New York in Cleve- but delicate urban/rural balance? The session treats planning and land use regula- land). To embrace the growth and capitalize on the economic opportunity, tions pertaining to farming as vital to integrating urban and rural values to address Governor Chafee proposed a bold “Transit Hubs” vision in his State of the 21st century needs for resilience. State Address. His public-private partnership proposal calls for improving the overall transit experience, providing a seamless connection with MBTA Kenneth F. Payne, Ph.D., Administrator, RI Agricultural Partnership commuter rail at Amtrak Station and establishing a secondary hub in the Tess Brown-Lavoie, Sidewalk Ends Farm, New England Farmers Union new I-195 Development District, re-linking almost 40 acres of land to down- Scott Millar, Administrator, RI Department of Environmental Management town, including 19 acres of development parcels. Hear from those shaping Richard Schartner, Owner, Schartner Farms this proposal that can come before voters in November.

Amy Pettine, Director of Planning, RIPTA (moderator) TDR: Using the Market to Draw Development Phil Kydd, Deputy Director, RIDOT to Centers, Away from Sprawl Geoff Slater, Principal, Nelson/Nygaard The Town of North Kingstown is embracing Transit Oriented Development at Wick- Todd Turcotte, Vice President, Capital Properties, Inc. ford Junction, and connecting that development to its village centers. Efforts have included newly adopted zoning that will significantly streamline TDR and increase density. Market analyses were used to justify proposed residential densities and Throw Out the Rulebook: Exploring Radical quantify the financial relationship between “sending area” land and bonus residen- Approaches for Redevelopment in RI tial units. Wastewater disposal analyses were performed to develop a nutrient trad- Redevelopment of older urban sites is subject to dozens of restrictions ing system and also to identify potential short and long-term disposal solutions for and incentives addressing access to funding, building and fire codes, envi- the district. Local transit assessments were also performed to identify opportunities ronmental issues, historic preservation, and inadequate infrastructure. Is it for better connections between the transit hub and local destinations. possible that the only way to incite redevelopment is to change some (or MAY 2014 GROW SMART RHODE ISLAND www.growsmartri.com n 11

all) of these factors? Roger Williams University (RWU) teamed with the RI Steve Devine, Chief, Intermodal Planning, RIDOT Commerce Corporation and the cities of Central Falls and Pawtucket to find Corey Bobba, Program Development Team Leader, FHWA radically different methods to stimulate redevelopment. Professionals and John Riendeau, Business Services, Commerce RI students in business, architecture and historic preservation will present spe- William DePasquale, AICP, Planning Director, City of Warwick, RI cific recommendations to make redevelopment more feasible and to unlock the potential of urban sites. RhodeMap RI: Are we on the Right Track? Arnold Robinson, Director, Community Partnerships Center, Join staff of the RI Statewide Planning Program for an interactive session on the Roger Williams University (Moderator) progress of RhodeMap RI (www.RhodeMapRI.org). After brief presentations on the development of new Housing and Economic Development Plans for Rhode Island, and a tool box for implementing “growth centers” throughout the state, partici- Navigating Rhode Island’s Reinvigorated pants will be engaged to give their feedback. We want to hear from you what’s missing, what’s most important, and where you can add value or knowledge to help Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program implement these ideas. In 2013, the Rhode Island General Assembly publicly recognized the impor- tance of adopting a new economic incentive for the purpose of stimulating Kevin Flynn, Associate Director, RI Division of Planning (Moderator) redevelopment and reuse of Rhode Island’s historic structures as well as Jeff Davis, Acting Supervising Planner, RI Statewide Planning Program generating positive economic and employment activities that result from Siobhan O’Kane, Principal Planner, RI Statewide Planning Program such redevelopment and reuse. The passage of R.I.G.L. Title 44, Chapter 33.6, Historic Preservation Tax Credits 2013 (the “Act”), has reinvigorated historic redevelopment in the Ocean State. Recent IRS guidance on the Leveraging Local and Regional Assets federal historic tax credit program is expected to revitalize the federal historic tax credit market, putting projects in a position to use both resources. to Reinvigorate Historic Centers This panel will focus on the requirements of the new state historic tax credit Since the birth of the industrial revolution, the Blackstone River has played a crit- program set forth in the Act and the regulations, highlighting changes from ical role in the transformation of land uses and development patterns along the the old (2008) program. The panel will also provide an update on legislative length of its corridor. The Cities of Pawtucket and Central Falls, in association with efforts to expand the current program. The Pawtucket Foundation, have been actively planning to identify new ways to leverage this great natural resource, as well as the cities prominent locations and Scott Wolf, Executive Director, Grow Smart Rhode Island (Moderator) regional access to spur the next generation of redevelopment along the Blackstone Michelle Ruberto Fonseca, Partner, Holland & Knight LLP River. Join the discussion as the panelists outline best practices in reinvigorating the Eric Darling, Principal, Carlisle Tax Credit Advisors LLC historic river corridor though regulatory reform, policies targeting public realm and Albert S. Rex, Director, MacRostie Historic Advisors LLC infrastructure improvements and incentives and market conditions that will contrib- ute towards revitalizing these urban waterfronts. Innovative Ideas Driving Main Street Geoffrey Morrison-Logan, Planning & Urban Design Team Leader, VHB (Moderator) Barney Heath, Director of Planning and Redevelopment, City of Pawtucket Revitalization in 3 RI Communities Aaron Hertzburg, Executive Director, Pawtucket Foundation The City of Central Falls recently turned to online crowdfunding platform Frank Mahady, Principal, FXM Associates Citizinvestor to fund a public park project, raising not only funds, but also awareness and community engagement for their placemaking plans. In the Blackstone Valley, The Apiary is rallying community support around a hous- Climate Change Leadership & Innovation: ing-continuing education concept to encourage recent college grads to live and work at the city’s center, and in Warren, Hope & Main is transforming Transportation Strategies for a Resilient RI a 100-year-old shuttered school building into the state’s first food business What is the future of transportation in RI in the context of climate change? The incubator. Learn firsthand how these three communities are innovating the transportation sector is the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions in New way we drive Main Street revitalization in Rhode Island and creating unique England, and Rhode Island’s transportation infrastructure will be impacted signifi- spaces embraced by local residents. cantly by climate change, whether sea level rise or flooding, storm surges and other damaging events during severe weather. This workshop will present information on Stephen Larrick, Director of Planning, City of Central Falls recent initiatives to address both mitigation of climate change impacts and adapta- Lisa Raiola, Founder and President of Hope & Main tion to change that is coming (or already happening) including Governor Chafee’s Ruarri Miller, Founder, The Apiary Executive Climate Change Council and Representative Handy’s Resilient RI Act. Par- ticipants will identify ways to involve more businesses and people in this important conversation about Rhode Island’s future. Planning for a Strong Local Food Meg Kerr, Environment Council of Rhode Island (moderator) System in Rhode Island Michael Lewis, Director, RIDOT Rhode Island is the second most densely populated state in the United Rep. Art Handy, Chair, RI House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources States, and can be considered a majority urban and peri-urban State. As David Chodakowitz, Brown University Student Rhode Island moves towards thinking of food from a systems perspective, we have an exciting opportunity to find intersections between economic development, planning, conservation, and land use. But with these opportu- Placemaking: How Arts Stakeholders nities come tensions, as increased food production and food manufacturing activities sometimes conflict with public perceptions and community pref- are Shaping New Approaches erences. How do we address these tensions as we plan for a stronger local Federal agency partnerships are playing a critical role supporting the integration food system in Rhode Island? This panel will share specific examples of how of arts and culture. At the local level, the City of Providence is successfully lever- businesses, non-profits, and local governments have managed challenges aging these partnerships to enrich the economic resiliency of our neighborhoods. with food infrastructure. Our panel will discuss current examples of the collaboration between the National Endowment for the Arts, HUD, and the City of Providence, including the re-envision- Leo Pollock, RI Food Policy Council (Moderator) ing of Kennedy Plaza and the HUD Sustainable Communities Planning Grant. Cre- Jeff Davis, RI Statewide Planning ative strategies utilizing art, design, and programming will be shared as examples of Caroline Wells, Town of Warren engaging local communities through placemaking efforts. Rachel Newman Greene, West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation Sankofa Market and Farm Barbara Fields, Regional Administrator, U. S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Develop- ment (HUD) (Moderator) Stephen Volpe, Rhody Fresh Dairy Cooperative Dan Lurie, Senior Advisor and Director of Strategic Partnerships, National Endow- ment for the Arts (NEA) Lynne McCormack, Director of Art, Culture and Tourism, City of Providence Afternoon Session II (3:15 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.) Cliff Wood, Executive Director, Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy Donald Powers, Principal, Union Studio Architecture & Community Design

City Centre Warwick District: Collaboration Why Streetcar? Why Now? Towards a Revitalized Streetscape Experience Providence is a dense, walkable historic city with several unprecedented economic The City Centre Warwick District has continued to evolve since comple- opportunities in the heart of downtown. No single project would do more to add tion of the Warwick Commuter Rail Station and the Interlink connection to value to each of these opportunities than building the Providence Streetcar, an T.F. Green Airport, and has experienced a resurgence of interest through urban circulator that would connect all of these opportunities to each other and plans to redevelop Elizabeth Mills. To continue this momentum, the City of to the two largest employment centers in the State, the universities and hospitals. Warwick, RIDOT and VHB, Inc. have worked collaboratively in developing Refresh yourself on the details of the Providence Streetcar and learn from other a comprehensive Master Plan for streetscape improvements designed to communities about the immediate economic impact of investing in transit infrastruc- create a pedestrian friendly environment and foster additional development ture - of cities’ investing in themselves - and the potential to bring this investment to opportunities. This workshop session will provide an overview of the Street- the Capital City. scape Master Plan, a walk-through of its key features, and a discussion of how it is being implemented. Sarah Lewis, Associate, Urban Planning and Community, Fuss & O’Neill Bonnie Nickerson - Director of Long-Range Planning, City of Providence Stephen Derdiarian, ASLA, Director of Landscape Architecture Design, Planning Dept. VHB, Inc. (Moderator) RIPTA Representative 12 n www.growsmartri.com GROW SMART RHODE ISLAND MAY 2014 It’s All in Our Backyard celebrates the Power of Place f you know that Rhode Island Cranston and marketed glob- is shipping bootlaces to Chi- ally. na or manufacturing medical But most of the tales begin Idevices that are sold all over and end right here in the Ocean the world, chances are you’ve State. Many are like Armando been touched by a statewide Nieves, the small businessman public service campaign from who turned vacant buildings in the Rhode Island Foundation. Pawtucket and Providence into “Rhode Island: It’s All in thriving neighborhood butcher Our Backyard” celebrates the shops. state’s power of place. Through Rhode Islanders have even TV, radio, print, billboards, been sharing their own success posters and digital ads, the stories on the campaign’s web- campaign highlights the suc- site and on Instagram and Twit- cess stories that make Rhode ter via @ourbackyardri. Island a lively place to live and “Our goal is to shift the tone Chef Matthew Varga of Gracie’s shows off the latest harvest from the restaurant’s rooftop garden work. of the conversation in Rhode in downtown Providence. Through the state’s growing farm-to-table movement, even the roofs of “The state has a self-esteem Island, so we can engage in historic buildings are being repurposed. problem. Backyard is a fact- more productive discussions Smart Growth in Our Backyard based campaign that uses the about how to address the real real stories of real people to challenges we face,” says Jessi- - Providence boasts America’s second-most-livable downtown. remind us of all the good things ca David, the Foundation’s vice that are happening here,” says president of strategy and com- - RI’s 1,800 manufacturing companies employ more than 40,000 Neil Steinberg, the Founda- munity investment. workers. tion’s president and CEO. Backyard grew out of the The success stories big and Foundation’s Make It Happen - RI ranks sixth nationally in energy efficiency. small are posted on the cam- RI economic development ini- paign’s website at ourback- tiative. Since 2012, hundreds - The nonprofit arts and culture sector generates more than $670 million in annual economic activity. yardri.org. There’s Cumber- of business and community land textile manufacturer Hope leaders have come together - Recreational fishing brings in more than $179 million annually. Global, which won all of Red to brainstorm ideas for jump- Wing Boots’ business in China; starting the economy that are - The number of farms has more than doubled since 2002. and Brown University scientist already leveraging strengths, Jeff Morgan, who invented a building collaborations and - Providence ranks 10th nationally in the 3D Petri dish that is made in attracting resources. percentage of people who walk to work and play.

RhodeMap RI: Power of Place n the last 5 years, talk of the Rhode Island economy has cen- tered on its high unemployment and low rankings nationally for business climate. The Rhode Map RI planning process seeks to Itackle head on what’s most holding Rhode Island’s economy back. RhodeMap RI, an initiative managed by the Rhode Island State Division of Planning, is a collaborative approach to develop a uni- fied vision and framework for the state’s economic development, housing, land use, and transportation efforts. Through extensive public outreach and research, a number of themes have emerged that will inform the State’s new Housing and Economic Develop- ment plans.

Rhode Island has unmistakable assets including its rich natu- Community members play the RhodeMap “Growth Centers Game” at a workshop held in Cranston ral, historic, and cultural resources, vibrant traditions in industry, in November 2013 education, and the arts, and an enviable location along the I-95 the State must adopt new strategies for growing good jobs, con- corridor. More actively capitalizing on these assets is essential to necting unemployed and low-wage workers to job training and an economic turn-around. career opportunities, and increasing access to economic oppor- Rhode Island’s small size and its “one-degree of separation” tunity for all. between leaders and business sectors are strengths for the econ- This includes ensuring a range of healthy, quality housing in all omy, which is predominantly characterized by a large number of areas of Rhode Island. A new State housing plan and growth cen- interconnected small companies. ters strategy, also developed through the RhodeMap RI process, Through a partnership with Commerce RI and the Rhode Island are identifying strategies to meet the housing needs of the State Foundation, RhodeMap is exploring a more collaborative econom- and for revitalizing communities. ic approach that capitalizes on the “intersection” of Rhode Island’s market strengths. The hope is to build an environment in which RhodeMap RI proposes short term and long term goals, policies businesses are better able to collaborate across sectors and grow and strategies to build an equitable and sustainable economy to (read more about Make It Happen 2.0 at: http://makeithappenri. address these opportunities and challenges, and give the state com). a common vision to strive toward into the future. Drafts of the Like the Nation, the face of Rhode Island is changing rapidly. RhodeMap RI plans and reports along with surveys to get public Communities of color are now the driving force in Rhode Island’s feedback will be available on the project website: www.RhodeMa- population growth and essential to the state’s economic success. pRI.org. We strongly encourage all participants at The Power of As the baby boomer generation ages out of the workforce, minori- Place Summit to tell us what you think and help spread the word to ty workers will be essential to filling these jobs. your friends and neighbors. No one person or business or industry Wide racial gaps in income, health, and opportunity – coupled can get the state’s economy where it needs to be – we need to tap with a shrinking middle class and uneven wage growth – means the energy, talent, and skills of all Rhode Islanders. MAY 2014 GROW SMART RHODE ISLAND www.growsmartri.com n 13 Why urban demographers are right about the trend toward downtowns and walkable suburbs and others have been tracking for some time a surging interest in walkable neighborhoods, in both reinvested downtowns and more pedestrian-friendly suburban developments. Just last Imonth I cited University of Utah Professor Arthur C. Nelson for the propositions that, contrary to what occurred in previous generations, half of all new housing demand between now and 2040 will be for attached homes, the other half for small-lot homes. The demand for large-lot suburbia, by contrast, is diminishing. In other words, there’s a reason why city living is becoming more expensive and suburbs less so: demand for what cities offer is up, and demand for automobile-dependent suburbs, relatively speaking, is down. In my new book People Habitat: 25 Ways to Think About Green- er, Healthier Cities, I put it this way in a chapter titled “But the Past Is Not the Future”: “The way households are going to be evolving over the next few decades is toward more singles, empty-nesters, and city-lov- ers, none of whom particularly want the big yards and long com- mutes they may have grown up with as kids. A significant market think we have gone far enough yet to do so, but I am hopeful that for those things will still exist, but it will be a smaller portion of we will, as those families with a preference for urban living begin overall housing demand than it used to be. This new reality means to demand it. that the communities and businesses that take account of these More to the point, though, I wonder if Mallach is asking the emerging preferences for smaller homes and lots and more walk- right questions: I don’t see the fundamental future choice as able neighborhoods will be the ones that are most successful.” between city and suburb but between more walkable, diverse The voice of a skeptic and healthy places, on the one hand, and more automobile-de- Alan Mallach, a serious scholar at the National Housing Insti- pendent, monolithic, and unhealthy ones, on the other. As I also tute (NHI) and someone I respect, isn’t buying it, however. Or write in People Habitat, whether those places are within or outside maybe he is, but only a little bit. Mallach believes that we may city limits is of most relevance to cartographers and candidates for be seeing a short-lived phenomenon of latte-sipping Millennials city office; the environment, economy and, increasingly, our social moving downtown, but no one else, and even the Millennials may fabric don’t care. What matters in the 21st century is not so much be unlikely to remain once they start raising kids. “cities” in the traditional jurisdictional sense, but metropolitan On Rooflines, the NHI’s blog, Mallach cities suburbanist Joel regions and neighborhoods. Both are changing for the better, Kotkin with approval and opines: and in a lasting way, in my humble opinion. “As I read much of what is being written about demographic As for what preference surveys say about the desires of the change and urban revival, I see a lot of urbanist wishful thinking, Millennial generation, those that I have seen support Mallach’s along the same lines as the scenarios some pundits paint of exur- assertion to the extent that some Millennials will seek single-fam- ban McMansions turning into slums and squatter colonies, as their ily homes and suburban living. But not to the same degree as former residents flee the suburbs for the cities like the residents preceding generations. According to analysis by industry advis- of Pompeii fleeing the eruption of Vesuvius. Is it possible? Yes, ers RCLCO, 31 percent of Millennials prefer a “core city.” What but the evidence is not there.” is particularly significant about this finding is that it is twice the Mallach may have a point when he sets up the easy-to-knock portion of the preceding generation when polled at the same age. straw man of McMansions becoming squatter colonies. I think Perhaps more to the point, two-thirds wish to live in walkable they will decrease in value, but squatter colonies is going a bit far. places and town centers, whether in the inner city or in suburbs. Nonetheless, I think he’s wrong to be so sharply dismissive of the A third will pay more for walkability, and half will trade space for it. evidence that weighs in favor of a lasting rebirth of central cities. By the way, it isn’t just current and future residents who are He’s also wrong not to acknowledge that, while some residents going to be choosing cities and retrofitted suburbs over the com- will indeed prefer suburbs in future decades, that does not mean ing decades. After decades of fleeing downtowns for office parks they will prefer the types of unwalkable, outer suburbs that we and exurban campuses, corporations are moving back to the city, built in the last half of the 21st century. I believe that suburbs too, such as Motorola in Chicago (3,000 jobs coming back to the are here to stay but that increasingly they, too, will take a more Loop) and the other large businesses I cited in December. Mean- walkable, somewhat less auto-dependent form. while, the major corporations in Dublin, Ohio – the wealthiest The question whether the rebirth of cities will grow to include suburb of Columbus – have banded together with city leaders families is trickier. Here’s what Mallach has to say on the subject: in a major, multi-year effort to make their sprawling communi- “The other question is whether millennials will stay in the cities ty’s business district more walkable and hospitable to the bright as they move into marriage and child-rearing—as most will—and young talent they need to recruit. the appeal of all those bars and restaurants down the block begins Peak car to pale. If, as preference surveys show, most will ultimately look It took a while to convince me of this one, but the data show for a single-family house in which to raise their children, will they that we have also hit a peak in vehicle miles traveled (VMT), on opt for a Philadelphia row house or a St. Louis Victorian, or will both a per capita and absolute basis. they move to the suburbs? VMT in the US peaked in 2005 and has been dropping ever “It will be a while before we have a clear picture, but there is since. Note again that the beginning of the decline preceded the little evidence to point to a long-term millennial commitment to recession – and the drop has been continuing steadily throughout cities as a place to remain, settle down and raise families. Joel the recovery, to the point where by late 2012 population-adjusted Kotkin not unreasonably chastises writers who, with little or no driving had decreased to 1995 levels. evidence to back them up, confidently assume that they will do so. Writing last year in The Atlantic Cities, Emily Badger summa- While the jury is still out, there is no compelling evidence of any- rized the data: thing resembling the fundamental shift in values and attitudes on “The handy thing about ‘peak car’ as a concept is that it can the part of millennials that would lead to most of them behaving nominally be proven in many ways. You’ve got Peak Driver’s that differently from earlier generations, and—to the extent that License. Peak Registered Vehicle. Peak Gas Consumption. Peak their means permit—buying suburban houses in which to raise Miles Traveled. There are peaks per person, per household, per their children, and, as often as not, commuting to work in the city demographic. Then you’ve got your absolute peaks when you add in their Priuses.” up all of our vehicles and miles together, as if we were all cruising Mallach’s cheap shot at Priuses aside, I have raised the same the highways at the same time. issue about whether we will make our reborn cities more family-friendly for those with a choice about where to live. I don’t Excerpted from Kaid Benfield’s blog at http://switchboard.nrdc.org/ 14 n www.growsmartri.com GROW SMART RHODE ISLAND MAY 2014 Mass Transit Funding For State’s Economic Vitality ecently, Froma Harrop, the ial workers, will thrive; those Providence Journal’s syn- that do not will wither. dicated newspaper colum- Transit investment is being Rnist, accurately described the recognized around the country younger generation’s growing as critical to an area’s future, use of mass transit (“Mass Tran- especially to the economy. sit Service Growing Number For example, the Minneapolis of Young and Mobile”). The Regional Chamber of Com- younger generation seeks out merce and the Saint Paul Area transit much more than their Chamber have designated the parents’ generation. As a result substantial increase in region- of this trend, mass transit is al transit as their number one becoming increasingly import- public policy goal. They state to meet the growing demand nomic vitality requires a strong ant to the economic prosperity that “business communities for transit. RIPTA’s ridership transit system. Additionally, the of metropolitan areas, including around the country have identi- increased nearly 11 percent in other benefits of transit will be Rhode Island. Why? Because fied robust transit as critical to the last three years and was served as well. With increased the baby boom echo genera- economic health and growth. just ranked as the 7th fastest public transportation, all state tions of people in their 20’s and We are behind our competi- growing ridership in the nation, residents will see the benefits 30’s (otherwise known as Gen tors. If we do not want to con- among large bus agencies. of reduced air pollution and Y or Millennials), are about to tinue to lose jobs and talents to However, with a declining state traffic congestion. Those who dominate the labor force. other regions, we must speed investment in recent years, RIP- are able to forgo the cost for Varied and accessible tran- up our investment”. Despite a TA has been forced to cut ser- car ownership will save a sig- sit options are critical to this low unemployment rate of 4.4 vice when it is most in demand. nificant amount, estimated by younger, highly mobile work- percent, they are worried about Support the $40,000,000 AAA to be an average of $9,150 force. An Urban Land Insti- their future. bond for the intermodal/bus per year. tute survey in 2013 found that The same situation exists hub at the Amtrak Station in Transit investment is a win- 63 percent of Gen Y members in Rhode Island. We need to downtown Providence. We can ner; now is the time to act or will likely move within the next invest in mass transit for our create a 21st century transpor- fall behind other areas. five years, and 55 percent future economic vitality. This tation center that allows for the prefer areas with public tran- year, the Rhode Island General expansion of buses and rail; for Daniel A. Baudouin, Execu- sit options. The metropolitan Assembly should take the fol- a seamless connection between tive Director,The Providence areas that can attract and retain lowing actions: the two; and for greater pas- Foundation; Laurie White, this generation of workers, par- Provide adequate and sus- senger amenities. President, Greater Providence ticularly creative, entrepreneur- tainable funding allowing RIPTA In conclusion, our future eco- Chamber of Commerce. The Grow Smart Rhode Island Land-Use Training Collaborative The information communities need to make smart decisions about growth he Grow Smart RI Land- whole to adopt and implement community planning structure, Use Training Collaborative land-use policies and practices the procedures for reviewing is an alliance of agencies that preserve individual com- applications and writing sound Tand organizations that share a munity character and are equi- decisions provide planning and SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT in 2001, the Grow Smart RI Land Use Training Collaborative has commitment to the principles table, environmentally sound zoning boards with the under- delivered workshops to more than 3,000 of smart growth and sustain- and economically beneficial. standing of community plan- participants. able community development. By incorporating the input of ning procedures that they need provided by the US Depart- The Collaborative’s goal is to groups representing different to fulfill their responsibilities. ment of Transportation, Feder- increase municipal and overall areas of expertise, the Col- In addition, the Collaborative al Highway Administration, and capacity in Rhode Island to deal laborative ensures that the offers a variety of workshops by the Rhode Island Interlocal with increasingly complex land- programs present a balanced, on specific smart growth strat- Risk Management Trust which use issues and shape growth to comprehensive approach to egies. underwrites member municipal- meet the community’s vision. land-use issues. The Land-Use Training Col- ities’ registration fees for .some Through the Collaborative, the Since presenting its first laborative charges limited reg- workshops. Coalition partners members maximize their collec- workshop in late 2001, the col- istration fees in order to make help keep costs down by con- tive resources to develop, pub- laborative has developed and its programs affordable. This tributing staff time to program licize and deliver workshops. presented more than thirty-six is made possible through sup- development and delivery, and The programs are designed to different workshops to over port from the Rhode Island experienced professionals in build the capacity of communi- 3,000 attendees. Three core Division of Planning- Statewide various fields volunteer their ties, regions and the state as a workshops on Rhode Island’s Planning Program with funding time as workshop presenters. PARTNERS IN THE GROW SMART RHODE ISLAND LAND-USE TRAINING COLLABORATIVE: Grow Smart Rhode Island n Aquidneck Island Planning Commission n American Planning Association - RI Chapter n Housing Network of RI n John H. Chafee Black-

stone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commissio n Local Initiatives Support Corporation RI n Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve n Partnership for Community Development n Rhode Island Association of Conservation Commissions n Rhode Island Builders Association n Rhode Island Department of Environ- mental Management n Rhode Island Department of Health n Rhode Island Department of Transportation n Rhode Island Division of Planning/Statewide Planning Program n Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission n Rhode Island Housing n Rhode Island Land Trust Council n Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns n Rhode Island Water Resources Board n URI Coastal Resources Center/URI Cooperative Extension n Ursillo, Tietz and Ritch n U.S. Green Building Council - Rhode Island Chapter n Washington County Regional Planning Council MAY 2014 GROW SMART RHODE ISLAND www.growsmartri.com n 15

Stepping up for better health care.

A YEARLONG CONVERSATION CONTINUES Providence Symposium at the Power of Place Summit

The Providence Preservation Society is happy to present the 2014 Power of Place keynote speaker in partnership with Grow Smart RI Your health care experience shouldn’t be complicated. We’re working to make it easier for you. PPS’ 2013-2014 Providence Symposium speaker series is cultivating an important dialogue on preservation, development and quality of place. From You want us there when you’re feeling good and when you need support. You open space to transportation, economic assets to partnerships, we explore want us by your side, providing access to tools and resources that will help save the key components in the making of a great city. you time and ﬁt your lifestyle.

With our strategic partners, we are bringing national experts to Providence At UnitedHealthcare, we’re with you all the way: throughout the year to talk about creating healthy and successful urban • Choose from a wide range of plans, designed for real life budgets environments. • Manage your health care needs anytime, anywhere with the UnitedHealthcare Health4MeTM app Join us next when the series continues in Fall 2014. Learn more and sign up for notifications at • Compare doctors and costs before scheduling an appointment with www.providencesymposium.com. our cost estimator tool

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©2014 United HealthCare Services, Inc. Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its afﬁliates. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their afﬁliates. Health Plan coverage 401.831.7440 www.ppsri.org provided by or through a UnitedHealthcare company. UHCRI687825-000 Thank you for promoting smart economic growth.

We’re proud to support innovative partnerships like the Coalition for Transportation Choices, programs like the Shoreline Special Area Management Plan and work on critical issues like affordable housing and agricultural viability.

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