In October 2019, the City of Providence Department of Planning and Development began work on Providence’s first Comprehensive Housing Strategy in coordination with RKG Associates. The goal of the project is to develop an actionable ten-year housing plan with clear strategies and housing production goals to ensure Providence offers housing that is affordable, safe, and sustainable to residents of all income, age, and ability levels to improve quality of life and stability in Providence neighborhoods.
Throughout Fall 2019 and Spring 2020, City staff and RKG Associates will conduct stakeholder engagement, housing needs assessments, gap analyses, and identify barriers to producing housing in Providence. The Comprehensive Housing Strategy will identify new and existing tools the City can use to encourage housing development that meets the needs of all Providence residents. The Strategy, which is anticipated to be released in June 2020, will establish a clear plan to create and preserve dedicated affordable housing units, promote affordability by increasing the overall housing supply by lowering barriers and costs, assist renters and homeowners to maintain housing stability, help renters and homebuyers afford and sustain the cost of housing, and reduce displacement of existing residents at all income levels. The Strategy will also build upon and unify affordable housing conversations and initiatives recently completed by partner organizations and other local groups, fill in any gaps that might exist, recommend updates to the City’s regulatory and permitting processes, and establish specific housing production targets for Providence.