Key Programs and Services
The Department offers a wide range of programs and services to residents, businesses, and non-profit organizations to achieve our goals of creating strong and vibrant neighborhoods, supporting job creation and stimulating the economy.
The Department is divided into the following divisions:
PLANNING DIVISION
Planning creates, maintains, and implements the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and all neighborhood, redevelopment and special area plans, and oversees environmental planning, historic preservation planning, and transportation planning and transit initiatives. Planning writes, maintains and updates the Zoning Ordinance and all other land-use regulations. It also advises the Zoning Board of Review, the I-195 Redevelopment Commission, the City Council and other city departments in matters pertaining to land development and economic growth.
Planning also oversees development review and administration for the:
- Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission
- Capital Center Commission
- City Plan Commission
- Downtown Design Review Committee
- Historic District Commission
The Department represents the City at the State level through staff appointments to the:
- State Planning Council
- State Technical Committee
- State Transportation Advisory Committee
- I-195 Redevelopment Commission
The Department also staffs the following Boards & Commissions:
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
The Housing & Community Development Division is responsible for disbursing and monitoring the expenditure of federal community development funding, primarily Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds. The division develops the 5-year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan for addressing housing needs within the City and coordinating funding efforts. The division also oversees the administration of the HUD Emergency Solutions Grant, Housing for Persons with Aids, and Lead Hazard Control and Reduction programs. Division staff works closely with other city departments and the City Council to manage federally funded projects citywide.
Click here for more information about Housing & Community Development Programs.
REAL ESTATE DIVISION
The Real Estate Division oversees and facilitates efforts to redevelop property in the city, as well as efforts to coordinate city services to expedite the permitting process.
FISCAL DIVISION
The Fiscal Division manages all of the funding that flows through the department. Fiscal staff work closely with other divisions and city departments to ensure that funds are properly spent and recorded in accordance with best accounting practices. The Fiscal Division provides staffing support to the Providence Business Loan Fund, the Providence Redevelopment Agency, and the Providence Public Building Authority.
