GrowSmartRI

We share Preserve Rhode Island's disappointment and frustration with the loss of our state's Historic Tax Credit Program — and we share the resolve to continue our advocacy and education about why tax credits matter: they stimulate local economies, encourage more sustainable building practices, and revitalize brownfield sites across the state.

For years, Preserve RI has partnered with GrowSmartRI to advocate for the state’s Historic Tax Credit (HTC) program. This program has a proven track record – it has generated over $2.18 billion in total investment into the state and has generated approximately 20% of all new housing from 2013 through 2023. After unsuccessful efforts to include funding for the program in the Governor’s budget, we worked with key allies in both the House and Senate to introduce two pieces of legislation (H8408 and S3151) in both houses that would address issues with the program, including an extension of the sunset (“sunset” refers to the expiration of a particular law/program). Despite the Senate passing S3151 with a minor Sub A revision, the House did not take action prior to the close of the legislative session. This is likely due to the last-minute change in House Leadership. Without any action by the House, the HTC program will be sunsetting at the end of June.

Preserve RI and Grow Smart RI are currently working with the Division of Taxation to better understand the implications of the program sunsetting. We will provide updates on this critical matter as they arise.

A special thank you to Senators DiPalama and Bissaillon, and Representative Speakman (and all other bill sponsors) for spearheading our legislative efforts. Also, thank you to Senate President Lawson and Majority Leader Ciccone for prioritizing passage in the Senate.

We're capping off our June 26 Power of Place Summit with a R.I. Gubernatorial Candidates Forum.

Award-winning investigative journalist Jim Hummel will moderate Q&A sessions with the audience and three major candidates* (pictured from left) Aaron Guckian (R), Helena Foulkes (D), and Ken Block (I), with a focus on issues of smart growth: housing, transportation, economic development, and environment.

*Governor Dan McKee was invited to participate but indicated, through his campaign manager, that he can't attend.

There's still time to register for the Summit:
https://growsmartri.org/power-of-place-summit-2026/

Two Power of Place Summit breakout sessions will focus on transportation issues:

🚍 “Small State, Big Headaches: Getting Rhode Island’s Transportation System Right” presents a mobility policy blueprint focused on transparency in decision-making, affordability and accessibility, and long-term economic resilience.

Panelists: Dylan Giles and Nicole O'Loughlin, Providence Streets Coalition; and John Flaherty, Green Street Associates.

🚶🚴 “Moving From Policy to Projects: A First Look at Rhode Island’s Complete Streets Toolkit” looks at a new resource to help municipalities and stakeholders move transportation projects from vision to implementation.

Panelists: Bonnie Nickerson and Rosie Jaswal, Toole Design Group; and Meredith Brady, Rhode Island Department of Administration.

Register now for the June 26 Power of Place Summit! Early bird pricing ends Friday, June 12.
https://growsmartri.org/power-of-place-summit-2026/

Rhode Island’s housing crisis requires solutions from multiple angles. Two breakout sessions at our June 26 Power of Place Summit will offer new perspectives:

🏘 In “Back to the Future: How Upzoning Can Help Restore Rhode Island Community Character,” panelists will look at how building codes can be written so that new buildings complement older ones and contribute to, rather than detract from, the distinctive community fabric that we love about so many of our favorite R.I. places.

Panelists: Annette Bourne and James Hardy, HousingWorks RI; Dylan Conley, RI Land Use Law; and Jeanne Boyle, Jeanne Boyle Consulting, LLC.

🏘 In “Designing Communities for Housing Options,” panelists will look at how to create more housing options — ADUs, townhomes, mixed-use, and more — and the role that intentional design plays in creating housing that supports residents across incomes and lifespan.

Panelists: Kristina Brown, Neighbors Welcome RI; Peter Friedrichs, RI Land Use Law; Joel VanderWeele, Union Studio Architecture & Community Design; Charlie Thomas-Davison, Women's Development Corporation; David Sisson, David Sisson Architecture and Blue ADU.

Register now for the Power of Place Summit — early bird pricing ends Friday, June 12:
https://growsmartri.org/power-of-place-summit-2026/