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Our Vision

We envision Providence as an equitably prosperous capital city renowned worldwide for its welcoming and inclusive spirit and its vibrant cultural life. Economically, environmentally, and socially resilient, Providence preserves the best of its heritage as it adapts to build a sustainable future.

This is how we imagine our future. 

Forward looking.

Cities are not static. We honor the character and assets of this historic place,  and we challenge ourselves to embrace change, actively creating the future and engaging  upcoming generations. The legacy of The Providence Foundation over 47 years is to make big  ideas happen.  

Investment.

Robust investment and a growing tax base is critical to the prosperity of all who  work and live here. We work to increase Providence’s competitiveness so the city can attract  and retain public and private investment. We value investors who have a long term  commitment to our shared future.  

Co-creating.

A vibrant downtown requires a dynamic and interrelated mix of investments, including commerce, residential and civic life, public spaces, built and natural environment, and arts and culture. Realizing our vision requires inclusion, partnership, collaboration, and  engagement. Recognizing stakeholders bring many interests and ideas to the table, through  true collaboration we can advance the city. 

Equity and Inclusion.

We challenge ourselves to center equity and inclusion in the work we do  and in the way we do it. We know that Providence’s diversity is one of its most important  assets. As we work for Providence’s prosperity, we will assess how our thoughts and action  benefit all residents, visitors, and other stakeholders.  

Interdependence.

While we focus our efforts downtown, we value the diversity and vitality of  Providence's neighborhoods. A vibrant downtown and the prosperity of neighborhoods are  interdependent. The prosperity of Rhode Island is linked to a prosperous Providence. 

The Providence Foundation is a critical partner in ensuring the City can offer its businesses and residents a high quality of life and that Providence becomes the world-class city we all know it can be.
— Providence Mayor Brett Smiley
When people speak about The Providence Foundation, they speak very highly. You are very well thought of on Smith Hill. That is a testament to your leadership in the past ten years I’ve been a representative. There is a reservoir of goodwill for your organization.
— House Speaker Shekarchi