When people come back to downtown Providence, they need to find it safe, active and inviting. Here are some ways business and nonprofit leaders can help make the vision a reality through their own staffs and operations.

Downtown Providence has been severely impacted by COVID-19, as tourism and conventions came to an abrupt stop, offices emptied out, and performance venues closed to protect public health. As we plan for the recovery of downtown Providence and the future of our city, The Providence Foundation conducted an online survey of employers.

A total of 37 respondents completed the survey between April 7 and April 23, 2021.

In a special election taking place this March 2nd, Rhode Islander’s have an opportunity to invest in important projects that could foster the growth of its taxbase and mitigate the State’s climate change vulnerabilities.

At top-of-mind for The Providence Foundation is Phase 2 of Dredging the Providence River, inlcuded in the Enviornmental Bond on Question 2.

As a part of Rhode Island Commerce Corporation’s Take It Outside initiative, The Providence Foundation is making available a limited supply of push carts to help food and beverage businesses take their services outside.

“We’re in an environment around this issue like no other time. On some level, it impacts all of us. For some, more strongly than others. Whether it’s social, business operations, or employee culture. This thing is moving so rapidly the reality is corporations need help. And we’re here to help them.”

Memorial day was earlier this week, which ordinarily sees Rhode Islanders blossoming like beach roses. It is the time of year we say goodbye to the “spring of deception” “third winter” and “mud season.” It is now true spring, with one toe in the tidepools of summer. In the time of COVID-19, we may be able to confidently welcome warmer weather, but the uncertainties surrounding outdoor socializing are not entirely cleared.

10 years ago, no one would have ever called the downtown ‘their neighborhood.’ Now many residential developments have waiting lists to get in, and the community has its own Downtown Neighborhood Association. It makes sense then that there is a renewed wave of effort to nail down a process to Save Superman.

From Patrick Anderson at The Providence Journal

The Providence Foundation is questioning a proposal to name the new park along the Providence River after Twin River casino. Cliff Wood says, “. . . such a long-term agreement would limit the state’s ability to reap the benefits of a successfully run public space.”

Significant sections of the rivers from Waterplace Park to Point Street Bridge were impassable to boat traffic 50% of the time. Mud and debris were exposed at low tide. The Providence Foundation takes a deep dive on the last days of dredging and it’s positive impacts.

The Providence Foundation hosted Businesses Respond to Climate Change, a panel discussion on the impact of climate change on the business community in Rhode Island.