Major Achievements

Helped spearhead the award winning river relocation project creating a new waterfront for downtown.

Established the Coalition to Save the Hurricane Barrier, which has worked closely with the City on the successful improvement program which protects central Providence from flooding.

Conceived the “Hurricane Barrier Alignment” for the relocation of I-195.  Sponsored studies with the City and the State on the Old Harbor Plan.  The State constructed the Hurricane Barrier Alignment, which allowed for the creation of a new waterfront district in the southern section of downtown.  Co-sponsored, with the Jewelry District Association, a study on reuse of the I-195 land and the Jewelry District.

Helped create the Capital Center Project including the relocation of the railroad tracks.  Identified funding and worked on plan with City and State.  This project laid the groundwork for developments such as the Rhode Island Convention Center and Providence Place.  To date, about $1.1 billion in private investment has occurred.

Sponsored studies and actions on the Creative Economy and the Knowledge Based Economy, with the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce.

Led a successful campaign to get $35 million for transit bonds.

Successfully campaigned to fund and dredge the Providence River.

Applied for and distributed funds to small businesses for Take it Outside initiative during the COVID Pandemic.

Public space advocacy for 195 Commission.

Early champions and advocates of a pedestrian bridge and park across the Providence River, now known as the Michael Van Leesten Pedestrian Bridge.

Created the Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy, which was responsible for achievements such as improvements to Kennedy Plaza and Burnside Park, the creation of the playground Brandon’s Beach, and the development of Biltmore Park.

Secured a $395,000 grant from the Champlin Foundations to create a new public walkway to connect Burnside Park and Kennedy Plaza.

The Providence Foundation led the effort to form the Downtown Improvement District (DID) which operates “clean and safe” programs for downtown.  The DID is a special assessment district which the Foundation co-manages.

Activated downtown public spaces with free programming in Burnside Park, Kennedy Plaza, and Biltmore Park.

With the City, helped save the old Loew’s State Theater and create the Providence Performing Arts Center.

Initiated, along with the Rhode Island Hospitality Association, a series of meetings and discussions that resulted in new State legislation to create a regional, comprehensive agency to develop and market tourism and conventions in Providence-Warwick.

Sponsored “Downcity” charrette with City of Providence, focusing attention on the need to restore the older historic core.  The Providence Foundation has worked continuously on implementation.  Since the Downcity Plan was formulated, 44 real estate projects have been completed or are underway, representing over $225,000,000 in investment.

The Providence Foundation was a leader in several urban revitalization initiatives including helping to establish Grow Smart Rhode Island, reform of the State Building and Fire Code for rehabilitation of buildings and creation of a 30% State historic building rehabilitation tax credit. Working closely with the City of Providence, other initiatives include State enabling legislation for Business Improvement Districts and the Downcity Tax Incentive District.