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Governor Chafee Announces Step in the Development of an Integrated Plan to Mobilize State and Community Assets

Division of Planning Issues RFP to Develop Integrated Plans for Economic Development, Housing, and Growth

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today announced an important step forward in efforts to build a sustainable and prosperous future for Rhode Island. Over the next two years, the state will develop detailed strategies to mobilize state and community assets in a coordinated way through the creation of a statewide plan for sustainable development that integrates economic development, land use, housing, and transportation.

The Rhode Island Division of Planning issued the request for proposal (RFP) as part of a $2.3 million initiative funded in large part by a grant from the Federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities. The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, the Rhode Island Departments of Environmental Management and Transportation, and fifteen other state, municipal, and non-profit partners join the Division of Planning in leading this effort to develop comprehensive action steps for the state.

"The surest way for Rhode Island to achieve a prosperous future is through capitalizing on our considerable existing assets," Governor Chafee said. "Through a proactive, strategic, and thorough planning process, we have an opportunity to identify a pathway to a better Rhode Island with improved quality of life for the people of our state."

1. Economic Development: Create a unified economic development strategy for the state that integrates business growth with land use and transportation choices.

2. Housing: Create a single state housing plan that consolidates existing plans and encompasses all housing needs, particularly those of working families.

3. Growth Centers: Promote growth where the state's infrastructure can best support it by mapping natural, cultural, and economic assets to guide the best use of limited resources.

4. Social Equity and Public Participation: Ensure that the outcomes of the plans are equitable for all Rhode Islanders by engaging a broad range of the state's population in their development.

5. Technical Assistance and Capacity Building: Build the skills, abilities, and resources of state agencies, municipalities, and community partners to speed implementation of the plans' recommendations.

6. Implementation: Develop detailed implementation plans, including performance measures and indicators, to ensure that the goals and strategies of the project are realized.

The work will incorporate the economic data analysis on the state's regional performance and strengths and weaknesses announced by the Governor on November 9, 2012. The state will use the data and information compiled to develop short- and long-term economic development strategies for the state that are tied to those for housing and growth.

"The economic data analysis will feed directly into our efforts to develop a comprehensive, long-term strategy that integrates economic development, land use, housing, environmental issues, and transportation," said Kevin Flynn, Director of the Division of Planning. "We have an opportunity to take a new approach that unites the efforts of multiple state agencies and community partners in order to create a stronger more equitable Rhode Island."

The RFP is available from the Rhode Island Division of Purchases; the deadline for submittals is January 3, 2013 at 2:00 p.m., and a pre-bid meeting will be held on December 12, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Department of Administration. The state expects to select a consultant team and begin work on the project in spring 2013 with completion expected in 2014. For more information on the RFP, contact Melanie Army, Principal Planner, Division of Planning (401-222-6183 or email).

The Federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities is a collaboration of HUD, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program supports metropolitan and multi-jurisdictional planning efforts that integrate housing, land use, economic and workforce development, transportation, and infrastructure investments.

To download the RFP: https://www.purchasing.ri.gov/RIVIP/StateAgencyBids/7458306.pdf

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