Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Existing Conditions | Page 51
4 Economic Development
Tourism and Hospitality
Newport is, and always should be, one of the premier destinations for leisure and recreation in the U.S. While
diversification of the economic base is important, Newport must finds ways to continue to support its tourism sector,
addressing where possible, the negative impacts on mobility, public services, and neighborhoods. Accordingly, every
year Newport dedicates hundreds of volunteer hours and thousands of dollars in support of iconic events, marketing,
public safety, and other activities directly benefiting this business sector.
Workforce Development
Newport has become a regional leader in supporting efforts to link academic institutions with local employers,
particularly in regards to meeting the need for “STEAM” skills – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and
Mathematics. The MET School, the Newport branch of the CCRI, and the city’s public schools are all involved in some
way in these efforts. Other initiatives, such as the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA) are
collaborations tied to key sectors. With the help of the Commerce RI and the State Department of Labor and
Training (DLT), SENEDIA brings employers together with workforce development organizations and educational
institutions to improve the competitiveness of the defense industry by jointly addressing workforce skill development
needs.
Housing
City leadership understands that housing development and redevelopment are both economic engines themselves,
but that also, more broadly, a sufficient, safe and affordable supply of housing to meet the needs of local employees
is essential to economic success. The city is investing resources in improving the quality of its housing stock and in
trying to maintain affordable housing. Currently, Newport provides over 70 percent more affordable units over the
state requirement. However, additional efforts may be necessary to address the city’s declining population, seasonal
tourism impacts and growing elderly cohort.
Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
Perhaps the greatest challenge the city has faced are the threats to its economy posed by sea level rise and its
associated impacts. Newport has been and will be a leader in supporting comprehensive and collaborative efforts on
many fronts to identify, design, and implement the actions necessary to successfully meet these challenges.
Streetscape Projects
Newport understands that streets are not just corridors for vehicles, but that they are important and valuable public
spaces to leverage and create value. In recent years Newport has invested in streetscape improvements that will
provide safe, beautiful, functional and pleasing environments for residents and visitors. Thames & Spring Streets,
America’s Cup Avenue, Memorial Boulevard, and Broadway will serve as design models for any future streetscape
projects. The Newport streetscape is a backdrop for its historic and cultural assets, maintenance positively affects the
livelihood of the community.
Capital Facility Projects
The City Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a detailed aggregation of phased utility and other public facility
improvements, ideally tied to a holistic and comprehensive strategy based on the City Plan. In terms of economic
development, the City tries to use the CIP to address multiple needs and multiple areas of the city. Funds are never
sufficient for all necessary projects, and first priority typically goes to those which address life safety or serious
compliance issues. Many of these have direct implications on economic development. For inst ance, improvements
to the city’s potable water supply storage, treatment and distribution system have direct bearing on the ability to
support seasonal peaks in tourism.
Draft Existing Conditions (March 2016)
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