[Summit] Fw: Newsletters from the Mayor's Office and the Department of Planning & Development

Sat Jan 16 07:45:35 UTC 2021

 Allen, LaJuan <lallen at providenceri.gov>Thu, Jan 14 at 2:51 PM 
Dear Community Leaders,

I hope this email finds you well and in good health. We would like to share with you some upcoming announcements and things to be on the lookout for here in Providence. As always, please let me know if there is anything that I can do for you or any additional information that you may need! 

COVID-19 UPDATES/RELIEF

This week, the state launched a new COVID-19 test site in the parking lot of the Roger Williams Park Zoo. Providence! For more information about this site and others throughout the City, please check out ourCOVID-19 website. Our state officials have recommended that everyone should get tested. For more information on the local response to COVID-19, resources or operational changes, residents can visit our website, call to connect to the Mayor’s Center for City Services by dialing 3-1-1, visiting www.PVD311.com or downloading the PVD311 mobile app on your smart phone for 24/7 access. 

REMINDER: Download the Passport Parking App

Parking meters in Providence will no longer be accepting credit cards in 2021. We encourage city residents currently using credit cards for parking meters to download thePassport parking application. The Passport Parking App allows you to conveniently pay for parking from anywhere by your mobile device.

Providence Only City in Rhode Island to Receive Perfect Score on LGBTQIA+ Equality Survey-Capital City Receives 100-point Score for Seventh Year in a Row

Mayor Jorge O. Elorza and The City of Providence’s LGBTQIA+ Liaison and Deputy Director of Policy Bret Jacob recently announced the City’s 2020 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) score. Providence received a score of 100. The City has earned this grade every year since 2014 and remains the only eligible city in Rhode Island to receive such high marks. Only 94 out of 506 cities nationwide achieved 100-point scores.

 To stay up to date with the latest City initiatives, follow @CityofProv on Twitter, @CityofProvidence on Facebook, and the new @Providence Human Relations Commission page on Facebook.

Announcements/Upcoming Meetings: 

STAY LOCAL. EAT WELL.

January 10–February 6, 2021

Warm up your winter with four weeks of delicious dining specials brought to you by Providence Restaurant Weeks Presents: Stay Local. Eat Well. Participating area restaurants will feature deals and specials for breakfast, lunch or dinner (or even all three). You'll also find other special offers, like signature cocktails, family-sized entrees, specialty products, and more. 

Whether you choose to dine inside, outside or take it to go, enjoy a well-deserved break from the kitchen, while showing your support for Rhode Island's amazing restaurants.  

January 28: 18th Annual Providence Dr. MLK Jr. Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 5:30 PM EST – 7 PM EST via Zoom

Join Mayor Elorza, Council President Matos, and the Providence Human Relations Commission for the 18th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony. This event celebrates Dr. King's powerful legacy by highlighting the work of three Providence civic leaders who embody Dr. King's commitment to equity, civil rights, and justice. Join us as we recognize Providence community leaders!

For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

ENDING January 29: Free Curbside Pick-up of Christmas Trees

The City of Providence announced that free, curbside pick-up of Christmas trees will take place from Monday, January 4 through Friday, January 29 on regularly scheduled trash pickup days. All trees collected by the City will be delivered to the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation and recycled into compost. 

Any Providence resident wishing to take advantage of this free service must place their tree at their curb on the day of the week that trash and recycling pick-up is normally provided in their neighborhood. Trees must be free of all contaminants, such as garland, tinsel, lights, ornaments and should not be placed in a bag.

Deadline: February 1st: Imagine Downtown PVD Survey

The City of Providence is currently facilitating a community engagement process as part of our work to reimagine the public spaces in and around Greater Kennedy Plaza.  We recently held a public meeting (attended by more than 160 people on ZOOM), and have launched a website that includes a site navigation tool and a survey that is currently open and collecting feedback. Over the past few weeks, we’ve heard from hundreds of residents and business owners—and we want to hear even more!

In recognition of the importance of engaging a broad and diverse representation of our community, we ask that you share this survey with members of your community, and particularly with the Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other Communities of Color.  

Deadline: February 12: City of Providence Extends Homestead Recertification Application Deadline

A few weeks ago, the City announced the extension of the homestead recertification application deadline. The deadline has been extended a month from Friday, January 15 to Friday, February 12, 2021, to accommodate residents who received notifications via mail later than expected. 

For the first time, residents can file a streamlined application online or apply in person in the City Assessor’s Office, Room 208 of Providence City Hall. Residents can also download a copy of the application online or request a paper application be mailed to them for completion.

Neighborhood Snapshot 

We are so excited to launch the Neighborhood Snapshot platform!

Providence is made up of twenty-five unique, diverse neighborhoods. Each one has its own assets and challenges regarding geography, transportation, economics and housing, social characteristics, health, development, and growth.  We created this platform for you to learn more about your neighborhood and give you the tools to compare your neighborhood to others.

On the platform, you can choose from any of the seven categories and be transported to an interactive interface where you can toggle between neighborhoods. To check out the new tool,visit the website here. 

Best,

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LaJuan Allen 
Deputy Director of Community Relations 
Office of Community Relations

Preferred Pronouns: he/him/his 
Providence City Hall 
25 Dorrance Street 
Providence, RI 02903 
LAllen at providenceri.gov 
(401) 680-5743 | Ext: 5743  
Call to Connect | PVD311
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   ----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Kievning, Alexis <akievning at providenceri.gov>To: Kievning, Alexis <akievning at providenceri.gov>Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 4:31:53 PM ESTSubject: PVD Newsletter 1/13/2021

Good afternoon everyone!! 😊 Here are some quick updates happening in the City of Providence.

Update from the Mayor's Office

School-Zone speed cameras to be activated at current locations on Monday, January 11, 2021

Cameras will be implemented at new locations next month

 On Monday, January 11, 2021, Providence School-Zone speed cameras will be activated at all current locations and violations will be issued immediately. On February 1, 2021, additional cameras will be implemented in new locations and warnings will be issued to violators for 30 days at those new locations, which will be announced to the public prior to their activation. 

Cameras are operational on all school days, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and vehicles that are determined to be operating 11MPH or more over the 20MPH speed limit will be automatically issued a violation. Violations are reviewed by Providence Police Officers and Conduent, an outside vendor who manages and maintains the cameras, for accuracy.  Once violations are verified they are mailed to the offender for payment. The first and each subsequent fine is $50.00. Increased signage is placed in the areas where speed limit laws are photo enforced by a speed camera.

Cameras that will be activated on Monday are located at 93 Cranston Street (Providence Career and Technical Academy), Dexter Street at Waldo Street (Alfred Lima Elementary School), 387 Branch Avenue (A-Venture Academy), 187 Douglas Avenue (Times 2 Academy), 593 Academy Avenue (LaSalle Academy), 50 Laurel Hill Avenue (Achievement First Mayoral Academy), 773 Chalkstone Avenue (Nathaniel Green Middle School), 114 Olney Street (Hope High School), 179 Thurbers Avenue (Roger Williams Middle School), 417 Charles Street (Esek Hopkins Middle School), 301 Butler Avenue (Lincoln School), 812 Douglas Avenue (Veazie Street School), 156 Reservoir Avenue (Reservoir Avenue Elementary School) and 520 Hope Street (Providence Center School).

Mayor Elorza Joins City Council and Community Partners to Announce Package of New Policies to Advance Climate Justice Goals
 Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today joined Councilwoman Helen Anthony, Councilman Pedro Espinal, and community partners to announce a suite of initiatives aimed at addressing the climate crisis and institutionalizing the Climate Justice Plan.

“The looming threat of the climate crisis needs everyone at the table to define the legacy left for future generations,” said Mayor Jorge Elorza. “I’d like to thank the leaders on the City Council and in the community, who have helped champion this legislation and new policies, which are important steps to making Providence a more equitable, healthy, and climate-resilient city.” 

The Building Energy Reporting Ordinance (BERO), which requires that large buildings in the City report their annual energy use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, will be introduced during the City Council meeting on Thursday, January 21. A separate ordinance will be introduced that will codify the goals and targets of the Climate Justice Plan in the City’s code of ordinances. This ordinance will also make important changes to the Environmental Sustainability Task Force to uplift youth voices and the environmental justice community.
 Buildings account for over 70% of Providence’s greenhouse gas emissions and BERO is critical to reducing emissions from this sector. Over thirty other cities across the U.S. such as Boston, Portland (ME and OR), Pittsburgh, Saint Louis, Kansas City, and Orlando have successfully adopted similar policies that help conserve energy. In the year 2030 alone, this policy is expected to save 535,538 MMBtus, $14,814,601, and 57,080 tons of CO2e. These savings are equivalent to powering almost 6,000 homes for a year.
“Our future depends on addressing climate change now. I have been an advocate for energy benchmarking long before I was elected to the City Council,” said Councilwoman Helen Anthony. “Cities across the country are benchmarking energy usage because it results in real cost savings and helps us measure progress toward sustainability. If Providence is to become carbon neutral by 2050, we must engage every part of our economy and use every tool we have. Real sustainability will take effort from every single one of us, and I am thrilled that our city is taking this important step today. I want to thank the team at our Office of Sustainability as well as the members of the Environment Sustainability Task Force for their hard work for a sustainable future for the City of Providence.”
“We use Portfolio Manager for all our multi-family projects, and we are building ‘net-zero ready’ for new construction,” said Peter Gill Case, Principal of Truth Box, Inc. “Benchmarking with Portfolio Manager helps us make improvements to our existing projects and make sure we are doing what we can to conserve energy. We applaud the city for taking this important step towards saving us all money, and the environment as well.”

The ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool is simple to use and is free of charge. It provides standardized and easily understood data by which building performance can be compared. The City has been using this tool to benchmark its buildings since 2010. It has also been used by building owners in the RePowerPVD Energy Challenge Program as well as by the state and other utility energy programs. There is strong evidence that the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager helps drive energy improvements. For the 35,000 buildings that used the tool to benchmark energy performance from 2008 to 2011, average energy use declined by 7%.
¶ The second ordinance will update the 2011 ordinance that created the Director of Sustainability position to also establish the Office of Sustainability. It will also overhaul the Environmental Sustainability Task Force, which, under the new policy, will be called the Sustainability Commission, by adding four new seats. These seats will include two new environmental justice seats and two new youth seats. The policy also solidifies the Office of Sustainability’s role in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan processes in helping to ensure that the City’s investments are in line with Providence’s climate and sustainability goals.
“The Environmental Sustainability Task Force commends the Mayor, Councilwoman Anthony, and Councilman Espinal for championing these ordinances,” said Sue AnderBois, Providence Resident and Chair of the Environmental Sustainability Task Force. “Codifying the Office of Sustainability and the goals of the Climate Justice Plan demonstrates that the city takes seriously two of the largest issues in our city – racial injustice and climate change. We also support the changes to the Task Force, which will make us more reflective of the City’s population.”
 ¶ On January 19th, the City Plan Commission will also review an update to the sustainability section of the Comprehensive Plan, a guiding document for development in the city. This update, if approved by the City Council, will help ensure future development is in line with the Climate Justice Plan and work to alleviate environmental justice issues by acknowledging past harms and current environmental injustices.
“After many years of hard work and wholehearted dedication, the REJC is excited to have the City Council codify the goals and targets of the Climate Justice Plan,” said Monica Huertas, member of the Racial and Environmental Justice Committee. “We hope this is one step in many to achieve racial and environmental justice for all residents of Providence.”
 ¶ Two resolutions were also passed at the January 7th City Council meeting in alignment with the Climate Justice Plan. 

   - The first requests the Office of Sustainability to collaborate with the Purchasing Department to develop an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) policy. An EPP policy will guide City staff in making purchasing choices that minimize negative impacts on human health and the environment.    

   - The second resolution calls on the City’s Office of Sustainability, the Department of Public Works, and the Environmental Sustainability Task Force to produce a residential composting plan to explore current composting practices in Providence and identify short and long-term steps to eliminate food waste from the City’s residential waste stream.

Update from the Department of Planning & Development

Neighborhood Snapshot 

We are so excited to launch the Neighborhood Snapshot platform this week!

Providence is made up of twenty-five unique, diverse neighborhoods. Each one has its own assets and challenges regarding geography, transportation, economics and housing, social characteristics, health, development, and growth.  We created this platform for you to learn more about your neighborhood and give you the tools to compare your neighborhood to others.

On the platform, you can choose from any of the seven categories and be transported to an interactive interface where you can toggle between neighborhoods.

To check out the new tool, visit Home

City Plan Commission Meeting Calendar

Planning ahead? The 2021 City Plan Commission (CPC) meeting schedule is now available.

To learn more about the CPC, visit: https://www.providenceri.gov/.../city-plan-commission-cpc/

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City Plan Commission (CPC) - City of Providence

About This citizen board is charged with developing the city’s plans for preservation, revitalization and growth...
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Re-imagine Downtown Public Spaces Survey

We’re reimagining downtown public spaces, together! Continue to engage with us by completing an online survey. The survey closessoon so be sure to share your ideas and visions before the deadline.

Take the survey here: http://bit.ly/2XdhI7n #ImagineDowntownPVD

Update from the Department of Art, Culture, + Tourism

Cultural Plan Survey

The City of Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism (ACT) invites you to join us in building the future of the creative sector.

>From now through mid-January, we ask that you (safely and virtually) get together with your family, friends, artistic collaborators, and organizations to think about arts, culture and creativity in Providence:

What makes you feel like you belong?

What works well?

What's missing?

What has been a challenge?

What change do you want to see moving forward?

They want to hear about your direct experiences with arts and culture in the city, and we also ask that you think beyond your individual experience, organization, neighborhood or discipline.

When you are finished, tell them about your conversation using this google form.

This link will be open through January 15, 2021.

Your answers will help the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism write the 2021 Creative Providence Cultural Plan.

https://artculturetourism.com/creative-providence-2020/

All comments will remain anonymous, but any names you provide will be listed in the plan to recognize your participation.They have EXTENDED the deadline for the close the focus group link on January 31, 2021.

Have any questions? Contact Gina Rodriguez-Drix, Cultural Affairs Manager at grodriguez at providenceri.gov.

Ioby Job Opening for Community Leaders

Special Projects Operations Manager
ioby seeks a Special Projects Operations Manager to join our team. Qualified candidates will have experience operationalizing equity and inclusion through the management of organizational facilities, personnel, policies, procedures and administration. This position will report to the CFO and is location agnostic. This is a full-time, salaried position in the $53,000–$74,000 range for candidates in New York City, San Francisco and other equivalent geographies. For candidates in other areas, the salary is adjusted for cost of living. We are actively seeking candidates to work in some of ioby’s priority places: Memphis, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2021.

Learn more and apply to become ioby's next Special Projects Operations Manager.

Events in PVD 

PVD Winter Restaurant Weeks 2021 - STAY LOCAL. EAT WELL.

January 10–February 6, 2021

Warm up your winter with four weeks of delicious dining specials brought to you by Providence Restaurant Weeks Presents: Stay Local. Eat Well. Participating area restaurants will feature deals and specials for breakfast, lunch or dinner (or even all three). You'll also find other special offers, like signature cocktails, family-sized entrees, specialty products, and more.  

Whether you choose to dine inside, outside or take it to go, enjoy a well-deserved break from the kitchen, while showing your support for Rhode Island's amazing restaurants.  

Join the conversation: Tweet #PRW or Tweet #PVDEats

WRWC Community Clean Up

On Sunday 1/17, 10am-2pm, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council is hosting a community clean up as part of the National Day of Service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Meet at the Bath Street Bridge (Bath St. & Promenade Ave.) in Providence to clear litter and beautify our Greenway. Everyone participating will be working to clean up Kinsley and Promenade Avenues between Eagle Square and the Providence Place Mall. Registration, masks, social distancing required. Come out to make a real difference for your community. Register here: https://www.mobilize.us/nationaldayofservice/event/368965/

18th Annual Providence Dr. MLK Jr. Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 5:30 PM EST – 7 PM EST via Zoom

Join Mayor Elorza, Council President Matos, and the Providence Human Relations Commission for the 18th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony. This event celebrates Dr. King's powerful legacy by highlighting the work of three Providence civic leaders who embody Dr. King's commitment to equity, civil rights, and justice. Join us as we recognize Providence community leaders!

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/210985060628983

Are you looking for something to do this weekend?

Check out the www.ArtsNowRI.com calendar for a bunch of events happening in the Providence area or virtually!

For any city hosted, sponsored, or partnered events, visit this website for more info: https://www.providenceri.gov/event/

Check out Go Providence's calendar of events as well: https://www.goprovidence.com/events/

Have a great rest of your week!

Best,

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Alexis E Kievning
Neighborhood Liaison and Digital

Communications Specialist

Preferred Pronoun: she/her/hers

Department of Planning and Development
Joseph A. Doorley Municipal Building
444 Westminster Street 
Providence, RI 02903
Akievning at providenceri.gov
(401) 680-8400 | Ext: 5408
Call to Connect | PVD311

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Providence's Climate Justice Plan - Cit...
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Building Energy Reporting - City of Pro...
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Providence Capital Improvement Plan - C...
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PVD 311 - City of Providence
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Providence Restaurant Weeks
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