Inclusive Economic Development
Providence is an amazing city with an incredible restaurant scene, world-class universities and a thriving creative economy that makes for a unique community for residents and visitors alike. With so much potential and a strategic location between Boston and New York, Providence is poised to boom in the years to come.
For too long, we have relied too heavily on the State for business attraction and workforce development.
Brett believes that by building a comprehensive economic development plan, created for the Providence community and by the Providence community, we can build upon our strengths and grow our city’s revenue and resources.
This plan should aim to draw Providence closer to the economies of Boston and New York, while looking for opportunities for regional collaboration. This plan should also seek to gain recognition for Providence as the vibrant cultural destination that we truly are.
We know that COVID-19 has worsened the existing employment and staffing. We need to prepare for what a post-pandemic world will look like and how we can rebuild Providence’s economy in an equitable way that supports every single person and ensures no one gets left behind. That means investing in main street businesses and ensuring every neighborhood benefits from the influx of federal dollars. It is critical that businesses continue to receive support that allow for adaptable and responsive business models in the economy of the future.
In order to best support our residents, we must adapt our economy for the jobs of the future and train people to thrive in those jobs. As the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Brett was at the table when the state’s nationally-recognized job training program Real Jobs RI was created and expanded. Providence can build off that success and partner with the private sector for more “earn and learn” opportunities and experience-based workforce training that can lead to increased employment for many Providence neighbors who are unemployed or underemployed.