“It feels really satisfying to have a resident-led visioning process come to life, and to be able to see it on a map, that could turn into a future. It’s also really frustrating to know that this city currently lacks the political will and leadership to actually make it happen.”
Shoreline Resilience
Starting in 2023, the People’s Port Authority has been working in partnership with the City of Providence, the Providence Resilience Partnership, Groundwork RI, Save the Bay, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to co-create a vision for the Providence shoreline between the hurricane barrier and ProvPort.
Neighbors from South Providence and Washington Park have come together to learn about the history and current reality of the industrial area in the Port of Providence, and explore a future where public health and public access to the water are prioritized.
The group worked with consultants to create a site map and plan that includes opportunities for public access and nature-based solutions in the Port to improve the quality of life for community members and creatures, and build resilience for the impacts of climate change (extreme heat, flooding, etc.).
The NOAA funding for this effort is ending, PPA and partner organizations are looking for resources and opportunities to turn this vision into reality.
Materials from the culminating event in June 2026
> See the event slides: Catalyzing Resident Engagement in Port of Providence: Habitat Restoration and Climate Resilience Concept Design, June 2026
> See the NOAA event storyboards, June 2026
> Providence Preservation Society: The people may be gaining ground in the Port of Providence, July 2026