Our Work
When we knock on a neighbor’s door, the first question we ask is, “Do you have asthma? And the second is, “When you walk outside, do you smell something?”
Our work is guided by The Spectrum of Community Engagement a widely-used tool developed by Rosa González and honed by movement leaders across the country including PPA’s Executive Director Monica Huertas. Because community voices are almost always placated or tokenized, PPA is persistently fighting for community ownership. > Learn More
Our work is also guided by:
Current Advocacy Projects
Through outreach, direct action, media coverage, training and events, the PPA has built a strong base of community members who are advocating for environmental justice in the Port. We have played a key role in building broad-based justice coalitions across New England, and have strong partnerships with more than 20 grassroots organizations in Rhode Island.
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Education
Toxic Tours
We offer tours of the port area to share our history and the direct experiences of community members.
> Learn moreWaterSpeak
We’re done waiting for the data. WaterSpeak is a community-powered environmental monitoring program in partnership with scientists at Brown University. WaterSpeak trains neighbors to monitor water, soil, and air — and use data to push for accountability.
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Future of the Port
ProvPort Master Plan
After pressure from the PPA and other community groups, a public master planning process is required as part of ProvPort’s lease. PPA has been leading strong community engagement and recommendations.
> Learn moreShoreline Resilience
Community members have worked for several years with city and federal partners to create a sustainable vision for the shoreline near the port. The visioning process ended with a summary report in June 2026
> Learn moreZoning
We are closely monitoring efforts to align Providence’s zoning policy with the Climate Justice goals the city has adopted. More from the Office of Sustainability here. -
Public Access
Public Street
Public Street is the only public waterfront access for neighbors, and we have fought for years to gain access.The Public Street Right of Way, or CROWS Landing may look like a short dead end street at the water. But for residents of Washington Park and South Providence, this place represents something much larger.
> Learn moreCommunity Benefit Fund
City ordinance requires ProvPort to fund a Community Benefit Fund equalling 1% of annual revenue or a at least $120,000 each year. Those funds are to support communities near the port, but so far, neighbors have no voice in how those funds are spent. -
Basic Safety
Emergency Notification
We are fighting for a clear and transparent system to alert the community about emergencies at the port.We encourage the community to all the tools available to report every time they smell toxic air from the Port! These complaints help us press for change.
> Learn moreAlso
11/7/24: Letter to RI DEM, Concerns Regarding RIRM10/2/23: Response To Public Involvement Plan (PIP) for 1144 Eddy St
