Grow Smart RI

Grow Smart Rhode Island is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that advocates sustainable economic growth that builds upon and strengthens Rhode Island’s exceptional quality of place. We work to achieve: Revitalized, walkable urban and town centers Housing options and affordability Expanded transportation choices A vital agricultural sector Responsible stewardship of natural resources Grow Smart Rhode Island grew out of a spring 1997 conference that attracted 600 concerned citizens and representatives from organizations and agencies working on the issue of sustainable economic growth, urban revitalization and quality of place in Rhode Island. Discussions prompted by the conference identified the need for a flexible but focused organization to link these groups and educate citizens, business leaders and elected officials about the impacts of urban disinvestment and the loss of open space in our more rural areas and about state and local policies and strategies to combat these trends. In the 14 years since our founding, Grow Smart has developed a broad and powerful coalition that includes business and religious leaders, university presidents, builders, realtors, farmers, historic preservationists, environmentalists, affordable housing experts, municipal planners and others. Our coalition’s accomplishments have been recognized with awards from The Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission, the Environmental Business Council of New England, Preserve Rhode Island, Rhode Island Housing EPA’s Region 1 Office, and the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Planning Association.