Roadmap for a Stronger Newport Economy

The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce and Connect Greater Newport are excited to announce adoption of the first 10-year regional economic devel­opment strategy for Greater Newport that will serve as a roadmap to build a strong, competitive, and more resilient economy.

Connect Greater Newport, the Chamber’s economic devel­opment division and a public-private partnership made up of regional stakeholders, developed the plan in consultation with representatives from municipal government leadership, private companies, regional institutions, and industry associations representing hospitality and tourism, defense, marine trades and manufacturing.

“We are extremely proud to share this economic development strategy. It was developed in a collaborative manner with a wide range of partners and comes at a pivotal time for our Greater Newport Region. As we recover from the pandemic, this plan can help guide our decisions and investments that will help our region to thrive,” said Joe Pratt, chair of Greater Newport Chamber.

The timing of the completion of this strategic plan could not be better. As leaders at all levels of government begin to assess the impact of the pandemic on our economy and strategies for recovery, we hope that they will turn to this strategic plan as a resource to help address the vulnerabilities of our communities, identify investment opportunities, and advance projects that will help us to have a more robust, diversified ecosystem that meets the demands of the modern-day workforce.

The plan outlines the region’s attributes and vulnerabilities while offering solutions and strategies to support economic recovery and resilience in the years to come. Four strategic areas of focus were identified for the region:

•Enhancing small business support services and capacity

•Investing in talent and skilled labor force attraction and retention

•Improving important infrastructure systems, including workforce housing, transportation and broadband connectivity

•Advancing projects of regional significance and potential for economic growth, such as the Tiverton Industrial Park, New­port’s Innovation District, and decommissioned Navy proper­ties.

The plan is intended to be a living document which will evolve as we emerge from pandemic-related economic issues and take actions to invest in our community’s future. The plan will be updated regularly to incorporate data points, project status up­dates, public policy implications, and other milestones.

We would like to thank all the stakeholders who actively con­tributed their time and insights to the development of this plan in this first ever regional economic development effort.

A copy of the report can be downloaded at 2021 Greater New­port Regional Plan.

— Erin Donovan-Boyle, Executive Director and

Joe Pratt, Chair, Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce