PROVIDENCE – “We cannot and will not wait around for the economy to get better,” said Mayor David N. Cicilline as he launched Operation Opportunity during his annual State of the City Address at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The 18-month economic action plan places an “unprecedented focus” on the economy through strategically aligned, measurable goals and expands opportunity for Providence residents.
“While we address the immediate budget crisis, we must also plan for the future,” said Mayor Cicilline. “We have to mobilize in this economic crisis like never before so that Providence can move forward as our nation recovers from this recession.
“If we work hard, work smart and stay focused, we will have not only survived this recession, we will have turned it into one of our greatest opportunities.”
Mayor Cicilline acknowledged the fear and uncertainty families are experiencing during these challenging economic times of high unemployment and record foreclosures, “I know there is a place in the heart of every person in this city that is anxious. I hear and see it every day.
“We are going to do everything we can – within the scope of city government – to enhance and leverage the federal economic recovery plan and to expand opportunity for the residents of Providence,” said the Mayor.
Operation Opportunity Action Plan
Operation Opportunity is an 18-month action plan focused on creating the climate for
people to access good jobs as Providence repositions itself for the 21st-century economy.
For the first time ever, the public will be able to hold City officials accountable online by tracking each of the 30 goals on the City’s website at www.providenceri.com/opportunity. Each time a goal is achieved, the item will be checked off the list for all to see.
The Operation Opportunity goals will be accomplished by August 17, 2010 and are as follows:
Stimulating Entrepreneurship
1. Cut the average time of plan review for building permits in half
2. Facilitate development of new biotech incubator with state-of-the-art wet labs in Jewelry District
3. Launch economic development dashboard website
4. Establish expediter as new resource for small businesses
5. Establish business-to-business mentorship program targeted to small, neighborhood businesses
6. Make $5 million in loans available by recapitalizing Providence Economic Development Partnership fund
Greening the Economy
7. Create Providence Green Jobs Training Corps
8. Finalize site plans for wind turbines
9. Double citywide recycling rate
10. Implement executive order so that all new municipal buildings are LEED or CHPS (schools) certified
Preparing the Next Generation
11. Give every parent an online data dashboard to monitor their child’s daily progress
12. Implement 21st-century science & math curriculum and tools
13. Establish middle school summer program for academic and experiential learning
14. Begin Phase I of new after-school program for high school students inspired by PASA
Rebuilding Economic Foundations
15. Invest a minimum of $10 million to improve roads in Providence
16. Make significant new investment in Port infrastructure for additional job growth
17. Open Career & Technical Academy to provide best job training facilities in the state
18. Renovate or rebuild our fourth school as part of the Building a Legacy program
Ensuring Security for Success
19. Make Providence Police Department the nation’s first Center of Excellence in Police Training
20. Create firefighter prep after-school program with Providence Schools for juniors & seniors
21. Implement family home fire safety program for K-2
22. Secure national accreditation for PEMA to ensure capabilities are up to highest standard
Building Pathways to Opportunity
23. Launch Bank on Providence – affordable financial services and financial literacy for low-wage workers
24. Support Building Futures to move 30 Providence residents annually into union apprenticeships in the building trades
25. Support Stepping Up to move 50 Providence residents annually into health care jobs
26. Leverage federal funds to create 500 summer youth employment opportunities
Focusing on the Customer
27. Implement performance-based budgeting
28. Double the number of online services, including renewal of business-related licenses
29. Streamline license reissue process with all related city departments
30. End waste from separate leases/locations, secure office space with ample parking to co-locate departments
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