PROVIDENCE – Surrounded by state-of-the-art solar panels at the construction site of the Providence Career and Technical Academy, Mayor David N. Cicilline checked off his first Operation Opportunity goal in his ongoing effort to strengthen Providence’s economy.  The Mayor signed an executive order requiring that all new municipal buildings are LEED or CHPS certified, nationally accepted benchmarks for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. 

“As we rebuild our economy for the 21st-century, there will be a serious emphasis on renewable energy and sustainable design,” said Mayor Cicilline.  “This is about ensuring that we make smart decisions about school construction and municipal office space while creating green-sector jobs for our residents.”

Mayor Cicilline launched Operation Opportunity in February during his State of the City Address to create the climate for residents to access good jobs as Providence repositions itself for the 21-century economy.  The economic action plan holds the City accountable for 30 measurable goals that can be achieved in 18 months, including the executive order mandating that all new City buildings meet strict environmental and sustainability guidelines.

Providence Career & Technical Academy model in green design

The Mayor made the announcement on the roof of the Providence Career and Technical Academy, a model in green design that features state-of-the-art solar panels, solar-thermal hot-water system, high efficiency boilers and chillers, high efficiency lighting fixtures that make extensive use of daylight and extensive energy recovery ventilation units.  The school will also contain an advanced, interactive, web-based “Education for Sustainability” system that will enable instructors to use the sustainable design features of the facility as part of the Academy’s educational curriculum.

Nathan Bishop Middle School, which is currently under renovation, will also meet CHPS standards and is slated for completion in August of 2009.

Operation Opportunity

The City’s 29 remaining Operation Opportunity goals will be accomplished by August 17, 2010.  Each time a goal is achieved, the item will be checked off the list at www.providenceri.com/opportunity:

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. ACCOMPLISHED 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

##