~About Us

About Us
In partnership with our neighborhoods, the Department of Planning and Development plans Providence's future while respecting its past. We guide physical, social, and economic change in Providence's neighborhoods and its downtown to shape a more prosperous, sustainable, and beautiful city for all. We offer a wide range of programs and services to residents, businesses and non-profit organizations to achieve our goals of creating great neighborhoods, supporting job creation and stimulating the economy. Working with you, we can make Providence a great place to live, work and play!

Rubén Flores-Marzán, AICP
Director

Mission and Responsibilities

Mission
Our mission is to create and implement a vision for Providence that:

• Respects and reflects Providence's rich history, preserves its ample resources and explores its vast opportunities

• Improves the quality of life for the many residents, students, and workers in our excitingly diverse neighborhoods

• Expands opportunities for Providence's workforce while encouraging development that increases the city's revenue

• Offers visitors to our city a unique experience that draws them back again and again

Programs and Services

Planning Services

• Current Planning/Development Review: Project review and administration for the City Plan Commission, Downcity Design Review Committee, and Historic District Commission
  
• Long Range Planning: Development of Comprehensive, Neighborhood and Special Project/Area plans

Development Services

• Economic Development: Attraction, retention, and expansion of businesses in Providence, including marketing and assistance programs such as loans and grants
  
• Housing: Management of housing loan programs designed to increase the supply of safe, affordable housing units in the city, including rehabilitation of existing units and new construction

Administrative Services

• Real Estate: Management, sales and acquisition of properties for the Providence Redevelopment Agency in accordance with adopted redevelopment plans
  
• Federal Grants: Administration of CDBG, HOPWA and ESG Grants, including annual call for applications, budget preparation, progress reports and monitoring
  
• Providence Connects/First Source: Administration of program for Providence residents seeking employment with businesses that have received financial assistance from the city