Climate Ready PVD

Since taking office, Mayor Smiley has prioritized initiatives and investments that build a more climate resilient city. Like many other coastal communities, Providence is seeing the deep impacts of climate change. This administration has responded by investing in innovative solutions that make our city more sustainable and less vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather. From launching a community electricity program that integrates renewable energy into the default electricity option for Providence households to investing in green infrastructure projects to improve stormwater management and mitigate flooding, the Smiley Administration has made climate resiliency a core component of the city’s ongoing infrastructure plans. The city recently completed critical hurricane barrier repairs to better protect our communities from extreme flooding and is actively investing in improvements to Providence’s public parks, greenspaces and local stormwater and sewer management systems to build a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Green Infrastructure

Resilience Hubs

Stormwater

PVD Tree Plan

The PVD Tree Plan outlines a strategy to achieve tree equity by increasing tree canopy in focus areas by 50% over the next 25 years, requiring the planting and maintenance of 30,377 trees. This initiative aims to generate environmental benefits, create jobs, and improve public health while emphasizing community leadership, equity in tree distribution, and sustainable funding mechanisms for the long-term health of Providence’s urban forest.

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Anchored on the goals of the Climate Justice Plan, Mayor Smiley signed into law the Energy Efficiency and Carbon Neutral Goals for Municipal Buildings Ordinance in March 2024. This commitment to lead by example in phasing out fossil fuels from all municipal buildings by 2040 marked a historic commitment by Providence to unlock the economic, health and environmental benefits of improving our public buildings.

The City commissioned the drafting of a Decarbonization Roadmap for all of Providence's municipal buildings to advance the lead by example goals of its Climate Justice Plan and to establish a clear pathway for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from municipal buildings. It provides a framework to guide investment decisions and inform prioritization of projects as Providence works toward eliminating on-site fossil fuel use in municipal buildings by 2040.

Mayor Smiley also signed into law Providence's first-ever climate focused dedicated fund, the Green Revolving Fund, in May 2026. This fund dedicates City funds to renewable energy and decarbonization and further underscores Mayor Smiley’s commitment to bolstering climate resiliency and positions the City of Providence as a national leader in the green economy.

Hurricane Barrier

By incorporating climate resiliency into the City’s infrastructure plan, we can better adapt and withstand the adverse effects of extreme weather events. The City successfully completed repairs to the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier, a $3 million dollar project that will ensure Providence is better equipped to combat natural disasters. The hurricane barrier is a critical piece of infrastructure that protects our city from flooding, and these repairs were essential to ensure its continued functionality.

Building a Climate Resilient Providence

With thoughtful investments, careful planning and community collaboration, we are building a Providence that can weather the storms of today and protects our city for what will come tomorrow.

Providence Community Electricity Program

The Smiley Administration launched an innovative community electricity program that integrates more renewable energy sources into the electricity our community uses. This program is the easiest way our residents and businesses can help reduce climate pollution. Through this initiative, we are helping our community members save money on electric bills while also getting all of the benefits of cleaner, renewable energy.

Flooding

The City of Providence secured a $300,000 SNEP SOAR Flooding Solutions Grant to address urban flooding challenges, particularly affecting disadvantaged communities. This initiative involves tasks like urban flooding mapping analysis, community engagement and the development of prioritized mitigation strategies, emphasizing community involvement and resilience in combating urban flooding.

Stormwater Innovation Center

The Stormwater Innovation Center at Roger Williams Park showcases various green infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving urban water quality and wildlife habitat. illustration of the sun

It serves as a training hub where municipalities, engineers and scientists learn about green stormwater practices and engage the community through educational activities.