A capacity crowd of 200 packed the Rotunda Room of the Rhode Island Convention Center to participate in Grow Smart RI’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) forum.   The keynote speaker was Dan Rivera, CEO of MassDevelopment, Massachusetts’ leading economic development agency tasked with advancing TOD, among a myriad of initiatives.  Also on the speaking program was Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, General Treasurer James Diossa, Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi, RIPTA CEO Scott Avedisian, Housing Secretary Stefan Pryor and municipal CEO’s Don Grebien of Pawtucket, Maria Rivera of Central Falls, Frank Picozzi of Warwick, Kate Michaud of Warren and Robert Sullivan of Brockton, MA. 

The primary goal of the forum was to broaden awareness and understanding of TOD as a strategy for creating attractive, vibrant neighborhoods with abundant new housing choices close to jobs, services and the destinations of daily life. The forum highlighted TOD’s role in reducing barriers to racial justice, reducing climate emissions and saving families thousands on transportation costs, the 2nd highest household expense after housing.

The forum also examined the vital and necessary tools, policies and incentives that support efficient TOD, with a particular focus on tools and policies that are proving effective at incentivizing TOD in Massachusetts.

The free-to-attend event was supported by a grant from the United Way of RI, along with generous sponsorships.