UPCOMING ROUNDTABLE:
Parking (Part 2): Can Parking Reform Save Our Downtowns?
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February 12, 2026
12-1PM over Zoom (FREE)
Featuring: Kevin Lowther, and research from the RWU School of Law Housing Policy Lab
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Parking is an issue of great interest for Main Street districts, so we’re building on our earlier conversation about Parking Studies to see what the research actually says about parking and what we can do to better manage it.
Last fall, the Roger Williams University School of Law launched a Housing Policy Lab, and parking was one area they explored. One of its inaugural students will share their findings about parking and ideas about possible reforms, especially as they pertain to commercial district activity and the cultivation of new and successful small businesses.
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Kevin Lowther is in his final semester as a law student at Roger Williams University. Last semester, he participated in the school’s inaugural housing clinic, where he studied parking reform and wrote state legislation that will be part of the advocacy agenda of Neighbors Welcome. He is an advisory committee member of Neighbors Welcome, a board member of Habitat for Humanity South County and a former Town Counselor and Planning Board member in Westerly, RI.
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Our Main Street Learning Cohort
is Off and Running!
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Celebrating the completion of our first Workshop
Led by Main Street America's Lisa Thompson, our first workshop focused on the design of our Main Streets. Thank you to the Providence Department of Planning and Development for hosting our group -- comprised of eleven communities across Rhode Island!
| | We took a deep dive into all the ways preserving our historic structures is a boost to our Main Streets and learned of key resources to get the work done. | | | | | Need some pro marketing tips for your Main Street? Don't worry. Kristen Adamo, President and CEO of GoProvidence, has you covered! | | |
Word on the Street
MAIN STREET EVENTS
| | Above: LUMINA -- Downtown Providence Festival of Lights, February 19 -- March 5. Need inspiration for activating your Main Street in the depths of winter? Downtown Providence’s Lumina Festival does just that each year, turning city streets into a winter wonderland. | | |
Other Events
Newport Winter Festival, February 13-22nd: Touted as New England's largest winter extravaganza, Newport Winter Festival offers more than 150 events. Spice things up with the renowned chili cook-off, hot drink contest, ice carving demonstrations, and a princess party in a royal location.
Providence Restaurant Week, January 25 -- February 7. Offering special deals at over 90 restaurants spread across the city.
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UPCOMING WEBINARS
Upcoming Webinar: Demolition Delay Training
Wednesday, February 11th from 12:00-2:00pm
With support from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Preserve Rhode Island, in partnership with the RI Historic Preservation and Heritage Commission (RIHPHC), will be hosting a demolition delay webinar with the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) as a part of their Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program (CAMP). The webinar will provide an overview of demolition delay ordinances, including how they work, their key components such as delay periods and review processes, and alternatives to demolition. The presentation will also include case studies and best practices, offering practical guidance for communities considering implementing demolition delay provisions.
FREE. LIMITED SPACE. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE.
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GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
RIDOH - Rhody Streets Transformation Project Grant
The Rhode Island Department of Health’s (RIDOH) Healthy Eating and Active Living Program (HEAL) invites applications from eligible organizations and agencies to apply for a Short-Term Funding Opportunity to implement a Rhode Island Streets Transformation Project (RISTP) that showcases the benefits of community design to promote physical activity and active transportation for Rhode Islanders of all ages. RIDOH will issue awards up to $4,950 each.
The deadline for the submission of questions is 5:00 p.m. on February 6, 2026. Questions should be submitted in writing to Ishaa Gadkari at Ishaa.Gadkari@health.ri.gov with “RISTP Question” in the subject line.
Applications Due: February 15, 2026 @5pm
LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE: Rhode Island Streets Transformation Project 2026
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2026 AARP Community Challenge Grant
AARP Rhode Island invites local eligible organizations and governments across the country to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). The grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable in the long-term by improving public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more. All projects must be completed by December 15, 2026.
APPLICATION DUE: March 4, 2026 @5pm
LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE: www.AARP.org/CommunityChallenge
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Grant for Community Climate Resilience
The Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) is now accepting applications for grants to help communities accelerate their climate resilience plans and projects. The grants can help small and midsize communities at any step in the planning process. Awards include funding, as well as training and technical support. Ranging from $75,000-$115,000 per award, funds can be used over a twelve-month period to advance activities ranging from risk assessments and community engagement to project prioritization and implementation.
APPLICATION DUE: March 12, 2026
LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE: Climate Resilience Fund 2026 Grant
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2026 Certified Local Government Grants
The 2026 Certified Local Government Grant period is now open! The Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission administers a Certified Local Government (CLG) Grant Program for municipal historical preservation activities.
The following 19 Rhode Island communities are Certified Local Governments: Bristol, Coventry, Cranston, Cumberland, East Greenwich, East Providence, Glocester, Hopkinton, Narragansett, New Shoreham, Newport, North Kingstown, North Providence, North Smithfield, Pawtucket, Providence, South Kingstown, Warren, and Warwick.
APPLICATION DUE: March 13, 2026
LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE: 2026 CLG GRANT
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T-Mobile Hometown Grant
Main Street America is partnering with T‑Mobile to help build stronger, more prosperous small towns and rural communities. With T‑Mobile’s Hometown Grant program, they’re investing big in small towns by awarding up to 100 towns a year with project funding — up to $50,000 each.
APPLICATION DUE: March 31, 2026 @12:59 PM
LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE: T-Mobile Hometown Grant
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Dear Wood Items and More:
We met by chance when I walked by one summer day, and you immediately became my favorite Rhode Island establishment. From felting and beading to woodworking and quilting, you've got everything and more that my crafting heart desires. I can spend hours walking up and down your aisles, stumbling upon treasures old and new that get my creative juices flowing. Maureen sits behind your counter with her no nonsense, dry humor at the ready to solve all of my crafting troubles. She teaches classes too -- sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting and painting. Two hours for $10, or $8 if you buy your supplies in store. Can't beat that. This store boasts the best selection, cheapest prices, and most authentic charm in town. Move over Hobby Lobby. My heart is forever with Wood Items and More!
Much Love,
Caroline
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NAME: Caroline Nye
PLACE: Wood Items and More
LOCATION: 576 Putnam Pike, Greenville, RI
| | LOVE THIS? Share Your Love with Main Street RI by Making a Donation Today. | | | | Grow Smart RI | www.GrowSmartRI.org | |
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