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There’s a lot of things holding Rhode Island back, and our state’s housing crisis is at the top of the list.
This is bigger than the 700 to 1400 people (depending on the night, the season or the expert) who are experiencing homelessness. Most of our neighbors in those circumstances grapple with other serious issues, including addiction and mental illness. Others have legitimately fallen on hard times – for instance, the person who has made the courageous choice to leave an abusive relationship, or the person who lives paycheck to paycheck and suddenly, unexpectedly, loses their job.
In these cases, humanity obligates society to help – particularly when, from the standpoint of basic math, it’s only a tiny fraction of the population, with corresponding costs.
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Homelessness does, however, tend to grab the spotlight and define the “housing crisis”, particularly in winter. But that’s only part of the story, which tends to obscure the other, bigger housing crisis.
More math: There are just under 400,000 households in Rhode Island. For more than 100,000 of them – the teachers, the first responders, the nurses, your auto mechanic - the housing crisis ultimately plays out in two different ways. Simply put, they either struggle to pay rent, or can’t afford to buy a home here. This makes someplace other than Rhode Island a real option for them, encouraging them to take their energy and their skills somewhere else. This, in turn, makes it hard for businesses to fill jobs and grow.
Pretty soon, our economy is stuck in the mud.
At its core, Rhode Island’s housing crisis is a supply and demand problem - too much demand, not enough supply.
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And like many crises, it's also the result of a conscious political decision.
What prevents Rhode Island from building enough homes to meet the demand? People don’t like change. Neighbors don’t like it when the vacant parcel they always viewed as a leafy park is about to be filled with homes, and they really don’t like it when the new construction could provide a home for “those people.”
If enough neighbors complain loudly enough, the approval process can go south very quickly – sometimes leading to a plan for new homes simply being abandoned. A development could also be delayed so long that it becomes too costly to build. The reality is that if you’re proposing new homes (or anything new, for that matter) and you don’t take politics and communications into account, you are likely headed for a lengthy and expensive bout of trouble.
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At New Harbor we’ve seen this dynamic countless times, and here’s a list of just a handful of cases where we’ve been able to turn it around, work with the community and get homes built for Rhode Island families.
So, if you’re trying to build homes for people please give me a call. I’m glad to talk about strategies to avoid delay, save money and build the homes that will be a part of the solution to one of Rhode Island’s biggest economic problems.
Best,
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R.I. Life Science Hub: Senate Confirms New CEO, Symposium Showcases State’s Leadership
in Brain Science
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The Rhode Island Life Science Hub’s recent Neuroscience Symposium highlighted the state’s growing role in this critical field. Life Science Hub President and CEO Dr. Mark Turco, unanimously confirmed by the R.I. State Senate only days before, welcomed 300 researchers, clinicians, industry leaders and entrepreneurs to showcase the region’s strengths and growing impact in the fields of neuroscience, neurotechnology and behavioral health.
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“Rhode Island is a national leader in the neurosciences and behavioral health,” said Dr. Turco. “Today’s symposium clearly demonstrated the collective impact that our world-class institutions, physician-scientists and innovation have on advancing brain science.”
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RIC’s Institute for Cybersecurity Provides Critical Expertise During State Cyber Breach | |
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In the wake of recent cyberattacks affecting Rhode Island’s state benefits system and public schools, the Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies at Rhode Island College has served as a vital resource, helping government officials and businesses navigate this complex challenge.
Under the leadership of former Congressman Jim Langevin, the Institute has provided expert analysis, thought leadership and actionable solutions to bolster the state’s cyber defenses.
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Cybersecurity threats are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, and Rhode Island is fortunate to have a trusted institution working to protect critical infrastructure and personal data. By offering guidance and training, the Institute strengthens the state’s resilience and ensures that Rhode Island remains a leader in cybersecurity preparedness. | |
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The Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies at Rhode Island College, Distinguished Chair, Jim Langevin.
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RIPEC Analysis Shows Rhode Island’s
Economy Experienced Strong Growth in Q4
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The Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council’s (RIPEC) latest Key Performance Indicators (KPI) report provided a data-driven look at the state’s economic trends, offering policymakers and business leaders insights needed to drive smart decision-making. This vital research helps Rhode Island better understand challenges and identify opportunities, ensuring continued investment in workforce development, infrastructure, and key industries. RIPEC’s work is crucial to fostering a stronger, more competitive economy that benefits all Rhode Islanders.
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Quonset Welcomes REGENT, Expanding
Rhode Island’s Manufacturing Economy
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From left: U.S. Representatives Gabe Amo and Seth Magaziner, R.I. House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, REGENT co-founders Mike Klinker and Billy Thalheimer, Gov. Dan McKee, QDC Managing Director Steven J. King, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, and R.I. Senator Robert Britto break ground on REGENT's new facility at Quonset. | |
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Quonset Business Park continues to drive economic growth in the region with the recent groundbreaking for REGENT’s new seaglider manufacturing facility. This expansion solidifies Quonset’s status as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and a Rhode Island success story hosting over 14,000 jobs, including one of every five manufacturing jobs in the state. The new 255,000-square-foot facility will support REGENT’s growth, projected to be 300 new jobs with the potential to reach 750 over the next decade.
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UTIC Shares Groundbreaking Advances
in Undersea Technology
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The Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium (UTIC) is driving innovation in one of the most critical, high-tech sectors of Rhode Island’s economy—undersea technology. With the release of its 2024 Annual Report, UTIC highlights major advancements in maritime defense, autonomous systems, and blue economy initiatives. By fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government, UTIC is ensuring that Rhode Island remains at the forefront of global undersea innovation. New Harbor Group is proud to have supported UTIC in sharing this important work, which not only strengthens national security but also creates high-skilled jobs and fuels economic growth in the Ocean State.
Read the full report here.
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Grey Sail & Outer Light Join Forces
to Strengthen Local Craft Beer Industry
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Grey Sail Brewing's fan-favorite Captain's Daughter Double IPA and
Outer Light Brewing's leading beer SUBduction IPA.
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An exciting new partnership between Grey Sail Brewing and New London’s Outer Light Brewing is set to elevate the regional craft beer industry. By joining forces, the two brands will expand production capacity, enhance distribution, and strengthen their commitment to quality and innovation. The move also means more opportunities for small businesses, local farmers and the growing community of craft beer enthusiasts.
"We are excited to be embarking on this new partnership," said Jennifer Brinton, owner of Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island. "Over the past nine years, Outer Light has been a leading force in the Connecticut market, sharing Grey Sail’s commitment to local, quality craft brewing.”
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Grey Sail Brewing also continues to push the boundaries of craft beer with the release of Midnight Maiden, a smooth, sessionable stout designed to appeal to a broad range of beer drinkers. With a carefully balanced profile featuring notes of roasted coffee and dark chocolate, Midnight Maiden adds a new dimension to Grey Sail’s lineup that includes the iconic double IPA Captain’s Daughter.
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