Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns

We are proud to celebrate the women who keep our communities running. At all levels of local government, women have answered the call to public service and are putting their energy and talents toward making Rhode Island a better place to live and work. #IWD2025

League President, Mayor Bob DaSilva, and Director Randy Rossi, MBA, CGFM, ICMA-CM celebrated major investments in Rhode Island's communities at Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank's Legislative Day at the State House. The Infrastructure Bank makes possible critical upgrades to municipalities' clean drinking water systems, climate resiliency, utility infrastructure and more. We thank Governor Dan McKee and the General Assembly for their continued support of these important programs.

The League is reviewing Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi's housing legislation and looks forward to partnering on this issue. Our members strongly support enabling legislation, allowing communities to reform zoning laws in ways that best suit their individual needs. https://lnkd.in/ehzUWpqD

???Looking for a career in state or municipal finance? We’re launching the?State and Municipal Finance Academy (SMFA)?to help address the workforce shortage in this?high-demand, high-paying?field while equipping professionals with the essential skills to succeed in public finance roles. This initiative is a collaboration between the URI MPA program, the URI Office of Strategic Initiatives, and the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns. It is designed for: ???Current state and municipal employees?looking to pivot into finance ???Displaced federal workers?seeking new opportunities ???Professionals?considering careers in government financial management As we finalize details,?we’d love your input by March 12!?What timing and format would work best for you? Help shape this program by signing up for more information and sharing your preferences here: ???https://lnkd.in/e5ivsjUW #PublicFinance #StateAndLocalGov #PublicService #FinanceCareers

Lincoln's Leslie Quish has made history as the first woman to lead the town's Department of Public Works! Leslie is a graduate of the League's Municipal Leadership Academy, and we have no doubt that she will excel in her new role. “[Leslie Quish] just has a fantastic skill set, and time after time, we’ve seen her step up for the people of Lincoln,” Town Administrator Philip Gould told the The Valley Breeze. “She already had been going above and beyond for a long while, fulfilling DPW director duties while she was acting town engineer.” https://lnkd.in/gwape5wF

League President & East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva and Director Randy Rossi, MBA, CGFM, ICMA-CM joined state leaders this afternoon for the unveiling of House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi's housing legislation. The League has been working closely with Speaker Shekarchi on housing policy and remains appreciative of his willingness to incorporate the feedback of Rhode Island's cities and towns. We will continue to work together to ensure that local taxpayers don't shoulder the costs of new housing developments.

Rhode Island's communities need your talent! The Community College of Rhode Island is hosting a job fair for students and alumni, and our cities and towns will be there to share current and future job openings. Stop by and see us on Thursday, April 3 to learn more about what a career in public service could look like for you.

As the legislative session continues, the League's top priority remains easing budget constraints for local taxpayers across Rhode Island's cities and towns. Out-of-district transportation costs millions of dollars each year and diverts critical resources from public school classrooms. https://lnkd.in/e2wVR8aa

“Our municipalities play a critical role in addressing the housing crisis,”?said Rhode Island Department of Housing Secretary Deborah Goddard. “The Department has engaged in conversations with all 39 cities and towns, as well as the League of Cities and Towns. It is clear that municipal leaders are eager to grow housing opportunities but often face barriers. In many conversations, we heard that staff capacity to engage in planning is a problem." To increase municipal staffing, the Department of Housing has awarded 8 local communities the funds to hire for a new role focused on planning, zoning, and housing development. This professional support will bolster efforts to increase housing production in Newport, Coventry, Cranston, Foster, Johnston, Westerly, Lincoln and Cumberland. https://lnkd.in/e4xacf_4