A Quality of Place: The Grow Smart RI Podcast

On this episode, hosts Scott Wolf, John Flaherty, Scott Millar, and C.J. Opperthauser give you an inside look at the opportunities, challenges, and priorities of Grow Smart RI for 2019.

Interested in learning more about what we do, visit our website and sign up for our e-newsletter at www.growsmartri.org

Donate here: www.growsmartri.org/donate

This episode was produced by Victoria Picinich.

On the 2nd of the series, "Why Grow Smart RI?" host Scott Wolf talks with long time Grow Smart RI supporter Barbara Sokoloff about what drew her to devote her time, talent, and treasure to Grow Smart RI. They discuss the connection between smart growth policies with affordable housing, historic preservation, urban and town centers, and transit reform in RI. Barbara Sokoloff is the President of Barbara Sokoloff Associates; which provides development, community planning and implementation services.

On the 1st of the series, "Why Grow Smart RI?" host Scott Wolf talks with long time Grow Smart RI supporter Cynthia Langlykke about what drew her to devote her time, talent, and treasure to Grow Smart RI. They discuss the connection between smart growth principles and community development. Cynthia Langlykke is the President of Downcity Design - a community organization working to build a city of problem solvers.

On this special Giving Tuesday edition of A Quality of Place: The Grow Smart RI Podcast, hosts Victoria, C.J., John, & Scott review Grow Smart RI's major accomplishments and future priorities at the 20 year mark of our existence. In celebration of Grow Smart RI's 20th Anniversary and Giving Tuesday, we encourage you to show your support by donating at www.growsmartri.org/donate.

On this episode, Scott Wolf, John Flaherty, Scott Millar, & C.J. Opperthauser have an in-depth discussion about Grow Smart RI's publication; The 2018 Briefing Book for Candidates & Voters.

Host Scott Wolf, Executive Director of Grow Smart RI is joined by Brenda Clement, Director of HousingWorks RI to discuss the findings of HousingWorks RI's Housing Fact Book. Since 2005, HousingWorks RI's Housing Fact Book has strived to present as complete a picture as possible of housing affordability in Rhode Island. The Fact Book highlights data and connections that shine a light on policy changes the state can adopt to allow more Rhode Island residents to thrive.

Click HERE to view HousingWorks RI's 2018 Housing Fact Book.

On this episode, host John Flaherty is joined by Michelle Sheehan of RI Department of Environmental Management and Topher Hamblett of Save The Bay. They discuss the 2018 Green Economy and Clean Water Bond - Question 3 on the ballot. The Green Economy & Clean Water Bond is an investment that builds on Rhode Island's strengths: a healthy Narragansett Bay, safe drinking water for all, a robust network of bikeways and recreational facilities, revitalized industrial spaces, working farms, open spaces for generations to enjoy, and protection against flooding and storm events. Grow Smart RI encourages all Rhode Islanders to vote to invest in the best of Rhode Island - Vote Yes on Question 3!

Host C.J. Opperthauser is joined by Alex Ellis, a planner with the City of Providence Department of Planning & Development. C.J. and Alex discuss the ins and outs of Providence's new bike share program, Jump Bikes. So what exactly is a bike share and how will it benefit the City of Providence? Find out on this episode. If you enjoy this episode, please be sure to subscribe and leave us a review!

Scott Wolf and John Flaherty are joined by soon to be retired State Representative Jay O'Grady to discuss the 2018 legislative session of the RI General Assembly that saw several advances in policies to support and encourage smarter growth, but efforts stalled to recapitalize the State Historic Tax Credit, the rush to clear-cut forestland across Rhode Island for utility-scale solar development continues as competing bills failed to get traction by lawmakers, and the first ever Transit Master Plan is enacted in RI.

John Flaherty is joined by guest, Christopher Coes, to discuss transit oriented development opportunities in Rhode Island.

Cities and towns across our region and the nation are seizing on the public-private partnership opportunities to build stronger, more vibrant and sustainable communities through transit-oriented development.

With major transit projects currently in the works, increased demand for housing in walkable urban neighborhoods and job sites with convenient access to transit, Rhode Island is poised to take advantage of these trends to grow smart with transit.

Christopher Coes is the Vice President of Real Estate Policy and External Affairs at Smart Growth America. Under his leadership, he oversees Smart Growth America's real estate programs including LOCUS: Responsible Real Estate Developers and Investors and TOD Finance and Advisors, Inc., a for-profit subsidiary of Smart Growth America.