JOINT RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A STATEWIDE MAIN STREET COORDINATING PROGRAM (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 for the formal establishment of “Main Street Rhode Island”.)
Summary
S0174 is a joint resolution that creates a statewide Main Street coordinating program called “Main Street Rhode Island.” The resolution is built around the idea that Rhode Island’s downtowns, village centers, retail corridors, and neighborhood commercial districts could generate more economic activity if they were supported through a coordinated, statewide approach rather than through isolated local efforts. It cites the “Main Street Four Points Approach” used in other states and ties the program to the national Main Street America network.
Under the resolution, Grow Smart Rhode Island would manage the program for an initial three-year period. The program would include a full-time coordinator, training and technical assistance for local communities, regular educational and networking sessions, an online resource center, an annual conference-style event, and a formal memorandum of understanding with Main Street America. The resolution also contemplates annual reporting on progress toward these goals.
Impact
The resolution authorizes the Commerce Corporation to accept and disburse funds from federal sources, grants, private entities, or other sources intended for Main Street Rhode Island, and to appropriate money from the existing Main Street Rhode Island Improvement Fund under chapter 64.27 of title 42 to Grow Smart Rhode Island. The legislative explanation states that the resolution would authorize an appropriation of $500,000 for the formal establishment of the program. In practical terms, it creates a state-backed funding and administrative structure for downtown and commercial district revitalization efforts, while leaving implementation to Grow Smart Rhode Island and the Commerce Corporation.
Sentiment
The recorded votes suggest broad support for the measure. The bill passed an amendment and then passed as amended in the Senate with strong margins, and later passed in concurrence in the House with similarly substantial support. The overall tone of the bill is positive and development-oriented, emphasizing economic revitalization, local capacity-building, and the use of a proven national model for Main Street districts.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the use of state funds and the delegation of program management to a nonprofit organization rather than direct state administration. The resolution specifically authorizes the Commerce Corporation to channel money to Grow Smart Rhode Island, which may raise questions about oversight, accountability, and whether the existing Main Street Improvement Fund should be used for this purpose. Another possible area of debate is whether a statewide coordinating program is the best use of limited economic development resources, although the vote totals indicate that any opposition was limited.
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