Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission is comprised of nine City Council appointed electors of the City. The East Providence Economic Development Commission’s role is to promote a healthy and vigorous local economy in East Providence. It is tasked with the following powers and duties:

• To confer with and advise the City Council and Mayor on all matters concerning economic development in the City;

• To advertise the economic advantages and opportunities of the City within the means provided by any appropriations made therefor by the Council;

• To study, investigate and appraise economic conditions and trends affecting the City's industry, business and commerce;

• To collect data and information as to the type of industries best suited to the City;

• To compile, coordinate and promulgate information regarding available areas suitable for commercial development in the City;

• To encourage the proper zoning and orderly development of areas suitable for commercial development of the City;

• To aid the City administration, City Council and Mayor in the attraction of new businesses and encouraging the expansion of existing industries and businesses;

• To cooperate with all community groups that are dedicated to the orderly economic expansion of the City and to furnish them such aid and advice as is deemed appropriate;

• To cooperate with all industries and businesses in the City in the solution of any community problems which they might have and to encourage the management of such concerns to have a healthy and constructive interest in the City's welfare;

• To periodically survey the overall condition of the City from the standpoint of determining whether the City has the climate and furnishes services and facilities that are conducive to economic expansion;

• The Commission may advertise, prepare, print or distribute maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which in its judgment it deems necessary to the performance of its duties as set forth in this section within the limit of any funds that may be provided for such purposes.

• To confer with and to provide an advisory opinion to the City Manager regarding all commercial and micro loan applications for loans in an amount under $100,000.00.

• To confer with and to provide an advisory opinion to the City Manager and City Council regarding all commercial and micro loan applications in an amount over $100,000.00.

• To confer with and to provide an advisory opinion to the City Council on extended tax stabilization applications pursuant to the authority given to the Commission under city ordinance section 16-68(a)(5).