We reached out to dozens of people of influence to ask what story or stories they will be watching in the new year. Here’s what they had to say, in their own words.

HOUSING

Better laws for better housing 

“Housing is, to me, the important story to watch in 2023. Can our state and local governments make progress in addressing the lack of affordable housing in the state? Can we figure out how to get people who are sleeping outside, inside, before the temperature drops? Can we build houses and apartments across the state for first-time home buyers, teachers, social workers, firefighters, our kids and grandkids?

“Can we change land use policies, mindfully, to allow for denser development where appropriate, for two-family homes in the suburbs, for flats over our garages? Can we fill up abandoned or underutilized public buildings with safe, warm, comfy housing?

“It’s a heavy lift, but I think we can do it.”

— Rep. June Speakman (D-Warren and Bristol)

More affordable and senior housing

“The hot issue of 2023 is affordable housing. We are watching how state legislators prioritize inclusionary zoning and especially accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Affordable and Senior housing is a significant issue in the East Bay, where undeveloped or underutilized land is scarce, but there are currently a few opportunities for this type of development, so there is reason to hope.”

— Ian Barnacle, broker, Residential Properties

PUBLIC DISCOURSE

Connect after a contentious election

“2022 saw a lot of ways in which people in East Bay communities demonstrated a willingness to tear down people in public service, including School Committee members, Town Council members, as well as state legislators. We’re a tight East Bay community with deeply interdependent municipalities and we are facing mental health challenges, climate change and economic issues together which deeply impact our schools and public safety capacities.

“An important story to watch in 2023 will be the ways in which our communities – separately and together – engage in public discourse, come together, and help each other through the pandemic recovery and mental health crisis that does not seem to be abating. We are in need of policy solutions at the local and state levels, people to step up for local boards and commissions as well as state and municipal elected office, but in this non-election year, we desperately need a sense of connection, and everyone can be a part of the shifting narrative to more connected communities if we so choose. The repair of our communities after a contentious election year will be noteworthy if we can make it happen.”

— Liana Cassar, former state rep. and current chairwoman of the Barrington Democratic Town Committee

Political balance …

“Can the republican party ever return to local politics – and how? (I think this will happen through some method similar to the Barrington School Committee independents). This is a critical future shift in order to restore balance to the community and help the East Bay be an attractive destination for a diverse future population.”

(… and the economy)

“Also, a combination of real estate values, business opportunity and development in 2023 in light of a recession. There will be continued success with local restaurants and shops given the post-covid environment; but will real estate values tumble, and interest rates stay high in a way that locks ownership of properties, stalling business development?”

— Todd Blount, president of Blount Fine Foods

Community engagement

“There is no one issue that trumps all others in our schools — the work is so important. From the School Committee side, I am hopeful that community engagement will be the story behind the story of the year. Issues such as school construction, mental health, Pre-K, special education, and social emotional supports for staff and students are all front of mind. The best solutions will be built and implemented together, and I believe 2023 will be a year of positive change.”

— Barrington School Committee Chairman Patrick McCrann

THE ENVIRONMENT

Watch the wind farms

“Watch the lawsuits filed against the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and NOAA Fisheries over the permitting of Vineyard Wind and South Fork Wind operations. The survival of the critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whale is at stake.”

— Constance Gee, Westport resident and environmental advocate

Climate change – as seen here at home

“Each day at Blithewold I am witness to the subtle, yet powerful signs of the changing climate taking place on our property. It’s easy to see the effects throughout the entire 33-acre estate; on the shoreline, in trees, the woody plants and in each garden. As a result, the staff and board are working to dramatically alter how we care for the property in order to mitigate the harm to our living collection and infrastructure.

“It’s my hope Bristol's leaders take the difficult and likely costly steps to proactively assess the town’s risks and hazards. Will they also commit to enhancing systemic resilience of the town's infrastructure? Lastly, I hope the town's leadership promotes behavioral change programs in our community to save water, reduce consumption, and getting our town to be carbon neutral.”

— Karen Binder, Executive Director of Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum

FINANCE

A town’s financial future

“In Westport, the most important story to watch will be the budget and the upcoming debt exclusion and override questions. Westport has been operating on a shoestring for years. We have an extremely low tax rate. We are not benefitting from state aid at the same rate as our neighbors. And while residents have funded important building projects, they have been consistently unwilling to increase the tax rate despite increased demands on local government like the Police Reform Act and education initiatives.

“In 2023 Westport has to decide if we are a community that values education, adequately staffs public safety, cares for our elders and provides library, transfer station and recreation services, or if we only care about having the lowest possible tax burden on our residents.”

— Shana Shufelt, Chairwoman, Westport Board of Selectmen

The economy (and the weather)

“For 2023, I think one story to watch is the economy. Many are predicting a recession, and I have noticed that a number of big companies have started to cut back, which makes me wonder if they believe a contraction is coming.

“Along the same lines, aid to cities and towns in the state budget is likely to be reduced because the covid money is drying up. A double dose of recession and reduced aid could be a rude shock for some communities. 

“I also think the weather will continue to be an important story. We are having severe and unprecedented weather nationwide due to climate change. How communities respond to that weather and what they do to become more resilient in the future will be in the news.”

— Rep. Jason Knight (D, Warren and Barrington)

Building back after a pandemic

“How the towns and East Bay Chamber will work together with the business community to rebound from COVID. The challenges are many, but with collaboration from all parties the potential to rebound and grow can be significant. The local manufacturing community has been challenged at the local, national and international levels. They have been focused on staying agile to cope with cost increases of raw materials, supply chain interruptions and employee retention, training and growth.”

— Don Saracen, East Bay Chamber of Commerce board member and chairman of the East Bay CEO Manufacturers’ Roundtable

INFRASTRUCTURE

The future of Zion

“There will be many positive developments regarding town properties and infrastructure in 2023, but it's worth keeping an eye on the privately owned Zion property. After many years of neglect, ownership is investing in the necessary demolition of certain buildings and has hired a highly regarded architectural firm. We will learn in 2023 whether ownership is likely to execute on an innovative development plan that serves community interests.”

— Barrington Town Council President Carl Kustell

Expanding broadband

“From my perspective I think the biggest local story to watch in 2023 will be how, as a state, Rhode Island can obtain and leverage federal funding opportunities to make once-in-a-generation improvements to broadband infrastructure.  There is an unprecedented amount of funding coming to Rhode Island for broadband ($100+ million), thanks to our federal delegation; however free money is never free and it will take coordination across all levels of state and municipal government to effectuate a substantial change in the accessibility, affordability and reliability of broadband access for residents and businesses.

“Rhode Island Commerce has assembled an excellent team to work on this issue, and they are going to need the cooperation and attention of every Rhode Island municipality and the state’s industry professionals. Cheers to a 2023 full of opportunity and collaboration!”

— Warren Town Manager Kate Michaud

A homestead exemption

“I believe that the town’s growth and success are making Bristol a desirable place to live. That, along with fewer residents per household, has made it difficult for Bristol residents to afford a good place to call home. I believe this year there will be a drive and commitment to adopt a homestead exemption to help keep Bristol residents in their hometown.

“Something fun to watch will be continuation of municipal projects and improvements, especially public space improvements driven by our Recreation Department. I think we will see the public golf course open, new playgrounds, improved pickleball courts, a dog park, construction of a beautiful Senior Services building at Walley School, and many improvements to our shoreline access points for everyone to enjoy. I would also not be surprised if the Town is able to locate additional conservation areas to preserve in 2023.”

— Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente

A community center and a concert venue

“There are so many important stories to watch in 2023, but two that stand out include our community center and waterfront district. 

Twice in the past, residents have voted in support of a new community center, and my administration, with support from the City Council and input from the community, plans to deliver on what residents want — a new community center. We will work to build a new state-of-the-art center that we hope will feature amenities for our residents young and old to enjoy. 

“In addition, an important story for our community is a new concert venue and the development of the South Quay Marine Terminal, an integrated intermodal shipping hub that will bring good-paying jobs to our community and support the offshore wind industry. Our city has so much to look forward to in 2023.”

— East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva

Better, safer streets

“In 2023, I am looking forward to moving ahead on several infrastructure investments consistent with Barrington’s new Complete Streets Plan. In 2023, the public will have opportunities to help plan new and upgraded sidewalks, bike lanes and multi-use paths, as we work toward making better and safer connections for people of all ages. All new upgrades will also align with the Town’s efforts to make Barrington more resilient in the face of climate change, including reducing our carbon footprint and shoreline adaptation projects. Plans are also being developed for construction of improvements to Haines Park.

“In addition, and of interest to the whole community, we will be working with the Town Council to determine the best path forward for the former Carmelite Monastery property and the Zion Bible Institute campus.”

— Barrington Town Manager Phil Hervey

Housing and growth in the City

"The construction of new housing units in East Providence is something that can actually be watched in 2023 in three areas of the City. Riverside, Rumford and center city have major housing projects under development that will transform the physical landscape and opportunities for local businesses. Over $200 million in private and public funding is being invested and will create 1,000+ single, multi-family units and apartments that include affordable housing.

"As new people move in and older residents downsize from home ownership, the need for local services, restaurants/food venues, entertainment and more will grow. The positive economic development benefits for current local businesses to thrive and new businesses to come in is worth watching now and in the years to come."

— Laura A. McNamara, executive director, East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce