After years of government corruption and economic stagnation, Providence is "back on track" and poised to reap the benefits of reform, Mayor David Cicilline '83 said in his State of the City Address Wednesday night.
But Cicilline said the city still faces many challenges as his first term progresses, from a struggling public school system to budget constraints imposed by state and federal lawmakers.
Cicilline centered much of his speech on the city's recent economic gains, highlighting GTECH Corp.'s decision to locate its headquarters across from the Providence Place Mall as well as new businesses opening along Westminster Street - developments that offer "a sneak preview of the future of downtown Providence."
This renewed interest from CEOs and developers reflects a shift in the Providence business environment, signifying an era of "accountability and transparency" in municipal government, Cicilline said.
The projects - epitomized by the nine new businesses that have opened on Westminster Street in the past 12 months - demonstrate that Providence has largely shed the reputation of a corrupt local government "that had lost its way," Cicilline said.
But such economic progress is weakened by state and federal policies that place a strain on urban programs and taxpayers, he said, citing as an example the "gutted" budget for the federal Community Development Block Grant Program, which promotes the revitalization of urban neighborhoods.
Such financial obstacles stem from "the Republican leadership in Washington" that "has stacked the deck for the wealthiest and created enormous deficits," Cicilline said. Also, state lawmakers continue to burden cities and towns with inflated property taxes that compromise the availability of affordable housing as well as the profitability of owning a business, he said.
One new program meant to address this issue is CommerceDirect, which Cicilline said offers $25,000 loans to start-up businesses and "decreases the amount of red tape involved in getting approved."
The Main Street Investment Program will distribute capital to the city's commercial districts, further encouraging economic growth, he said.
Providence's economic turnaround has been buoyed by gains in public safety spearheaded by Chief of Police Dean Esserman, Cicilline said. The department's efforts led to an 11-percent reduction in violent crime last year, while neighboring cities Boston and New Haven, Conn., both saw increases in violent crime.
Cicilline said he will continue to promote the "renewed sense of trust (that) is pumping new vitality into the economy."
Cicilline also announced the creation of the "Mayor's Roadmap for a Greater Providence," a series of goals incorporating every municipal department that "is already serving as the playbook for every city worker."
The Roadmap is designed to advance the five priorities Cicilline emphasized when he took office in 2002 - healthier neighborhoods, high-quality education, improved public safety, economic growth and fiscal integrity.
The goals of the Roadmap will be evident in the city's response to everyday problems, such as road hazards, as well as more complex issues, like the affordable housing crisis, he said.
Cicilline also took time to highlight recent public education milestones, such as improved test scores and financial reform that has made the district "one of the most financially efficient school districts in New England."
These improvements reflect the hard work of district employees, Cicilline said, particularly the "masterful" district superintendent Melody Johnson.
Providence resident Angelo Adams told The Herald he appreciates Cicilline's efforts to promote after-school programs and secure educational funding for the city.
"The other stuff to me is just politics," he said. "When you have something that's transparent ... it makes it easier. He's very transparent."
After his prepared remarks, Cicilline told The Herald that Rhode Island Education Commissioner Peter McWalters' recent ruling that outlined plans to improve Providence's troubled Hope High School is emblematic of "a much larger challenge we face."
Though the ruling represents a concerted effort on behalf of district administrators and faculty to address Hope's most pressing issues, Cicilline said Providence public schools require additional resources allocated from the state level to foster improvement.
The most recent budget proposal issued by Governor Donald Carcieri '65 "doesn't address the issue," Cicilline said.
"Refinancing public education has to be the priority," said Jonny Skye Njie '95, adding that a dramatic "disparity between the haves and the have-nots" currently plagues the school system.
"We need to redefine what dignity looks like and apply those values to the public schools," he said.
Providence resident Paul Jones said he believes Cicilline's discussion of property taxes was the speech's most important issue. He approves of efforts to find "other ways to fund educational and business initiatives," he said.
Fred Guggenheim said he believes Cicilline "has worked really hard to bring a lot of important things to the city," calling his ability to gain the trust of businesses and government employees "Kennedy-esque."
But Andrew Panciotti Sr. said he doubted whether Cicilline had fully shed the "politics of the past," particularly questionable policies that benefit business owners.
"Of course there's preferential treatment," Panciotti said. "That hasn't changed at all. I'd like to see him enjoy this term. I don't think he'll get another one."
Cicilline delivered his address to a crowd of nearly 200 in the Rhode Island Convention Center's Rotunda Ballroom.
Outside the convention center, members of the Providence Fire Department picketed the speech, hoisting signs that read "The Mayor's Rhetoric is Costing You Money" and encouraging Cicilline to resolve city firefighters' ongoing contract dispute.
