Rhode Island Commerce Corporation

This strategic report outlines a plan to build a more resilient, innovation-driven economy for Rhode Island, advancing the goals of the broader RI 2030 Plan. It focuses on leveraging the state's strengths in defense, ocean technology, and life sciences through targeted investments. Key strategies include expanding industrial land, developing ocean tech infrastructure, and aligning talent development with industry needs. The report aims to create high-wage jobs, attract investment, and solidify Rhode Island's identity as a national leader in these sectors.

The meeting agenda includes consideration of meeting minutes for approval, a request for amendment and termination of a Bond Regulatory Agreement regarding senior housing revenue bonds, establishment of the Manufacturing Equipment Grant Program, selection of a foreign trade zone consultant, transmission of the Final Proposal under the Broadband, Equity, Access, & Deployment program, expenditure of funding for the Solar for All program, selection of a vendor for an impact assessment of the Tourism Attraction and Destination Grant Program, selection of a vendor to develop a Destination Stewardship Plan, and updates on the Invention Incentive Program and Wavemaker Fellowship program.

The agenda includes considering an amendment to the award of tax credits to Flux Marine Ltd., approval of grants under the Network Matching Grant program, approval of on-call, ocean economy foreign direct investment consultants, selection of consultants for tourism advertising, public relations, and media buying services, an extension of and additional funding for a contract for broadband mapping services, the Corporation's annual report, and an update on the Main Street RI Streetscape Improvement Fund and Site Readiness programs.

The agenda includes consideration for approval of meeting minutes, innovation vouchers, selection of a vendor for manufacturing sector mapping services, selection of consultants for on-call real estate and economic impact analysis services, awards under the Blue Youth Program, a grant under the RI Rebounds Placemaking Program, and an update on the RI Rebounds program. Additionally, the board considered the award of tax credits to Manton Development Partners LLC under the Rebuild Rhode Island Tax Credit Act, the establishment of the Rhode Island Venture Capital Fund, and the selection of vendors for broadband infrastructure projects funded through the federal Capital Projects Fund. A tourism update was also presented.

The meeting included discussion on the approval of meeting minutes, the selection of a vendor for creative and paid media services, and consideration of applicants for awards under the Rebuild Rhode Island Tax Credit program. Additionally, the board reviewed and considered a request for economic incentives, approval of applicants under the Site Readiness Program, and the utilization of the Corporation's incentive programs for the investment of public funds.