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Consultants launch outreach for Newport 2037 comprehensive plan update
Summary
Interface Studio and subconsultants briefed the Planning Board on the statewide-mandated comprehensive plan update, 'Newport 2037,' and outlined an 18-month process of analysis, public engagement and draft goals, including a December visioning open house and a public website and mapping tool.
Consultants hired to update Newport’s comprehensive plan presented the project approach and community engagement schedule to the Planning Board on Oct. 14, 2025.
Mindy Watts of Interface Studio described the initiative as “Newport 2037,” a plan with a 20-year vision that the city will update every 10 years to comply with Rhode Island’s statewide planning requirement. The consultants said the project will run in six phases over about 18 months, followed by a six-month state review period.
The consultants plan multiple engagement methods: staff interviews, an online survey and a collaborative public map and in-person tabling at the Aquidneck Growers Market and the Broadway Street Fair. Watts said the team will hold the first large public visioning open house in early December and return next spring with draft recommendations for public review. Kevin Hively of Minigrip Partners will serve as the team economist, and Woods Hole Group will lead climate-resiliency work.
Watts told the board the consultants will not start from scratch but will inventory past plans, identify what has been accomplished, and use that baseline to recommend actions and implementation strategies. She emphasized outreach to residents, businesses and others, and noted the project will include nine state-required plan elements and other locally relevant chapters.
Board members asked about staffing and the project team: Watts said principal Scott Page will attend an upcoming session; she identified Kevin Hively as the project economist and noted the team’s work with Woods Hole Group on resiliency and prior local plans such as Keep Newport Moving. The consultants said they will coordinate briefings with City Council and meet with planning staff and stakeholders. The consultants also said Innovate Newport allowed them to reserve a room for outreach activities and that staff will track continuing-education and training for Planning Board members associated with the update.
Next steps: the team will launch public outreach at the Growers Market (weather permitting), roll out an interactive online mapping tool and public website, and schedule regular check-ins with the Planning Board. The consultant presentation was informational; no vote was required.
