Council agrees to form 20–25‑member advisory committee for 2027 comprehensive plan after debate over selection process

The Newport City Council voted 5–2 to receive a memorandum from the city manager and planning staff asking councilors to nominate members for a 2027 comprehensive plan advisory committee that will work with the consultant team.

The memo describes a 20–25 person advisory committee that would “ground truth” consultant work, provide community input and help with public engagement; staff says the committee can include planning board members, commission representatives and at‑large community members. Teresa Crane, director of resilience and sustainability, told the council the consultant contract for the update is "The contract is for $300,000.300." Becky Kerfadden, city planner, outlined the committee composition on the memo: planning board members, representatives for climate resiliency, a North End Community Energy and Environment Commission representative, transportation, business and economic development, and two to three general community representatives.

Why it matters: the advisory committee will shape outreach and feedback that feed the consultant’s recommendations and the plan that will guide local land‑use and policy decisions for the next decade.

Councilors debated how committee members should be chosen. Several councilors, including Stephanie Smyth and Lynn Underwood Segly, questioned a nomination process in which each councilor names one person, arguing that an open application and interview process would reduce bias. Carlin, Rowland and others defended the nomination route as faster and consistent with past practice for large, time‑sensitive efforts. Staff said the consultant team’s earliest site work is scheduled the week of Oct. 6 and that some flexibility exists for a soft kickoff while the city completes the membership list.

Becky Kerfadden told the council the memo does not preclude advertising for volunteers and that members of existing boards and commissions can serve as the at‑large representatives. Crane said the committee will not write the plan; rather, the consultant will prepare draft products and the committee will review and provide input.

Councilors also asked about best practices from other municipalities. Crane said staff contacted the League of Cities and Towns and reviewed approaches from East Providence, Woonsocket and Middletown, where practices range from staff‑selected panels to mixed models that include council appointees.

Next steps: staff indicated it will work with Director Trish Reynolds and the consultant to firm up how members are identified and how names will be presented to council for confirmation. The council will consider any committee appointments at a future meeting.