Interface Studio introduced as lead consultant for Newport comprehensive plan update

The City’s planning director introduced Interface Studio on Oct. 8 as the lead consultant for Newport’s 2027 comprehensive plan update, describing an 18‑month schedule of six consultant visits, community engagement events, and a timeline to deliver a draft for Planning Board and City Council review by next fall.

Mindy Watts of Interface Studio told the Council the project will include analysis, a 20‑year vision, and 10 chapters aligned with state comprehensive‑plan requirements; the team includes economists and subconsultants focused on climate resiliency and transportation. Interface said it will build on recent local planning work (including the housing chapter adopted last year), conduct outreach tools such as an online collaborative map and bilingual postcards, and host a public visioning workshop in December followed by additional engagement through spring and summer open houses.

Councilors asked how Interface will reach residents who are absent during the tourist season; Watts said the team will mirror in‑person outreach with online tools and Zoom events and will embed collaborative mapping and surveys on the city’s website. The Council also asked about a possible advisory group to provide ongoing feedback; Interface and staff said options are under consideration and the administration will return with a proposed advisory structure after the first round of public input.

Ending: Staff said the consultant will return in December for the first major public event and will coordinate with planning staff to post materials and engagement opportunities on the city website.