This bill amends the General Laws to require the economic development corporation and the division of planning to develop a written long-term economic development vision and policy for the state of Rhode Island. The strategic plan for implementing this policy must include a unified economic development strategy that integrates business growth with land use and transportation choices, an analysis of how the state's infrastructure can support this strategy, a focus on equitable outcomes for all Rhode Islanders, and reliance on economic data and analysis relating to climate change, sea-level rise, coastal resiliency, and present economic development resources. The bill also changes the number of members on the economic development planning council from 17 to 19 by adding the directors of the department of environmental management and the coastal resources management council. The council is responsible for developing the long-term economic development vision and policy and submitting it to the governor, senate, and house of representatives. The bill also requires the council to hold public hearings and submit the policy and plan to the legislature for approval. The economic development corporation and the division of planning will provide staff support to the council, and all state departments must cooperate with the council and provide necessary support. The council may accept grant funds, hold public hearings, invite experts and witnesses to submit testimony, and contract with experts and consultants. The council is subject to the Open Meetings Act and the Public Records Act. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
62: 42-64.17-1