McKee Administration Sets Goal to Permit 15,000 New Housing Units by 2030, Nearly Double RI’s Housing Production Rate for the Last Five Years

PROVIDENCE, RI – On April 23rd, Governor Dan McKee and Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard released a draft of Housing 2030, the state’s first housing plan since 2006, which sets a goal of permitting 15,000 new homes by 2030. This comprehensive and actionable document aims to address Rhode Island’s housing challenges by setting ambitious goals for the production and preservation of housing at every level.

“For the first time in many years, Rhode Island is gaining real momentum in tackling this longstanding issue—and Housing 2030 will help ensure that progress continues,” said Governor Dan McKee. “By prioritizing the creation of housing at every level, this plan will help us build stronger, more resilient communities, stimulate our economy, and ensure that housing is no longer a barrier to opportunity for Rhode Islanders.”

The core goal of Housing 2030—permitting 15,000 new homes by 2030—encompasses a diverse range of housing types, including affordable rental homes, affordable homeownership units, and middle-market homes such as duplexes, triplexes, and accessory dwelling units. The plan also emphasizes the preservation of existing affordable housing and supports initiatives to promote homeownership, particularly for first-time buyers.

“We’ve heard from communities across Rhode Island about the critical need for more housing options. This plan addresses those concerns by targeting the systemic barriers to housing production and focusing on actionable solutions,” said Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard. “With strong collaboration across municipal, state, and private partners, we can create housing that meets the needs of Rhode Islanders across income levels and housing types.”

The strategies outlined in the plan are designed to tackle key barriers to housing production, including restrictive zoning regulations, the rising cost of construction, and gaps in state and federal funding. The plan’s success will depend on the collective action of municipalities, developers, residents, and policymakers working together toward the common goal of ensuring that housing is affordable and accessible for all.

Under the leadership of Governor McKee, Rhode Island has built significant momentum in addressing the housing crisis, including achieving the highest annual number of units permitted since 2005, with 2,655 units permitted in 2024. Housing 2030 will serve as a strategic guide to help the State build on this progress and accelerate long-term solutions. The McKee Administration has already:

• Passed the largest housing bond in state history – $120 million – to make housing more affordable and accessible to Rhode Islanders.
• Allocated $219 million in federal State Fiscal Recovery Funds for the production and preservation of housing units in the FY 2023-2025 enacted budgets.
• Of the 99 developments receiving funding through the RIHousing one-stop rounds, the 42 that received construction financing will deliver a total of 2,314 new homes. Nearly 80% of these units will be deed-restricted to remain affordable for Rhode Islanders. 372 units are already completed and online, with more on the way.
• Established a $30-million Statewide Downpayment Assistance program to help over 1,600 families and individuals become first-time homebuyers.
• Created the first-ever State Low Income Housing Tax Credit to expand affordable housing options for low-income households.
• Provided over $2.3 million in assistance to 92 homebuyers across 12 municipalities through RIHousing’s FirstGenHomeRI program, which offers $25,000 in down payment and/or closing cost assistance for first-generation homebuyers living in Central Falls, East Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, and parts of Providence and Newport.
• Increased affordable homeownership opportunities across Rhode Island for first-time homebuyers at or below 100 percent of the area median income through RIHousing’s Homeownership Investment Fund.
• Developed a Home Repair Program to assist homeowners in distressed areas with necessary residential repair and rehabilitation costs, including electrical, heating, energy improvements, accessibility improvements, roofing repair/replacement, lead hazard reduction, and plumbing improvements.
• Established the Municipal Fellows Program, a new housing development-focused initiative, to provide support to cities and towns with planning, zoning, and/or development capacity to increase housing development. Eight communities currently have Municipal Fellows.

Housing 2030 is the result of a collaborative effort led by the RI Department of Housing, with input from housing advocates, municipal leaders, developers, and residents. The plan is grounded in research, stakeholder engagement, and a deep understanding of Rhode Island’s housing needs.

“Municipal leaders strongly support the development of responsible housing to address the needs of Rhode Islanders,” said Randy Rossi, Executive Director, Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns. “The League extends its appreciation to the McKee administration and the Department of Housing for their engagement and incorporation of our recommendations. More housing can be built when policies reflect the community needs and financial and technical support is available.”

To further collaboration, the RI Department of Housing has posted the draft on their website so Rhode Islanders can review the draft plan and submit their feedback. The public comment period will remain open until May 23, 2025, providing an opportunity for all to contribute their perspectives.