2025-34 Supporting the R. I. League of Cities and Towns 2025 Legislative Priorities

RESOLUTION OF THE NEWPORT CITY COUNCIL

IN SUPPORT OF RHODE ISLAND LEAGUE OF CITIES AND TOWNS
2025 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

WHEREAS, all 39 cities and towns are members of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns; and

WHEREAS, the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns serves as a convener and advocates to the Governor and General Assembly to support the needs of municipalities throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns believes in:
• Supporting robust local government funding through municipal aid programs, education aid and grants.
• Increasing opportunities, through various methods, to raise local revenues.
• Fully funded policy proposals and programs, particularly related to workforce management and personnel costs.
• Adopting policies that support 39 distinct communities, avoiding one-size-fits-all solutions, especially regarding land use, business licensing and other important policy areas.
• Maintaining local control and decision-making that reflects community needs, including land use, business operations, licensing, etc.
• Supporting greater flexibility for local government to innovate, improve efficiency and save tax dollars.

WHEREAS, the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns surveyed all 39 members to develop legislative priorities for the 2025 session of the Rhode Island General Assembly; and

WHEREAS, stable local and education aid from the state will ensure that cities and towns can maintain municipal operations while investing one-time funds toward necessary capital improvements and economic recovery; and

WHEREAS, property taxes represent approximately two-thirds of revenue for municipal budgets statewide, and Rhode Island has the eighth-highest property tax burden in the nation; and

WHEREAS, any reduction in state funding would exacerbate a dependence on property taxes, ultimately leading to service reductions, layoffs and property tax increases; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island’s municipalities are an important piece of Rhode Island’s economic success; NOW THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED, that the Newport City Council of the City of Newport supports the priorities identified by the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns on behalf of the 39 cities and towns in Rhode Island.

CHARLES M. HOLDER, JR.
JEANNE-MARIE NAPOLITANO
STEPHANIE SMYTH
LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
February 26, 2025

LAURA C. SWISTAK, CMC
CITY CLERK