Liza Burkin is the lead organizer of the Providence Streets Coalition. Katie West is the director of Strategic Initiatives at Housing Network of Rhode Island.
When it comes to housing and transportation, Rhode Islanders need better choices.
In December, the sudden closure of the Washington Bridge caused major disruption to thousands of people. Rental and home prices continue to skyrocket, with Providence named the city with the highest rent increases in the country. As we enter the 2024 legislative session, these converging issues illustrate that state leaders must take a holistic approach to housing and transit.
It’s been well reported that Rhode Island ranks last in the nation for new housing production, ensuring high costs of housing amid limited availability of homes. We should also be concerned that too many Rhode Islanders are paying the highest prices in the region for gas, insurance and car maintenance, with few to no alternatives to driving. According to the Housing and Transportation Index, Rhode Islanders are spending nearly half of their income on housing and transportation costs.