News

Newport to Host Public Information Session on Stormwater Management

Friday, September 11, 2026

NEWPORT, R.I.(FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026)  — The City of Newport’s Department of Utilities will host a public information session on Thursday, September 17, at 6:30 p.m. at Newport City Hall to discuss the City’s stormwater management system, proposed changes to how stormwater services are funded, and an ongoing public rate study.

The session, titled “Rate Structure and Fairness,” is the third public workshop held as part of the City’s ongoing stormwater utility exploration and will provide residents and property owners with an opportunity to learn more about how Newport manages stormwater and to ask questions and provide feedback on the proposed plan.

Topics will include the proposed Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) methodology, which would measure stormwater charges based on the amount of impervious area on a property; examples of how the proposed structure could affect different types of properties; and questions and comments raised by the community since the Department’s April workshop.

Newport currently funds stormwater services through the City’s sewer rate. The proposed rate structure would establish a dedicated stormwater fee based on impervious area, such as rooftops, driveways and parking areas. According to the Department of Utilities, the proposal is intended to better align the cost of stormwater services with the factors that generate runoff while providing a more transparent and predictable funding structure.

Stormwater management is an ongoing City responsibility that includes maintaining thousands of catch basins, inspecting and repairing approximately 55 miles of storm drainage infrastructure, maintaining and monitoring stormwater outfalls, responding to flooding and drainage concerns, meeting state and federal regulatory requirements, and investing in flood mitigation and water-quality improvements. Recognizing that changes to how stormwater services are funded may affect properties differently, Thursday’s information session hopes to address the questions and concerns from residents and property owners regarding fairness, affordability, and the methodology used to calculate charges.

No changes to utility rates or fees have been adopted. Any proposed changes would require two public hearings before the Newport City Council. The Sept. 17 workshop is part of the public engagement and review process and is intended to provide residents with additional information before any future Council consideration.

As always, the meeting is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.

For additional information about the stormwater rate study, proposed changes, previous workshop materials and opportunities to provide feedback, visit Utilities.NewportRI.gov.

Read more »

NEWPORT’S DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICES NAMED ONE OF AMERICA’S TOP PUBLIC WORKS LEADERS BY APWA

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

First Public Works Professional in Rhode Island to Receive Honor

NEWPORT, RI (TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2026) –Newport’s longtime Director of Public Services has been recognized as one of the nation’s top 10 public works leaders by the American Public Works Association (APWA).

The honor, given to William R. Riccio, Jr., P.E., was announced in the run up to the annual national Public Works Week, and marks the first time the award has been given to a Rhode Island public works professional.

As one of the most coveted and prestigious public works awards, the Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year award is presented to 10 individuals from across the country in recognition of their professionalism, expertise, and personal dedication to improving the quality of life in their communities through the advancement of public works services and technology.

A respected leader in public works, transportation planning, and municipal management, Riccio has dedicated more than three decades to advancing infrastructure policy, community planning, and public service throughout Rhode Island and New England.
  Read more »

Parking Season Begins May 1st

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Metered, Residential Permit Parking In Effect throughout Newport
 
NEWPORT, R.I. (THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2025) – The City of Newport’s paid parking and residential
permit programs are set to begin on May 1st.

In addition to streamlining its Residential Parking Permit program by introducing a new online payment and application portal at newportri.cmrpay.com Newport residential parking pass holders will once again be entitled to three free hours of parking in every metered space across the City, as well as the Mary Street Parking Lot.  Parking at Easton’s Beach will also be free for Newport residents throughout the summer with no need to purchase a separate parking pass.

Read more »

Newport Residents Invited to Spring Recycling Day

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Harder to Recycle Items to be Collected April 25th

NEWPORT, R.I. (THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026) – In honor of the 56th anniversary of Earth Day, the City of Newport is inviting residents to take part in the return of its annual Spring Recycling Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 8 a.m. to noon at Easton’s Beach, 175 Memorial Blvd.
 
The annual event is specifically intended for “harder to recycle” items including E-Waste, cardboard, clothing, and textiles, scrap metal, and rigid plastic. Three bulky waste items will also be permitted along with free paper shredding for up to three banker’s boxes.

Please note that event is free and open to City of Newport residents only. Proof of residency is required.
  Read more »

Liberty Tree Planting to Mark Arbor Day Celebration

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Community Invited to Celebrate America’s 250th

NEWPORT, R.I. (THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026) –The City of Newport will be celebrating Arbor Day this year with a special celebration and Liberty Tree planting in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.

Hosted by Newport’s Tree and Open Space Commission and Newport Historical Society, this year’s ceremony will be taking place at William Ellery Park, located at the intersection of Thames and Farewell Streets.  Honors will be provided by the Newport Artillery Company.

In addition to serving as a kickoff to the City’s 250th celebrations multiple presenters will focus on the significance of the Liberty Tree, the park and the role of Newport and its residents in the fight for liberty. The highlight of the day will be the replanting of the City’s official Liberty Tree; a 20-foot American Elm generously donated by the Preservation Society of Newport County.

The festivities are scheduled to begin on Friday, April 24th at 1:30 p.m. and all are welcome and encouraged to join in.
  Read more »

Summer Electricity Rates Announced

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

NEWPORT, R.I. - The Newport Community Electricity program has announced new electricity supply prices to go into effect beginning with the May 2026 meter read.

The prices of the program’s electricity options will decrease by 8% and the program default option, Newport Standard, will continue to include 5% additional renewable energy from local projects in Rhode Island.

The new prices will be fixed for six months through customers’ November 2026 meter read.
  Read more »

Newport Launches NewportRI.gov, Expands Online Services

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

New Domain offers expanded Community Engagement, Online Permitting Capabilities

NEWPORT, R.I. (TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026) – The City of Newport is taking a major step forward in how it connects with residents, businesses, and visitors with the official transition to its new NewportRI.gov domain—part of a broader effort to modernize services, strengthen security, and make it easier to interact with City government online.
  Read more »

NEWPORT’S BUDGET SEASON KICKS OFF

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Workshops Scheduled to Take Place March 30-April 16

NEWPORT, R.I. (TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2026) – Newport’s annual budget process is poised to get underway this month with the City Council kicking off a series of special budget workshops.

The sessions, which will be broadcast on the City’s website, are scheduled to be held in the 2nd Floor Council
Chamber beginning at 5:30 p.m. and are open for all to attend.
 
The workshops will kick off on Monday, March  30th  with  a  presentation  of  the  proposed  Public  Safety budget, including a look at the City’s Police, Fire, and Harbors proposed spending plan.
  Read more »

NEWPORT WARNS AGAINST APPLICATION PAYMENT SCAM

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Sophisticated Scam Targets Current & Pending Application Submissions

NEWPORT, R.I. (WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026) – The City of Newport is warning of a sophisticated scam targeting businesses and individuals with pending or current applications before the City.
The letters, portending to be from the Newport Planning Commission, references valid applications submitted as part of a public docket.

Residents and businesses are urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious communications immediately. If you suspect that you’ve received – or paid – a fraudulent invoice, please contact the City of Newport IT Department at (401) 845- 5400 or the Newport Police Department at (401) 847-1306

The scam involves emails containing fake invoices requesting payment for permit review or Planning Commission application fees, often directing recipient to send wire transfers to complete permit processing and featuring official City branding.
  Read more »

COUNCIL TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETING ON PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT CHANGES

Friday, March 6, 2026

Parking Program Changes Aims to Modernize Permit Program
 
NEWPORT, R.I. (FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026) – Following a first reading during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Wednesday, March 11th, City Councilors will be meeting in a special session on Thursday, March 12th at 7 p.m. at City Hall for the sole purpose of taking up on second reading a proposal to amend the City’s Residential Parking Permit program.

If adopted, the proposal would go into effect for the upcoming parking season, which begins in May.

Read more »