Newport Launches Free Curbside Food Scrap Composting Pilot Program

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

2-Year Pilot Project Offering 1,500 Residents with Free Composting

NEWPORT, R.I. (TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2025) – The City of Newport is excited to announce the launch of a free curbside food scrap collection pilot program, in partnership with 11th Hour Racing, Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District, and Black Earth Compost.

This two-year program, running from October 5, 2025, to October 2, 2027, offers 1,500 eligible Newport residents free weekly compost collection (a $149.99/yr value) and a curbside bin starter kit ($36 value). Read more »

Newport Launches Upgraded Tax Billing & New Utility Billing Systems

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

New Platforms Aim to Simplify Online Payments

NEWPORT, R.I. (WEDNESDAY AUGUST 20, 2025) – Newport residents can expect a pair of updates to pay their bills this month as both the City’s Tax payment and Utility billing systems get needed upgrades.
  Read more »

Newport Invitational Lifeguard Tournament Returns to Easton’s Beach After Seven-Year Hiatus

Monday, July 28, 2025

Competition to Showcase Best of the Beach
 
NEWPORT, R.I. (MONDAY, JULY 28, 2025) -- Easton’s Beach is proud to announce the return of the Newport Invitational Lifeguard Tournament on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, marking the event’s comeback after a seven-year hiatus.

This full-day competition will showcase the skill, speed, and strength of some of the region’s top ocean
rescue teams. Read more »

NEWPORT OFFERS SAFE BOATING TIPS FOR FESTIVALS

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Kayakers & Boaters Advised to Practice Safe, Smart Boating
  
NEWPORT, R.I. (WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2025) – With Newport’s annual Folk and Jazz festivals expected to draw a flotilla of onlookers to Newport Harbor, the City of Newport’s Harbormaster’s Office is offering tips for both boaters and paddlers to stay safe while taking in the music.

With a mix of kayaks, paddleboards, dinghies, launches, ferries, and boats of every variety expected to convene off Fort Adams this weekend, it’s especially important to stay alert and practice courtesy.

“This is the time for all of us to work together as a safety‑conscious boating and paddling community,” said Mark Marosits, Newport Harbormaster Paddle Safety Officer. “Safety isn’t a rule—it’s a responsibility.”
  Read more »

Department of Utilities to Launch New Utility Billing System August 2025

Friday, July 18, 2025

In-Person Payments to Transition to Halsey Street Office

NEWPORT, R.I. (FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2025) – Department of Utilities is upgrading its utility billing system, promising a more user-friendly, reliable, and efficient utility billing experience.

The new system, which is scheduled to go live mid-August, will provide more flexible and easy-to-use tools for managing utility accounts and making payments online.

The new system will feature a more intuitive interface, expanded payment options, and greater flexibility for customers. As part of this transition, utility billing payment collection responsibilities will officially shift from the Collections Office at City Hall to the Department of Utilities. Effective July 31, 2025, the Collections Office at City Hall will no longer accept utility payments.
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ROADWORK AHEAD: Newport Breaking Ground on Roadway Improvements Across the City

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

18 Roads to see major improvements as part of $3 million bond project

NEWPORT, R.I. (TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2025) – Newport’s annual Roadway Improvement Program is getting underway this month, with higher than usual activity expected thanks to a $3 million investment owed to the passage of the City’s 2024 General Obligation Bond.

Following a bid award last month, the City’s contractor, Pawtucket Hot Mix Asphalt (PHMA), has already begun work on Prescott Hall Road where new pavement, curbing, and sidewalks are all set to be installed. Read more »

Newport Secures Historic Funding for Cliff Walk Repairs

Thursday, July 10, 2025

$11 Million PROTECT Grant Committed to Rebuild Coastal Trail

NEWPORT, R.I. (THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2025) – The City of Newport is pleased to announce that it has received official confirmation to proceed with a significant funding package dedicated to the restoration and long-term preservation of the Cliff Walk, one of Rhode Island’s most iconic and beloved public landmarks.

The City’s Department of Public Services has been formally notified that its application for federal assistance through the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and CostSaving Transportation (PROTECT) grant program has received approval to advance. As a result, the City will now begin working in coordination with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration’s Providence Office to prepare a formal project agreement in accordance with new federal program guidelines.

The $11 million PROTECT grant—believed to be the largest single federal grant ever awarded to the City of Newport—brings the total financial commitment for the Cliff Walk restoration effort to approximately $22 million.
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RIPTA Offering Regular Downtown Shuttle Service from New Park & Ride

Monday, June 23, 2025

NEWPORT, R.I. -- Getting around Newport is expected to get a bit easier this summer. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) has announced that additional weekend service is being added between the Newport Gateway Transportation Center and the new Newport Park & Ride lot, located right off the Newport Pell Bridge.

The new service, which launched over the weekend, will operate every 15 minutes from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Motorists are encouraged to park in the new lot and shuttle into the Gateway Center to take advantage of additional services around town, including the free hop-on, hop-off Route 67 and 68 trolleys, harbor shuttles, or stroll into town. 

Please note that service may be subject to cancellation during inclement weather.

Read more »

Tree & Open Space Commission to Host Carousel Workshop

Thursday, May 29, 2025

Meeting to Explore Feasibility of Locating Carousel at Aquidneck Park

NEWPORT, R.I. (THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2025) – Newport’s Tree and Open Space Commission will be holding a special community workshop which is set for Tuesday, June 3^rd at 5:30 in the meeting room at the recreation center 35 Golden Hill Street, to review the feasibility of integrating the Historic Easton’s Beach Carousel with the Martin Recreation Center (The Hut) in Aquidneck Park.

This proposed integration would include much-needed updates to the recreation center and ensure the City’s cherished carousel remains safe and accessible for generations to come. The Workshop will look to develop a recommendation for the City Council to formally request a study to determine the feasibility of locating the carousel at Aquidneck Park and any necessary updates to the recreation center.
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City of Newport Kicking Off Easton’s Beach Workshops

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Collaborative Visioning Process Set for the Future of Newport’s Iconic Beach

The City of Newport, in collaboration with a multidisciplinary design team, is launching a monthlong series of public workshops focused on the future of Easton’s Beach.
  Read more »