Public Developer Program
The Executive Office of Housing (EOH) sought to support approximately two to three projects that will serve as case studies demonstrating the critical role of Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) as public developers in advancing the state’s Housing 2030 goals. EOH made up to $10 million available for this competitive funding round to increase and preserve the availability of low- and moderate-income rental housing.
The Housing 2030 Public Developer Program supports projects that expand housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income households while advancing the state's Housing 2030 goal of permitting 2,250 affordable rental homes by the end of 2030.
The program also prioritized projects that leveraged federal operating subsidies and other funding sources, preserved existing public housing while adding new units, demonstrated readiness to proceed, and incorporated sustainable and accessible design.
FY26 Awards
In June 2026, EOH awarded $9.5 million in awards through the Housing 2030 Public Developer Program to two projects that, together, will create 102 affordable rental homes, including 50 homes for extremely low-income Rhode Islanders.
The two awarded PHAs and projects can be found below.
Award: $4.5 million
The Housing Authority of the City of Newport will use $4.5 million from Public Developer Program funding to support the construction of Park View Terrace, a new 51-unit affordable housing development for older adults and individuals with disabilities on housing authority-owned land.
All 51 apartments will be fully accessible and affordable. The development will serve 39 households earning up to 30 percent of Area Median Income (AMI), with the remaining units serving households earning between 50 and 60 percent of AMI.
The project will leverage significant additional investments, including $300,000 in HUD capital funds, $200,000 in deferred developer fees, and a $170,000 predevelopment grant. The Housing Authority has secured operating subsidies for all 51 units through project-based vouchers and Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) subsidies.
Award: $5 million
Gemini Housing Corporation, a joint venture of the Coventry and Smithfield Housing Authorities, will use Public Developer Program funding to support Winsor Gardens, a 51-unit affordable housing development in Smithfield.
The project will transform the former Winsor School into 29 affordable homes for older adults and construct an adjacent 22-unit building, creating a total of 51 new rental homes.
The project has already secured $554,000 in additional funding, including support from the Smithfield Affordable Housing Trust, a federal American Rescue Plan Act predevelopment grant, and a recoverable grant from Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).