R.I. partnering with Brookings Institution

STEFAN PRYOR, center, the state commerce secretary, is pictured with Gov. Gina M. Raimondo, left. Rhode Island will partner with the Brookings Institution to identify economic development initiatives and industries that have the most potential to strengthen the economy. Pryor is spearheading the Brookings collaboration. / PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
STEFAN PRYOR, center, the state commerce secretary, is pictured with Gov. Gina M. Raimondo, left. Rhode Island will partner with the Brookings Institution to identify economic development initiatives and industries that have the most potential to strengthen the economy. Pryor is spearheading the Brookings collaboration. / PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island will partner with the Brookings Institution, one of the nation’s most prominent public policy organizations, to identify economic-development initiatives and industries that have the most potential to strengthen the economy.
The partnership, made possible through donations, including by the Rhode Island Foundation, will engage the Washington D.C.-based organization’s Metropolitan Policy Program for six months, according to a press release.
Brookings has previously worked on economic policy strategies for Buffalo, N.Y. and Chicago, among other cities.
R.I. Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor, in a prepared statement, said he would spearhead the Brookings collaboration. The work is expected to help identify how to target the state’s new economic development tools, including several programs created under the recently approved fiscal 2016 budget.
“We aim to develop a high-impact strategy that builds upon Rhode Island’s strengths and advances our economy,” Pryor said.
The Brookings team will be led by Senior Fellow and Policy Director Mark Muro and Vice President and Co-Director Bruce Katz.
The project is expected to include several public sessions throughout the state, as well as discussions with stakeholders including large and small businesses, philanthropies and nonprofits.

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