RI Capitol’s Civic Intelligence Network · Powered by XPoLL
R.I. Commerce Corp. awarded $623,202 through Qualified Jobs Incentive Tax Credits and Innovation Vouchers. Solid State Marine received $548,202 in credits over 10 years for relocating manufacturing and engineering from Massachusetts to Pawtucket. The awards support job creation, innovation, and development across Rhode Island's economy.
Paolino Properties sold its 333 Adelaide Avenue property, fully leased to Tesla, for $14,037,910 to MDC Coast 25 LLC. The transaction in Providence's South End reflects strong net-lease investment demand and Tesla's role as a commercial anchor since arriving. Joseph Paolino cited the project as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization.
Pawtucket-based Teknor Apex is partnering in a 75-million-euro ($87.8 million) investment fund with Paris-based OSS Ventures to scale industrial software companies across North America and Europe. Teknor will act as the regional industrial anchor and become the first U.S. manufacturer to invest in and deploy OSS portfolio software at scale. OSS is opening a Boston office.
Over 2,500 Teamsters Local 251 members at Rhode Island Hospital ratified a three-year agreement maintaining Teamsters health care, layoff protections, and adding FSA benefits. The contract includes higher wages, stronger seniority rights, and improved tuition assistance. Rhode Island Hospital is the state's largest private employer. Local 251 has represented workers there for over 30 years.
Smokey Bones' Warwick restaurant closed permanently on April 28, according to a posted notice. No reason was shared. The closure follows the barbecue chain's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in January. The shutdown marks a retail/dining vacancy in Rhode Island's commercial landscape.
Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa announced the second round of RI AnchorHome, a program offering affordable mortgages for first-time homebuyers. Nearly 60 families closed on homes in the first round. The initiative, launched in December 2025, aims to expand homeownership access amid inflation and low inventory. One beneficiary purchased a Warwick home for ~$400,000.
US District Judge Melissa DuBose issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission from processing applications or holding a May lottery for up to 24 new dispensary licenses. Three out-of-state retailers challenged the 2022 Cannabis Act's residency requirement, arguing it violates the dormant commerce clause and equal protection clause. CCC filed an appeal last week.
Kent Hospital (Care New England) is renovating its Warwick campus with a new 90,000-square-foot ambulatory services building, cardiac cath lab expansion, and renovated emergency department. The multi-phase project responds to rising patient volumes. Construction underway; no financial details or completion date disclosed.
University of Rhode Island board chair Margo Cook and spouse Renee Cohen donated $2.1 million to establish the Cook-Cohen Scholars Program, an endowed scholarship offering full four-year awards to top students nationally and globally. Part of URI's broader fundraising momentum.
The new Ocean State Climate Alliance, a Rhode Island 501(c)(4) nonprofit, officially launched April 13 to organize business, labor, and civic leaders around climate legislation. Goals include lowering energy costs, streamlining permitting, and meeting Act on Climate obligations. The group will engage in legislative advocacy.
Charcuterie Artisans, parent company of Creminelli, Daniele, Del Duca, and La Quercia, opened an Innovation Center at its 561,444-square-foot Mapleville campus. The facility will serve as a collaborative hub for product development and strategic partnerships with national and regional food retailers. The company is now the largest charcuterie manufacturer in the U.S. following its recent acquisition of La Quercia.
