Rhode Island is ready to compete.
Ready to innovate.
Ready to build.
An initiative to strengthen our state and bring Rhode Island together
Originally launched to support Rhode Island in leveraging funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Compete RI has worked collaboratively with local and state stakeholders to help secure millions of dollars for Rhode Island.
In 2023, Compete RI was recognized by the White House as a best practice for how states can support state agencies, municipalities, Tribal governments, educational institutions, nonprofits, and private entities in accessing and deploying federal infrastructure funding.
We have since expanded our focus to pursue a broader range of funding and technical assistance opportunities.
Examples of 2026 Activities to date:
* Coordinating with municipalities to develop strong federal funding applications.
* Supporting statewide grant applications for projects that will support key industries.
* Supporting the state's federally recognized Tribe efforts to secure funding for key projects.
* Providing pro bono support to special projects that benefit RI communities.
* Connecting with regional and national economic and community development stakeholders to stay informed on best practices, build relationships, and identify opportunities relevant to Rhode Island
and more to come....
March 2026 Note: Please excuse us as we are updating the site. Feel free to contact us
Mt. Hope Bridge footage thanks to Tolppa Media
Explore Data That Strengthens Economic Resilience
In 2026, Compete RI—in collaboration with partners—will encourage the use of the National Economic Resilience Data Explorer (NERDE), a powerful and underutilized resource for communities, planners, and practitioners working on economic development and resilience.
NERDE brings together data from a wide range of federal agencies into one convenient, interactive platform, making it easier to understand economic distress, opportunity gaps, and resilience indicators at the state, county, and neighborhood level.
Get started today:
Visit the National Economic Resilience Data Explorer at https://nerde.anl.gov
Interested in a training session? Let us know
Our vision
Compete
- Grantwriting support
- Strategic coordination between agencies, municipalities, and institutions
- Best practices
Innovate
- Transformative infrastructure
- Resilient infrastructure
- Job creation
Build
- Vision for execution
- Scaled coordination and collaboration
- Generational infrastructure improvements and modernization