RI Leaders Support Effort to Bring Revolution to Providence
Kate Nagle, GoLocal Contributor
RI Leaders Support Effort to Bring Revolution to Providence
Bob Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots who is also the owner of the New England Revolution, is looking to build a soccer venue, which holds roughly 20,000 seats. While Kraft is currently eyeing a location off of Interstate 93 in Boston, the advantages of Providence -- and the fact that Kraft used all private money last time to build Gillette -- has people talking.
"One of Mayor-Elect Elorza's most important priorities is to aggressively pursue opportunities that will grow Providence's economy and make the city a better place to live, work and visit," said Marisa O'Gara, Elorza's Director of Communications. "Relocating the New England Revolution to Providence would propose an exciting prospect for our city and our state, and the Mayor-elect stands ready to work with Mr. Kraft and other interested parties to determine whether such a prospect can become a reality. Providence's world-class amenities and convenient geographic location could provide a perfect home base for the Revolution and its many fans."
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTURI Distinguished Professor of Business Edward Mazze offered his perspective on the economic viability of bringing a stadium to downtown Providence -- and the limited role he believes government would need to maintain to encourage its ultimate success.
"Bringing the New England Revolution to Providence would be an economic boost for the city and the region as long as the cost of building a soccer stadium is done by not raising local taxes or giving away many economic incentives," said URI Distinguished Professor of Business Edward Mazze, who noted that there would be a "positive impact on the restaurant and hospitality industry and on the apparel and accessory store industry."
Jim Bennett, Economic Development Director for the City of Providence, noted that the city has had talks with the Revolution in the past.
“Providence is all for trying to bring the Revolution here, said Bennett. "We have had conversations in the past with the leadership of the Revolution and we believe Providence would be the perfect host to New England’s premiere soccer club.”
Looking at the MLS -- and Providence
"One nice thing about Providence is that MLS has gone with one of two strategies. They've either gone big -- NYC, Chicago, LA -- or they've gone small, where there are no other professional sports teams. Columbus, Salt Lake, Portland -- places without MLB, not to interfere with summer season," said Matheson. "Providence would fit very nicely into the smaller model. I would point out that Providence is larger than Salt Lake City, and Real Salt Lake has done quite well there.
"There have been two models of stadiums," said Matheson. "One has been put it in the middle of nowhere, and surround with soccer fields, those haven't done nearly as well as putting in downtowns, and cater specifically to younger generation who grew up playing soccer. MLS has tried hard to get soccer specific stadiums in the new wave -- and their latest have been truly innovative facilities."
Rhode Island Sports Commission Executive Director John Gibbons said that he believes a new venue downtown could be a welcome addition.
"I think if we had a venue in downtown, any new venue would be a good thing," said Gibbons "I know other downtown sporting venues those bring people to the downtown area. A smaller stadium could be used multi-dimensionally. One thing downtown Providence has is a lot of the infrastructure is here. Highways, rail, parking, a working downtown that's here during the day."
Gibbons noted that being in the sports industry, he saw another opportunity for a downtown stadium venue.
"We when we host large conventions, they often look for off-site venues for 1000-1500 people, and those spaces are few and far between in Providence," said Gibbons. "When people in our industry go conferences, they go to these types of events at stadiums, ball parks.
Economic Impact
“Activating a downtown area with a sports franchise such as professional soccer is very appealing. More vibrant urban communities around the country are ones that offer residents and visitors alike a robust variety of sports, cultural, arts and entertainment venues. I have not researched the physical or economic requirements of building a soccer stadium in downtown Providence and I have no particular insights as to whether or not Kennedy Plaza (as mentioned in GoLocal's Editorial) is an appropriate place. But, fresh ideas on how to revitalize our communities, no matter how big or small, should always be encouraged," said Valois.
"I recommend that the conversation include a real understanding of the market dynamics for a successful franchise. Many professional soccer stadiums that have emerged in the recent past have been supported in part with public funds. Positive returns on public investment can only be maximized if it can be demonstrated that such a sports venue attracts outside visitors and brings new dollars into our economy," Valois continued. "The projected market draw from outside Rhode Island and the potential of using the stadium for other visitor attracting events (other than the 15-20 home soccer games) should be important factors in considering such a project.”
Providence City Councilman Luis Aponte, who is vying for Council Presidency, is in full support of pursuing a project.
"I would be 100% behind looking into this," said Aponte.
RI Business Rankings in US
WalletHub
Rhode Island has 2015's eighth highest insurance premium penalties for high risk drivers, according to a WalletHub report.
Rhode Island ranks fifth overall in the category of speeding over 20 mph annual premium increase at $482. While ranking third overall in the category of 2 accidents annual premium increase at $2,721.
Rhode Island ranks ninth overall under the reckless driving annual premium increase at $749.
WalletHub
Rhode Island has been ranked as the 8th most eco-friendly state in the country, according to a recent study by WalletHub.
Rhode Island ranks third in environmental quality and 16th in Eco-Friendly Behaviors Ran landing them in 8th overall.
RI is behind Washington and New Hampshire who are in the six and seven spots respectively, and in front of Connecticut and Hawaii who come in at the nine and ten spot.
WalletHub
Rhode Island is 2015's 4th Worst State to be a taxpayer, according to a recent WalletHub report.
Rhode Island ranks 48th of 51 with an average state and local tax price of $7,159 which is good for a 27% difference from the national average.
The states that are directly behind Rhode Island are Wisconsin at $7,159, Nebraska at $7,298 and Illinois at $7,719 for a 37% difference from the national average.
WalletHub
Rhode Island has the highest vehicle property taxes in the country, paying an average of $1,133 according to a report from WalletHub.
Virginia and Kansas are the two states just ahead of Rhode Island in the 49 and 50 spots, paying $962 and $905 respectively.
RI also ranks 42nd in average real estate tax, paying an average of $2,779, according to the WalletHub report.
WalletHub
WalletHub has ranked Rhode Island as the 7th worst state to be rich in in a recent in depth analysis of 2015's Best States to be Rich or Poor From a Tax Perspective.
On a scale with 1 being the best, and 25 being average, Rhode Island ranks 37th in low income earners, 42 in middle income earners and 45th in high income earners.
To see the full report, click here.
Gallup
Providence-metro ranks at the bottom for job creation in 2014
Rhode Island has been ranked amongst the worst in job creation, according to a recent survey done by Gallup.
Gallup gives the Prov-metro area an index score of 23, the lowest score is the New York- New Jersey area with 20.
Salt Lake City, Utah and Austin-round Rock, Texas rank the highest with a score of 37.
See the rest of the rankings here.
Forbes
The 2014 state rankings by Forbes has just been released and Rhode Island moved up two spots from #48 in 2013 to #46 in 2014.
What does Forbes say about RI's business environment"
After Michigan and Illinois, Rhode Island has experienced the third worst net migration out of its state in the country over the past five years. With a recent unemployment rate of 7.6%—lower than only Georgia and Mississippi—residents are leaving the state in search of jobs. Rhode Island has been stuck in the bottom five overall for six straight years. One plus: labor costs are 5% below the national average, which stands out in the expensive Northeast.
Tax Foundation
Findings from The State Business Tax Climate Index were released this morning by Tax Foundation which found Rhode Island to have the 45th best tax climate for businesses for 2015. The state's rank has not changed since last year after The Index analyzed 100 different tax variables in multiple categories.
Read more about the report here
WalletHub
After conducting an online suvery consisting of 1,050 individuals from both parties across the nation, WalletHub ranked Rhode Island as having America's 33rd fairest tax system.
Click here to view the poll's entire findings
Thumbtack/Kauffman
Providence is the second worst city in America for small business, according to a new survey conducted by Thumbtack.com and the Kauffman Foundation.
More than 12,000 small businesses in 82 cities across the country participate in the survey. Providence received an overall "F" grade for small business friendliness.
The Economist
Small Business Friendliness Grade: F
The Economist grades states on an A+ to F grading scale for its small business climate. Rhode Island is one of just 6 states to earn an "F" grade.
Overbearing bureaucracy and excessive licensing is stifling small business in America.
Read More About The Economist Grade Here
CNBC
CNBC ranks each state in cost of doing business, economy, technology and innovation.
Rhode Island's unemployment rate as of May 2014 was 8.2 percent. This is RI's lowest unemployment rate since August 2008.
Read More About CNBC Ranking Here
Forbes
Forbes ranks each state in business costs, economic climate, and growth prospects. RI is third worst in 2013.
The most damning in the commentary:
After Michigan, Rhode Island has experienced the second worst net migration in the country over the past five years.
Read More About Forbes Ranking Here
ChiefExecutive.net
#39 ChiefExecutive.net
ChiefExecutive.net ranks each state in taxations and regulations, workforce quality, and living environment.
The most damning in the commentary:
Sky-high unemployment rate bespeaks continuing terrible business climate.
Read More About ChiefExecutive.net Ranking Here
Tax Foundation
#46 Tax Foundation
Tax Foundation ranks each state in corporate tax rank, sales tax rank, and unemployment insurance tax rank.
Rhode Island and the other states in the bottom ten suffer from the same afflictions: complex, non-neutral taxes with comparatively high rates.
Read More About Tax Foundation Ranking Here
Wallet Hub
#24 Wallet Hub
Wallet Hub ranks each state in ROI rank, state tax rank, and overall government services.
Rhode Island ranked #50 for worst roads and bridges, but ranked #4 in safety.
Read More About Wallet Hub Ranking Here
ALEC
#47 ALEC
ALEC ranks each state in economic performance and outlook.
Although Rhode Island ranked low in economic performance, a forward-looking forecast is based on the state’s standing in 15 important state policy variables. Some of these variables include top marginal personal income tax rate and sales tax burden.
Read More About ALEC Ranking Here
Kauffman Foundation
#50 Kauffman Foundation
Kauffman Foundation ranks each state in entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurial activity generally is highest in Western and Southern states
and lowest in Midwestern and Northeastern states.
Read More About Kauffman Ranking Here
Free Enterprise
#47 Free Enterprise
Free Enterprise ranks each state in performance, exports, innovation + entrepreneurship, business climate, talent pipeline, infrastructure.
Rhode Island has continued to feel the direct impact and ripples from the recent recession—it ranks 47th overall in economic performance. However, positive rankings of 15th in talent pipeline and 16th in innovation and entrepreneurship suggest the existence of a foundation on which to build the future.
Read More About Free Enterprise Ranking Here
The Pew Charitable Trusts
#40 The Pew Charitable Trusts
The Pew Charitable Trusts ranks each state in job growth and job creation.
Rhode Island added 6,223 jobs in 2014.
Read More About The Pew Charitable Trusts Ranking Here
Gallup
10th Worst in Gallup's Annual Ranking of State Job Markets 2014
Rhode Island has been ranked 10th worst for job creation in Gallup's annual ranking of state job markets in 2014 with a job creation index number of 21
Rhode Island is one of two (Connecticut) states to rank in the bottom ten each year since 2008.
The 2014 State level findings have were drawn from 201,254 interviews with employed adults across the nation.
See the full list of rankings here.
