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Economic Development and Affordability

The Economic Impact of the Housing Crisis on Businesses in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Builders Association has joined with other business leaders and organizations in developing a study which demonstrates the effect housing price escalation will have on businesses, economic development and individual Rhode Islanders. Fleet Bank engaged RIPEC to manage a housing market analysis to explore the various influences the housing sector has on attracting and retaining a workforce for Rhode Island businesses. RIPEC hired Ninigret Partners, Inc. to develop and analyze information to support a policy framework for Rhode Island businesses as well as the State's political leaders.

Among the key findings of this study are that in the 5 years from 1998 to 2003, personal income in Rhode Island rose approximately 25%. During this same period, the medial price of a single family home rose almost 88%.

This report begins to discuss potential steps to address a number of housing-related issues including affordability and economic development.