Smithfield is beginning a full rewrite of its Comprehensive Plan—the long-range policy document that guides how the town grows, what it protects, and how public investments are prioritized. State law requires every Rhode Island municipality to maintain an up-to-date, state-certified Comprehensive Plan. Smithfield’s current plan expires in October 2027.

This rewrite will guide land use, housing, transportation, economic development, natural resource protection, public services, and long-term decision-making for the next decade. The process will be led by the Planning Department, with input from residents, local boards and commissions, and state agencies.

The process will be led by the Planning Department with input from residents, local boards and commissions, and state agencies.

Community Values Conversation + Strong Towns 101 Presentation

Date & Time
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 — 6:30–8:30 PM
Arrival & check-in: 6:00–6:30 PM; meeting begins promptly at 6:30 PM

Location
East Smithfield Neighborhood Center
7 Esmond St, Smithfield, RI 02917

The Town of Smithfield is beginning a community-wide conversation about the town’s future as part of its Comprehensive Plan rewrite.

This kickoff event marks the start of the Vision & Values phase of the process. Rather than focusing on specific projects or proposals, the evening will center on shared reflection: what makes Smithfield meaningful, what responsibilities the community holds as it changes over time, and what values should guide decisions over the next 20 years.

The program will begin with a Strong Towns 101 presentation to provide shared context on how communities across the country are thinking about growth, public investment, infrastructure costs, and long-term fiscal health. This presentation is intended to support thoughtful discussion and help frame the conversations that follow.

Participants will then take part in small-group conversations designed to surface community values, lived experiences, and long-term priorities. These discussions will help shape the foundation of the Comprehensive Plan and guide future phases of public engagement and analysis.

No prior planning knowledge is required. This event is open to all residents, business owners, and community members who care about Smithfield’s long-term future and want to be part of an ongoing civic conversation.

Guest Presenter

Edward Erfurt, Chief Technical Advisor at Strong Towns, will offer a brief presentation to help frame the discussion. His work focuses on community-based planning, incremental change, and understanding the long-term impacts of local decisions on town character, public finances, and quality of life.

Let us know you're planning to attend on our Facebook Event Page 

Why The Comprehensive Plan Matters

The Comprehensive Plan provides the framework for many of the decisions that shape daily life in Smithfield. It influences:

• Where development occurs and at what scale

• Housing options and affordability

• Protection of drinking water, forests, open space, and historic areas

• Roadway safety and transportation choices

• The location and capacity of public services and facilities

• The vitality of village centers and local businesses

• How the town prepares for flooding, storms, and other long-term risks

The plan also guides future zoning updates and must be consistent with the Rhode Island Comprehensive Planning & Land Use Act.

Project Timeline

The rewrite will take place from early 2026 through fall 2027.

Early 2026 – Project launch, background data preparation
Feb–Apr 2026 – Vision & Values engagement
Spring–Fall 2026 – Inventory and baseline conditions
Fall 2026 – Issues & Opportunities analysis
Jan–Mar 2027 – Growth Scenarios & public tradeoffs
Feb–Jun 2027 – Future Land Use Map development
Mar–Jun 2027 – Goals, Policies & Actions
May–Aug 2027 – Implementation Program
May–Jul 2027 – Draft Plan assembly
Aug–Oct 2027 – Public hearing, Town Council adoption, and state certification

Updates will be posted at each major milestone.

Public Engagement

Public input will be gathered through three focused engagement phases, each tied to a specific stage of the planning work.

Vision & Values (Early 2026)

A town-wide conversation about what residents value most, what should be protected, and what challenges Smithfield must address over the next decade.

Reality & Constraints (Late 2026)

Public review of existing conditions and data, including housing, transportation, land capacity, water supply, economic trends, natural resources, and climate risks.

Choices & Tradeoffs (Early 2027)

Evaluation of alternative growth scenarios and discussion of the long-term tradeoffs associated with different development patterns.

Engagement methods will be designed to be accessible and efficient, recognizing limited municipal staffing while aiming to reach residents meaningfully.

What the Plan Will Include

The Comprehensive Plan rewrite will result in:

• Updated inventories and existing-conditions analysis

• A new Future Land Use Map

• Topic chapters covering housing, economic development, natural resources, recreation and open space, services and facilities, transportation, natural hazards, and land use

• A coordinated set of Goals, Policies, and Actions

• A 10-year Implementation Program

• A zoning consistency review

• A complete draft plan for public hearing and adoption

Major draft components will be made available for public review before final adoption. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Comprehensive Plan?
It is the Town’s long-range policy guide for land use, housing, mobility, services, and public investment. Rhode Island requires every municipality to have an up-to-date, state-certified plan.

Why rewrite the plan now?
The existing plan expires in October 2027. Updating it ensures legal compliance, supports good decision-making, and aligns local zoning with community goals.

How does this affect zoning?
State law requires zoning to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. After adoption, the Town will update zoning to reflect the Future Land Use Map and policy direction.

Who is writing the plan?
The plan is being developed in-house by the Department of Planning, with technical assistance from state agencies and consulting partners as needed.

How can I participate?
Sign up for updates, attend public meetings, share your comments, and take part in the three engagement waves.