R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-167.2-3: Duties and responsibilities.

The council’s responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to:

(1) Reducing barriers to the development of housing and streamlining the process to facilitate housing production;

(2) Aligning state policies and programs to address the short- and long-term housing needs of all Rhode Islanders, and ensuring that actions taken support the state housing plan’s goals;

(3) Addressing housing preservation efforts by identifying and implementing strategies to maintain and rehabilitate existing housing stock, particularly affordable housing;

(4) Collaborating on initiatives related to healthy homes, ensuring that housing production and preservation efforts contribute to safe and healthy living environments;

(5) Projecting future housing needs within the state, with a particular focus on identifying and prioritizing the types of housing required to meet the needs of priority populations, including but not limited to low-income families, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities;

(6) Strategizing on how to support economic development, job creation, and community development through housing opportunities; and

(7) Identifying opportunities to promote homeownership, particularly for first-generation homebuyers.