R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-26-2: Authorities created — Resolution to allow functioning.

(a) In each town of the state there is created a public body corporate and politic to be known as the “housing authority” of the town (hereafter called “town authority”); provided, that the town authority does not transact any business or exercise its powers until or unless the town council of the town, by proper resolution, determines at any time that there is need for a town authority to function in the town.

(b) The town council shall give consideration to the need for a town authority (1) on its own motion or (2) upon the filing of a petition signed by twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the town asserting that there is need for a town authority to function in the town and requesting that the town council so declare.