September 21, 1999

                I am pleased to present Livable Providence 2000, an urban environmental briefing book created in preparation for our upcoming Livable Providence 2000 Conference. This briefing book will serve as a valuable reference tool for residents and public and private sector stakeholders who value our urban neighborhoods and seek to preserve and improve our quality of life.

               The highlighted issues were identified through a series of public meetings and focus groups and reflect areas of high priority for action. The compendium was created through a collaboration among the City of Providence, the Brown University Center for Environmental Studies, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, many residents and representatives of public agencies and community organizations provided valuable assistance by providing information, data, and feedback throughout the process.

              Our Livable Providence 2000 Conference will result in the drafting of a new urban environmental plan for the City of Providence that will ensure that all Providence neighborhoods are safe, healthy, and pleasant places to live. The day-long conference will be held October 23, 1999 at the Providence Campus of the Community College of Rhode Island and will be free and open to the public. I strongly encourage you to join us in this important effort. For more information, please contact Luke Driver at 421-7740 x221.

                                                                                             Sincerely,

                                                                                             VINCENT A. CIANCI, JR.

                                                                                             Mayor