PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Some people arrived at the "Make It Happen RI" forum with detailed proposals to share and talked about them with small groups. They hoped their ideas would rise to the top, chosen by the larger group as a top priority.
One such idea was touted by Gregory A. Mancini -- executive director of the union-management partnership , which promotes the use of union contractors. He and others are developing a plan to retrofit buildings in Providence to be more energy-efficient and, ultimately, to save money on energy costs.
Providence was among 10 cities chosen nationally to pilot an idea called Emerald Cities, Mancini said. He believes the work in Providence can become a model for others in Rhode Island to follow.
"Today, it's one specific, concrete idea that will help Rhode Island make it happen," Mancini said. "We're doing it anyways, but this forum will give us the momentum, I hope, on a larger scale."
On Twitter: Follow the conversation from the forum at #makeithappenri