‘We have to build housing across all income spectrums,’ says Nirva LaFortune on housing crisis in Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Housing has emerged as a top issue in the race for Providence mayor, alongside education. And the candidate running on a platform to become Providence’s “education mayor” said the city needs more housing, too.

Nirva LaFortune says her plan for solving the city’s housing and rent problem comes down to building.

“We have to build housing across all income spectrums, from low to moderate income, and also for the workforce,” LaFortune said.

LaFortune said she’d like to bring all stakeholders to the table in an attempt to solve the crisis, including developers and people who’ve worked on building affordable housing.

She cited the West Elmwood housing project as a model that could be replicated in all neighborhoods in Providence.

LaFortune also said she’d review the city’s zoning policies.

To hear more from the other candidates, watch Good Morning Providence from 5 to 7 a.m. Thursday and Friday.