New Plans for Newport, Rhode Island

THIS PROJECT PREDICTS AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURES OF THOUSANDS OF CITIES AND TOWNS WORLDWIDE. THIS WEEK, WE HIGHLIGHT THE FUTURE OF THE AMERICAN CITY OF NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND, AS IT LURCHES TOWARD ADAPTIVE 'GREEN UTOPIANISM' BY THE YEAR 2121 AD.

Rhode Island, the smallest U.S. state, is facing some of the biggest challenges from sea-level rise. With over 400 miles of coastline, much of the state’s land is low-lying and vulnerable to tidal flooding, storm surges, and accelerated erosion. In recent years, streets, parks, and even cemeteries have begun disappearing beneath rising waters, while saltwater intrusion threatens freshwater sources and coastal habitats. Scientists warn that by 2050, sea levels could rise by over a foot, inundating neighborhoods, roadways, and historical landmarks across the state.

In Newport, one of Rhode Island’s crown jewels with its Colonial architecture and Gilded Age mansions, the city is grappling with flooded wharves, soggy streets, and severed pedestrian routes. Much of Newport was designed centuries ago without any anticipation of modern climate threats. As roads wash out and sidewalks vanish, the city is considering an ambitious plan to build a network of pedestrian bridges—elevated, storm-resistant pathways that connect key parts of the city above the flood line. These bridges won’t just provide safe, scenic routes for residents and tourists; they’ll be essential lifelines for everyday mobility, emergency response, and urban resilience.

What sets Newport apart is how it’s designing this infrastructure: not from the top down, but through deliberative democracy. The city has launched a series of public forums, citizen assemblies, and participatory planning workshops where residents, architects, environmental scientists, and business owners co-design the bridge system together.

This process fosters community buy-in, uncovers local knowledge about flood-prone areas, and empowers Newporters to shape their town’s climate future. It also gives the residents the opportunity to reflect on what makes Newport "look great compared to other American towns". And they generally respond with their love of Newport's towering steeples -- desiring more of them for all kinds of newly emerging buildings -- both spiritual buildings and vernacular.

In time -- when coastal towns are more and more likely to scramble for solutions, Newport shows how democracy and 'retro - design' can walk hand in hand — on bridges built for tomorrow.