Gubernatorial Candidates Forum, 2026 Power of Place Summit in Providence, RI

Grow Smart Rhode Island is proud to share our Rhode Island Gubernatorial Candidates Forum on Smart Growth, featuring three of the major candidates vying to lead our state in a critical conversation about the future of Rhode Island’s communities. With a gubernatorial election on the horizon, we were pleased to welcome Democrat Helena Foulkes, Republican Aaron Guckian, and Independent Ken Block. Governor McKee was invited but indicated, through his campaign manager, that he would be unable to attend the Forum. The discussion was moderated by award-winning investigative journalist and public affairs host Jim Hummel, with each candidate sharing brief remarks of their vision followed by 20 minutes of moderated Q&A.