The focus of the Redevelopment Agency is the elimination and prevention of blighted and substandard areas. The Redevelopment Agency is also granted broad power to foster economic development in substandard and blighted areas.

Historically, Redevelopment Agencies across the country have used their broad powers to acquire properties and clear large tracts of land for redevelopment, based on their purpose of the elimination of blight.

Today, conditions have greatly changed. Fewer dollars are available for large-scale projects. Therefore, the Agency is taking a more nuanced approach to redevelopment which fosters neighborhood revitalization and private investment.

Through the Redevelopment Agency and the Providence City Plan Commission, and with the approval of the Providence City Council, areas of the City which contain blighted and substandard conditions are established as Redevelopment Areas. Redevelopment Plans are then created to establish project areas within the larger Redevelopment Area. This process is designed to create a coordinated strategy that proposes specific improvements to an area.