KINGSTON, R.I. – Nov. 5, 2026 – Rhode Island voters overwhelmingly approved Question 1 on Election Day, Nov. 3, authorizing a $275 million bond investment in the state’s public colleges and universities, including $165 million for a new integrated health building at the University of Rhode Island’s Kingston Campus.
The bond approval represents a significant investment in the future of higher education, healthcare, and workforce development in Rhode Island. The new facilities will expand educational opportunities, strengthen workforce training, and help prepare Rhode Islanders for careers in high-demand fields.
“On behalf of the University, I want to express our sincere thanks to the people of Rhode Island for recognizing the importance of investing in higher education and supporting Question 1,” said URI President Marc Parlange. “This bond is an investment in our students, our state’s workforce, and the future of Rhode Island. The new integrated health building will help us educate and train the next generation of healthcare professionals, address critical workforce needs, and strengthen the health and vitality of communities throughout our state. We are deeply grateful to Rhode Island voters for their support, and to the governor, the General Assembly, and our elected officials for their leadership and commitment to this important investment.”
With nearly 60% of voters statewide supporting Question 1, the measure received broad support across Rhode Island—30 of the state’s 39 municipalities voted to approve the measure. Three communities approved the bond by more than 70%: Central Falls (83%), Providence (81%), and Pawtucket (73%). An additional 11 communities supported the measure with approval ratings between 60% and 70%: New Shoreham (68%), Newport (67%), South Kingstown (65%), North Providence (65%), Jamestown (65%), Barrington (64%), East Greenwich (64%), Westerly (62%), East Providence (61%), Narragansett (61%), and Little Compton (60%).
The $275 million bond allocates $165 million to URI, $60 million to the Community College of Rhode Island, and $50 million to Rhode Island College.
At URI, the funding will support the design and construction of a new integrated health building on the Kingston Campus. The facility will expand modern health education and clinical training opportunities, strengthening the University’s ability to prepare students across its health-related academic programs for careers addressing the state’s evolving healthcare needs.
The building will support interdisciplinary education and collaboration among programs in nursing, pharmacy, health sciences, and other health-related fields. By providing modern instructional and clinical training spaces, the facility will help strengthen the pipeline of skilled professionals needed throughout Rhode Island.
The bond also will provide $60 million for a new workforce innovation center at CCRI’s Knight Campus in Warwick. The center will serve as a regional hub for workforce education and career training in fields including advanced manufacturing, construction and skilled trades, healthcare, information technology, cybersecurity, clean energy, and transportation and logistics.
Rhode Island College will receive $50 million to renovate Adams Library and establish a student success and career readiness center, bringing academic support, advising, and career development resources together in a modernized facility.
The approval of Question 1 builds on Rhode Island voters’ longstanding support for investments in public higher education and recognizes the essential role the state’s public colleges and universities play in preparing its workforce, supporting economic development, and improving quality of life.
For URI, the bond represents an important step forward in the University’s commitment to educating the next generation of healthcare professionals and addressing critical workforce needs across Rhode Island.