Newport This Week

Jamie Bova Not Seeking Reelection


In 2016, I launched my campaign for City Council as a 26-year-old engineer with the slogan “A new perspective for Newport.” Since then, Newport residents have come to expect that new perspective and desire for change in their candidates. During my time in office, I have worked to make our local government more accessible; there have been more public meetings and workshops and increased discussion on the Council floor since I took office. For the last three years, I have sent out a regular newsletter keeping our residents informed on City business, meeting my constituents where they are. Today, I am announcing that I have decided not to seek re-election to City Council next term. I am going to finish my term to place Newport on a positive trajectory, and I plan to take some time out of public office to focus on my family and explore opportunities for the future.

Throughout my time on the Council, I have had the privilege of working with many individuals, community groups, and organizations from across Newport. The work I have done on the Council to help Newport progress as a community has only been possible because of that collaboration. Our community has accomplished much over the past few years. We have a North End Urban Plan and zoning that reflects the will of our residents, promoting development that benefits our community. Short-term rentals are no longer permitted in our residential zones, and we are taking steps to revamp our tax structure to incentivize year-round residents, disincentivizing temporary and speculative rental operations from displacing permanent housing for residents. We are building a brand-new high school for our students, demonstrating that Newport is committed to investing in our future citizens. The first Transportation Master Plan in over twenty years is in development, building a community-focused strategy by engaging the locals who use our streets every day.

The overarching focus of my time in office has been transparency and process. My mission has been to promote public discussion and debate on the Council dais, and Newport has benefitted from it. This consistent focus has helped me build trust and foster resident engagement. It was this focus on good governance that my colleague cited when they appointed me as Mayor in 2018. Our residents have come to expect open discussion from the Council and that they will be able to participate in decision-making processes and policy shaping. As we continue forward, it is up to the voters of Newport to elect more candidates that will continue to fight to keep those debates from returning to back rooms. There is still much work to be done, and it takes passion and community to make progress. As I look ahead to the next chapter in my story, I know that there are others in our community who can take the mantle and continue to bring new ideas, passion, and perspectives to the Newport City Council.

Jamie Bova

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