Mayor names Director of Planning and Economic Development Department

In a press release today, the city of East Providence has named William J. Fazioli as the first director of the city’s newly formed Planning and Economic Development Department.

Fazioli, who will oversee the new economic development and planning divisions, will be responsible for overseeing development opportunities and business growth in the city and identify opportunities to expand development for arts and culture within the city.

“I believe that Mr. Fazioli’s skills and experience both as the chairman of the East Providence Waterfront Commission and as a financial consultant to municipal governments will only boost the city in being the desirable community to live, work, educate and raise a family,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said.

As a member of the commission, Fazioli was tasked with transforming the district into a model of urban revitalization by championing the commission’s mission to redevelop 300 acres of vacant property.

Fazioli is no stranger to municipal government and bolstering economic development. The East Providence resident also served as city manager of East Providence from 2004-2006, where he successfully attracted a new operations center for a major bank, which added hundreds of jobs to the workforce.

“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to contribute to Mayor DaSilva’s vision to expand the city’s tax base and increase job opportunities for its residents,” William Fazioli said. “In a short period of time, the mayor, along with the steadfast efforts of the Planning Department under the direction of Diane Feather have created a strong pipeline of compelling projects that can transform East Providence.

“I plan to build on the city's strong assets including its waterfront, blossoming arts and culture community and strong fiscal condition,” Fazioli added.

Prior to joining the city in this new capacity, Fazioli was director at Public Financial Advisors PFM, a municipal advisory firm in Providence. Before that he was senior vice president at First Southwest (Hilltop Holdings), where he advised municipal and local government clients on fiscal management.

Fazioli earned a master’s degree in public administration from Rockefeller College of Public Affairs, University of New York at Albany and a bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology from Rhode Island College.

Fazioli has also dedicated years of civic service to a number of boards, associations and commissions including the Rhode Island College Alumni Association, the East Providence Charter Review Committee and the New England States Government Finance Officers Association.