Creating Central Falls, R.I., as a model of success

Reality -- Central Falls is 39 out of 39 cities in Rhode Island in many metrics. One-square mile in size; smallest city in the state; once called the "meth capital of New England."

School district operated by the state; $36M budget; the city budget by comparision is $16M.

Obama spoke about Central Falls in 2010 when more than 100 staff and teachers at the high school were fired. President spoke out in support of Supt. Fran Gallo.

City was declared bankrupty. In the resulting receivership, things have closed or been cut; the library is limping along.

Forward vision: Presenting the challenges

So many families don't speak English. Most public notices issued in bilingual formats.
Working on something called the Esperanza project and a media project; working with a group at Harvard called Latin roots.

He is trying to get people to come to dinner in Central Falls and they won't. How do we get folks to pay attention?

The people
Replacement of older group; old mayor in prison on corruption conviction; new mayor is age 28; most of administration is in 20s, with strong academic expertise (degrees from Brown; Bryant College. "We traded 50s corruption for 20s inexperience. I'm OK with the change." New mayor has gone to the mat for the community; he was a high-school football star; he has chosen to give back.
Ability of young administration to connect youth, often through events.
Future vision one of staying in Central Falls, not running off.