City of Newport

City of Newport Municipal Water Report Info

The City of Newport is located at the southern tip of Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay, approximately 30 miles southeast of Providence, Rhode Island's capital. The city is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, Narragansett Bay to the west, and Middletown to the northeast. Newport covers 11 square miles total area, with 7.7 square miles of land and 3.3 square miles of inland water.

Access to Newport is available via Interstate 95 using the Jamestown and Pell Bridges from the west, and from the north via Routes 24 and Interstate 195 using the Mount Hope Bridge and Sakonnet River Bridge.

Government Structure
Founded in 1639 and incorporated as a city in 1784, Newport operates under a Home Rule Charter adopted in 1953 that establishes a council/city manager government. The seven-member City Council is led by a chairperson who also serves as Mayor. The Council holds all legislative powers, including taxation authority, appropriations, and financial management. Four council members are elected at-large with three representing specific wards, each serving two-year terms.

Economic Foundations
Newport's economy has evolved from early whale-oil trade to sophisticated submarine warfare research today. The U.S. Navy has been influential since establishing the Naval War College in 1884 and remains a major economic contributor. Tourism represents another crucial economic pillar, with Newport's natural beauty, historic sites, and cultural attractions drawing millions of visitors annually. The service sector, benefiting from both defense and tourism industries, forms the third economic cornerstone.

Recreation & Tourism
As Rhode Island's premier tourist destination, Newport attracts millions of visitors yearly for special events, sailing, and historic site tours. The city offers excellent sailing facilities, two public beaches (May-September), and numerous recreational amenities including 17 tennis courts, 16 multi-purpose fields, 16 playgrounds, a gymnasium, and a Senior Citizens' Center.

Libraries & Education
Newport's public library system, founded in 1869, houses over 187,131 volumes including 21,447 digital books through Ocean State Libraries. The city is also home to the historic Redwood Library, one of America's first private libraries still in operation.

Defense & Technology Sector
Approximately 21,200 people work in defense-related positions on Aquidneck Island. The Navy employs around 9,000 military and civilian personnel, primarily in education, training, and research programs. The Naval Underwater Warfare Center (NUWC) conducts critical undersea warfare research as a designated Defense Department "superlab" facility.

Service & Retail Economy
Nearly 90% of Newport's 2013 private employment was in the service sector, concentrated in hospitality, social services, healthcare, education, and business services. The retail sector represents the third largest private employment source with 1,341 jobs in 2013, increasing by up to 1,500 positions during peak tourist season. Primary shopping districts include Thames Street, America's Cup Avenue, and Bellevue Avenue.