Inform. Advocate. Transform.

Every year, the Economic Progress Institute (EPI) advances racial and economic justice through research, advocacy, and community power. 2025 was no exception and reminded us that progress is not guaranteed. It must be protected, defended, and strengthened by those who refuse to give up. EPI refuses to give up on progress and economic opportunities for all Rhode Islanders.

This year, in the face of unprecedented federal cuts through H.R.1, renewed attacks on equity and democracy, and growing demands on Rhode Island’s safety net, EPI remained the trusted voice calling for data-driven policy and moral courage. Because of you, our supporters and partners, the EPI team has shown what’s possible when research, advocacy, and people most impacted by policy come together.

Across nearly 50 bills, countless legislative hearings, coalition leaderships, research materials, trainings, and thousands of community touchpoints, EPI moved forward racial and economic equity. We are resilient, powerful and effective when we work together. Below, we look back as well as amplify our challenges and priorities ahead. Because of you, EPI enters 2026 ready to meet the moment, safeguard progress, and build a Rhode Island where every family, child, elder, worker, and community can thrive. As we prepare for the year ahead, I hope you will consider making a generous year-end gift to support this critical work. Let's continue to get into some good trouble in 2026 and beyond. - Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies, Esq. Executive Director

Many Rhode Islanders’ wages are too low to meet basic living costs such as housing, food, healthcare, and child care. For 25 years, EPI has documented how hard it is for many people to make ends meet in our organization’s signature research report, titled the Rhode Island Standard of Need. The 25th anniversary edition of this report delves into topics like economic security (or insecurity, as the case may be), household earnings, work support programs, and many others. For the first time, the Rhode Island Standard of Need report also explores the genuine geographical differences in the cost of a “basic needs” budget county by county. Through it and other research, EPI aims to give policymakers and the public objective information with which to pursue and achieve a shared prosperity.