Kate Michaud

Biography

Kate Michaud is the Town Manager of the Town of Warren, Rhode Island. Kate is a graduate of BMC Durfee High School in Fall River, MA and holds a degree from Providence College. Kate has served in RI municipal government for more than 20 years and has completed studies at the University of Rhode Island’s Institute for Housing and Community Development and the Creating Collaborative Solutions Program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Kate is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and has recently obtained certification as a Climate Change Professional (CC-P). She serves on the Board of Directors for the RI League of Cities and Towns, the Steering Committee of the Narragansett Bay Estuary Program, the Risk Management Committee of the Rhode Island Interlocal Risk Management Trust. In May of 2022 Kate was recognized as the Local Leader of the Year by RI Clean Water Action.

Area of Interest

As the Town Manager in Warren, coastal issues are a primary focus. From storm preparedness, to capital projects planning and land development in coastal areas, to public access and habitat restoration; Warren has been shaped by its coastal location and heritage. I am deeply interested in the effects of climate change and sea level rise on coastal communities. I feel that it is every city and town leaders' responsibility to plan for the future that we know is coming, including the fiscal impacts that will come with necessary adaptation and retreat actions.

I can bring a practical perspective. I understand the financial limitations of our cities and towns, and the political pressure to not look beyond the end of one's nose. I am in constant contact with members of the public, other city and town leaders and community groups with a strong interest in coastal issues. Warren has been a leader in having difficult discussions, while maintaining a hopeful outlook. I believe that the key to a bright future is long-range planning and leveraging the knowledge base that exists within the state and the region. I envision myself contributing through my practical knowledge of local governance, budgeting, land use regulation and advocacy.