Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs
Taubman Center

Seth Magaziner - Promoting a Clean Economy: The Policy and Legislative Process Behind the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Watson Institute, Joukowsky Forum

Seth Magaziner ’06 spent his first year as Rhode Island General Treasurer developing and implementing legislation to create the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank. Magaziner will share the policy development, legislative, and implementation strategies involved in passing and implementing this key 2015 state initiative.

The Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank is a quasi-public agency that serves as the financial administrator of the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. The Bank issues bonds to provide low cost financing to Rhode Island’s municipalities and sewer and water utilities for infrastructure projects to enhance the waters of the State. Recently enacted legislation changed the name of the agency (formerly known as the Rhode Island Clean Water Finance Agency) and expanded its powers to administer newly created programs for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in public, commercial, and residential properties

Seth Magaziner was sworn in as General Treasurer for the State of Rhode Island on January 6, 2015. As General Treasurer, Magaziner is transforming the office to make it an engine for job creation. He is pursuing initiatives to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, upgrade Rhode Island’s infrastructure, and work with bank and community leaders to crack down on predatory financial services and build a financial system that works for all Rhode Islanders. An investment professional with a strong track record, Seth brings a steady hand to Rhode Island’s retirement system. Seth lives in Providence and holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Brown University and a master’s degree in business administration from Yale University.