R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-25-10.2
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 45-25-10, commencing September 1, 1994 the housing authority of the city of Newport is expanded in size from five (5) members to seven (7) members. The two (2) additional members shall be residents of public housing facilities in the city of Newport. Each shall be appointed for a four (4) year term by the mayor who shall make the appointments from a list of persons nominated by the residents. The residents of each public housing facility shall by election nominate two (2) residents of that facility to the list every four (4) years, and the residents so elected to the housing authority shall each serve for four (4) years; provided, that no member of the housing authority shall serve more than three (3) consecutive four (4) year terms.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-25-10.2