April 11, 2022

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
pgavigan@providenceri.gov

City Council Votes to Approve Ward Boundary Map

A second and final vote is expected later this week

Providence, RI – At tonight’s special City Council meeting, councilors, by a vote of 11 to 1, approved a map of the city’s 15 wards. This action moves the three-and half-month redistricting process toward a second and final vote later in the week. The completed map represents a community-driven effort, including five (5) public meetings in various neighborhoods, significant written testimony, and a public meeting in the council chamber at city hall.

Every 10 years, Providence’s 15 wards are redistricted using criteria outlined in the Home Rule Charter and based on the latest U.S. Census data. For example, 2020 Census data showed the city’s population grew by 12,892 people to 190,934. A five-member committee of Providence residents, appointed by the City Council and chaired by Jessica Cigna, began meeting in early January to hear directly from city residents. The committee produced a detailed report and referred those recommendations to the council for final approval. The committee and council were guided by Election Data Services, Inc., a hired consultant for redistricting purposes.

“This is a historical process in Providence city government, a once in a decade task that falls directly on all our shoulders,” said Council President John Igliozzi (Ward 7). “I want to take this opportunity to thank my council colleagues and staff, commend the ward boundaries committee for their incredibly hard work, and let city residents know just how important their input was over these many months. Your voices mattered. The map you see tonight is the result of true collaboration, everyone coming together for the common good of our unique neighborhoods.”

A copy of the Council’s report and map can be found here https://council.providenceri.gov/ward-boundaries/

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