February 28, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Ward Maps Released in City Redistricting Process
Providence, RI – The city’s Ward Boundaries Committee released new proposed Ward maps today, as part of a multi-step redistricting process that began more than a year ago. The committee’s consultants, Election Data Services, developed the proposed maps to reflect criteria in the Home Rule Charter, public testimony, comments heard at public hearings, committee meetings, and community conversations. “On behalf of the committee, I’d like to extend our thanks to the residents of Providence who have shared their ideas for the redrawing of our Wards. Their input is invaluable and made these maps possible. Special thanks to our city councilors, who collected feedback from their constituents and shared their neighborhood knowledge with the committee,” said Jessica Cigna, Chair of the Ward Boundaries Committee. “I’m grateful to everyone who has provided public comment via email and at hearings to date, it’s established a true partnership between city residents and the committee. I am looking forward to the continued opportunity for testimony and conversation as we vet the options before us,” added Councilwoman and committee member, Rachel Miller. “I would like to thank the Ward Boundaries Committee for their diligent work in our neighborhoods. If residents have not been involved, there is still time this week to become engaged and join in the process. I look forward to the next steps and the council’s involvement,” said Council President John Igliozzi.
Proposed maps can be found here – https://council.providenceri.gov/ward-boundaries/
Map A – Least change to current boundaries. Minimum of 300 eligible voters per precinct
Map B – Moderate change to current boundaries. Minimum 400 eligible voters per precinct
Map C – High involvement of testimony
Map D – Significant change to current boundaries done to maximize neighborhood continuity
Why does the city need new Ward Boundaries in 2022?
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. 2020 Census data shows the city’s population grew by 12,892 people to 190,934. The effort to redraw the Ward maps is led by a five (5) member committee of Providence residents and City Council members. The committee must hold at least four (4) public meetings to explain the process and get feedback before submitting the maps to the City Council. Once the Committee settles on boundaries, the boundaries are forwarded to the full City Council, which must hold a public meeting and vote twice on the boundaries before becoming final.
Next steps and public hearings for Ward Boundaries –
Monday, February 28, 2022
6:00 p.m.
DaVinci Center Community Room
470 Charles Street Providence, RI 02904
Remote access – https://bit.ly/3HmgsTR
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
6:00 p.m.
Remote Meeting Via Zoom – https://bit.ly/3tcuulY
*In order to provide public comment on 3/2, you must register at cityclerk@providenceri.gov no later than Tuesday March 1, 2022 at 3 p.m.
(Please provide your name and phone number in the email and someone will contact you to verify your information)
Meetings are also streamed live on the Providence City Council YouTube Channel https://bit.ly/pvdmeetings
All hearing locations are accessible to persons with disabilities. Individuals requesting interpreter services for the hearing impaired, please contact the Mayor’s Center for City Services at (401) 680-5221 not less than 48 hours in advance of the hearing date. Please follow all COVID-19 protocols.
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