The ordinance strengthening PERA requires one more vote to become law
Providence, RI – Tonight, councilors voted for the first time to strengthen civilian oversight of the Providence Police Department (PPD) by expanding the Providence External Review Authority’s (PERA’s) oversight powers. Currently, PERA relies heavily on PPD for access to information, which limits its ability to operate independently.
Sponsors of the bill say that the proposed amendments would give PERA the tools, access, and authority to conduct real, independent oversight with direct access to internal police systems and records, the ability to audit Internal Affairs investigations, and the creation of an Early Warning System to flag officers who may need counseling or retraining. These reforms would give Providence residents a clearer path to review from outside the police department, strengthening accountability and increasing public safety.
“For years, PERA has been tasked with investigating police misconduct without the tools, access, and authority to do that work independently,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “Today’s vote is a major step toward real civilian oversight—giving PERA meaningful access to the systems and information it needs to conduct independent investigations and strengthen public trust. This legislation builds on decades of organization by community members who have demanded a system of accountability that does not depend on the institution it is meant to oversee. Real public safety means safe neighborhoods, yes—but it also means confidence that when harm occurs, there is a path to justice.”
Additionally, councilors finalized passage of the $3 million Green Revolving Fund and $5.45 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget, significant investments in the overall health and well-being of Providence residents and the city itself.
CDBG funds reach every corner of the city. Distributed as grants to the city’s community centers and public service organizations, utilized for neighborhood park and facility improvements, and invested in homelessness prevention and affordable housing projects, CDBG funding decisions reflect the needs of the city as well as ward priorities.
“This has been the most efficient and collaborative URRP process of my term,” said Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), who serves as chair of the Committee on Urban Redevelopment, Renewal, & Planning (URRP). “I’m so proud of how many programs and projects we have been able to meaningfully support in this new funding cycle.”
Some important allocations of funding to highlight include:
- $20,000 for the Mathewson Street United Methodist Church’s food services program.
- $40,000 for the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber (which recently celebrated its tenth anniversary!) of Commerce for economic development support.
- $657,360 housing grant for Amos House to rehabilitate homes at 428, 430, and 434 Pine Street.
- An additional $70,000 for Amos House’s A Hand Up program, which offers work opportunities to more than 500 people who are actively participating in, and at risk for, panhandling.
- $85,000 for the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council’s “Merino Park and Greenway Accessibility Project.”
- An additional $75,000 in Ward 6 and Ward 7 neighborhood investment funding to support Merino Park pedestrian access improvements.
Mayor Brett Smiley and the City Council will issue a more detailed joint press release on CDBG projects and the benefits of the ordinance.
While the CDBG budget focuses on building healthy and well-supported communities, the Green Revolving Fund looks to the emissions footprint of city buildings. The GRF will serve as a much-needed mechanism for the city to reach its goal for municipal buildings to be carbon neutral by 2040. Projects will include such improvements and upgrades as installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; installation of solar panels and other renewable energy systems; and weatherization and other updates to tighten building envelopes. The savings from the reduction in energy costs, alongside incentives and rebates, will be reinvested into the Fund.
“The work that we are doing to decarbonize, to invest in energy efficiency, it is working, not just to help the environment, but to save our residents and our taxpayers real money,” said Green Revolving Fund sponsor Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3) during the May 7th city council meeting. “Providence [is] leading the way and showing that we’re seeing savings. And even if the federal and state governments try to disinvest in this, we’re going to use our savings to create our own incentives to keep going.”
“If decarbonization doesn’t move you, then let cost savings move you,” added Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 4).
Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) introduced an ordinance that would prohibit rent increases above 10% during states of emergency, and for 30 days afterward, declared by the President or Governor and the Mayor. The ordinance would create a 3-1-1 complaint category for tenants to report rent increases of 15% or more and require housing inspections when tenants report rent increases of 25% or more, with credible supporting documentation. The ordinance was referred to the Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education for further review.
Just in time for summer, councilors completed first passage of the updated entertainment ordinance. The updated ordinance creates the definition of expanded incidental entertainment, clarifies what qualifies as entertainment under this new definition, changes licensing requirements, and sets clearer hours for general indoor and outdoor music, while reinforcing noise regulations in consideration of nearby residents. According to sponsors, the updated ordinance is necessary to support and create consistency for the local artists and venues that make Providence the Creative Capital.
The next regular City Council meeting will convene on June 4, 2026.
