by Council Staff | Jun 12, 2025 | Add Council Logo
Today, Providence City Council President Rachel Miller announced that the city council will be honoring an “informational boycott” of WLNE-TV television news station, the ABC affiliate for the Providence market, in response to a request from workers at the station who have been engaged for over a year in contract negotiations with parent company Standard Media.
The newsroom union representing workers at the station, NABET-CWA, issued a request on the morning of June 11th for elected officials to cease all non-essential correspondence and engagement with the network, following management’s recent abandonment of good-faith negotiations with the union. Organizers at the station, operating as NABET-ABC6, are seeking standard job benefits and a livable wage.
“The need for high-quality local journalism is fundamental to any functioning democracy. This need is more acute now than ever, at a time when both our democracy and our information environment are facing existential threats from the federal government,” said Council President Miller. “So it is particularly disappointing and disturbing that Standard Media has chosen not to pay its workers a fair wage. Providence City Council will not work with any business that treats workers in this way. We urge station management to return to the negotiating table immediately.”
With the exception of urgent situations affecting the safety of Providence residents, this release will be the final communication the Providence City Council office sends to ABC6 until workers and station management reach a fair contract.
Under the leadership of Council President Miller, Providence City Council has consistently demonstrated unwavering support for the essential right of Providence workers to collectively bargain. In March of last year, Providence City Council unanimously passed a resolution in support of unionization efforts at ABC6. In October, President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9), Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6), and Chief of Staff June Rose spoke at a rally outside of the ABC6 headquarters.
More recently, councilors passed resolutions supporting unionizing educators at Highlander and Cuffee charter schools as well as striking healthcare workers at Butler Hospital, just a few of the 13 such resolutions passed by city council this term. Last month, Council President Miller, Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 4), and Councilor Miguel Sanchez joined Butler workers with SEIU 1199 NE on the picket line.
Providence City Council will continue to advocate and show up for organized labor in our city and defend the right of workers everywhere to demand fair wages, safe working conditions, and the dignity they deserve.
by Council Staff | Jun 5, 2025 | Add Council Logo
Tonight, Providence City Council President Rachel Miller introduced an amendment to the city’s noise ordinance which would exempt striking workers from violations. This protection follows the recent unnecessary and targeted fining of workers at Butler Hospital, who for more than two weeks have been exercising their right to peacefully demonstrate for a livable wage and safe working conditions.
“The noise ordinance was never intended to silence people exercising their right to fight for their families,” said Council President Miller. “The workers at Butler Hospital are striking for fair wages and safe working conditions—and doing so peacefully. I’ve joined them on the picket line, bullhorn in hand, and seen firsthand their commitment to their patients and our community. Yet they’ve been hit with $500 fines simply for making their voices heard. Butler’s workers are eager to return to the jobs they love—as soon as they win a fair contract that ends poverty-level wages and unsafe conditions. We won’t punish them in the meantime. This amendment makes it clear: Providence will not use selective enforcement of the noise ordinance to silence workers standing up for their rights.”
The measure was referred to the Committee on Ordinances. Council also passed a resolution of support for these striking workers, once again sending a clear message of councilors’ unwavering commitment to Providence workers and their right to collective bargain.
Councilors also granted final passage to an ordinance adopting the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget for Program Year 2025-26, and authorizing the city to submit its annual CDBG, HOME Investment Partnership, Emergency Solution Grant, and Housing Opportunity for Persons with AIDS grant applications to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The total CDBG allocation is $5,340,000 for more than a dozen local organizations serving the Providence community.
“The Community Development Block Grant program is an invaluable lifeline to the frontline organizations serving communities across our city,” said Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), who, as Chairwoman of the Committee on Urban Redevelopment, Renewal, and Planning, has oversight of the CDBG award process. “From elder care and literacy programs to food for neighbors in need, the services provided by this year’s awardees enrich, shape, and even save lives. Just last week, we attended the opening of a new 35-unit Health and Housing development by Crossroads Rhode Island, an organization supported in part by CDBG. Every dollar spent through this program makes our communities stronger.”
Tonight’s meeting featured introduction of two ordinances providing tenant organizations and local business employees “rights of first refusal” for the purchase of apartment buildings and businesses, respectively, listed for sale in Providence. The first such ordinance, introduced by Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 4), would give tenant organizations at subject properties the first chance to buy their properties from building owners when the owners decide to sell, with qualified nonprofits given the second opportunity to purchase before those properties can be sold to other parties. A second ordinance, introduced by Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6), would grant the same right to employees of small businesses in the city. Both ordinances were referred to the Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education.
Also tonight, councilors passed several resolutions in support of legislation currently pending before the Rhode Island General Assembly, including House Bill H6334, introduced by Representative Rebecca Kislak at the request of the city council, which would authorize municipalities to impose a surcharge of $2 on ticket sales for venues with a capacity of more than 800 people. This small surcharge would represent a major new source of revenue for the City of Providence during a time of acute financial challenge and is just one of several new revenue streams proposed by councilors to be enacted alongside a fair and balanced city budget.
Councilors also introduced three ordinances relating to college student housing in the city. The first, introduced by Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14) and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) would create a student impact fee for buildings that rent entirely to students. The second, introduced by Councilwoman Peterson, would create a licensure process for student housing providers. The third, also introduced by Councilwoman Peterson, would codify the Nuisance Task Force under the purview of the City Solicitor. All three ordinances were referred to committee.
Additional meeting highlights:
- Passage of a resolution introduced by Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11) establishing an honorary street designation in tribute to Mattie L. Smith.
- Passage of a resolution introduced by President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9) and advanced with unanimous support from the Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education opposing the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education.
- Passage of a resolution introduced by President Pro Tempore Pichardo supporting a state legislative measure to grant limited state recognition to the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe.
Los Concejales Presentan Exención de la Ordenanza de Ruido para Trabajadores en Huelga, Derecho Preferente para Organizaciones de Inquilinos y Trabajadores
Esta noche, la presidenta del Concejo Municipal de Providence Rachel Miller presentó una enmienda a la ordenanza municipal sobre ruido que eximiría a los trabajadores en huelga de infracciones. Esta protección surge tras las recientes multas innecesarias y selectivas a los trabajadores del Hospital Butler, quienes durante más de dos semanas han ejercido su derecho a manifestarse pacíficamente para exigir un salario digno y condiciones laborales seguras.
“La ordenanza sobre el ruido nunca tuvo la intención de silenciar a las personas que ejercen su derecho a luchar por sus familias”, dijo la presidenta del Concejo Miller. “Los trabajadores del Hospital Butler están en huelga por salarios justos y condiciones laborales seguras—y lo hacen de forma pacífica. Me he unido a ellos en el piquete, con megáfono en mano, y he visto de primera mano su compromiso con sus pacientes y nuestra comunidad. Sin embargo, han recibido multas de $500 simplemente por alzar su voz. Los trabajadores de Butler están ansiosos por regresar a los trabajos que aman—tan pronto como obtengan un contrato justo que acabe con los salarios que los mantienen en la pobreza y las condiciones peligrosas. Mientras tanto, no los castigaremos. Esta enmienda lo deja claro: Providence no utilizará la aplicación selectiva de la ordenanza sobre el ruido para silenciar a los trabajadores que defienden sus derechos.”
La medida fue remitida al Comité de Ordenanzas. El Concejo también aprobó una resolución de apoyo a estos trabajadores en huelga, reforzando una vez mas el firme compromiso de los concejales con los trabajadores de Providence y su derecho a la negociación colectiva.
Esta noche, los concejales también aprobaron una ordenanza que adopta el Presupuesto de Subvenciones en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario (CDBG, por sus siglas en ingles) de la ciudad para el Año Programático 2025-26 y autoriza a la ciudad a presentar sus solicitudes anuales de subvenciones CDBG, HOME Investment Partnership, Subvenciones para Soluciones de Emergencia y Oportunidades de Vivienda para Personas con SIDA al Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los Estados Unidos. La asignación total de CDBG es de $5,340,000 para más de una docena de organizaciones locales que prestan servicios a la comunidad de Providence.
“El programa de Subvenciones en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario es un recurso vital invaluable para las organizaciones de primera línea que sirven a las comunidades de nuestra ciudad,” declaró la concejala Mary Kay Harris (Distrito 11), quien, como presidenta del Comité de Reurbanización, Renovación y Planificación Urbana, supervisa el proceso de asignación de CDBG. “Desde programas de cuidado de personas mayores y alfabetización hasta alimentos para vecinos necesitados, los servicios provistos por los beneficiarios de este año enriquecen, moldean e incluso salvan vidas. La semana pasada, asistimos a la inauguración de un nuevo complejo de Salud y Vivienda de 35 unidades de Crossroads Rhode Island, una organización apoyada en parte por CDBG. Cada dólar invertido a través de este programa fortalece nuestras comunidades.”
En la reunión de esta noche se presentaron dos ordenanzas que otorgan a las organizaciones de inquilinos y a los empleados de negocios locales “derecho preferente” para la compra de edificios de apartamentos y negocios, respectivamente, en venta en Providence. La primera ordenanza, presentada por el concejal Justin Roias (Distrito 4), otorgaría a las organizaciones de inquilinos de las propiedades en cuestión la primera oportunidad de comprar sus viviendas de los propietarios de los edificios cuando decidan venderlas, y a las organizaciones sin fines de lucro que cumplan los requisitos la segunda oportunidad de compra antes de que esas propiedades puedan venderse a cualquier otra persona o entidad. Una segunda ordenanza, presentada por el concejal Miguel Sanchez (Distrito 6), otorgaría el mismo derecho a los empleados de pequeños negocios en la ciudad. Ambas ordenanzas fueron remitidas al Comité de Salud, Oportunidad, Prosperidad y Educación.
También esta noche, los concejales aprobaron resoluciones en apoyo a la legislación actualmente pendiente ante la Asamblea General de Rhode Island, incluyendo el Proyecto de Ley de la Cámara de Representantes H6334, presentado por la Representante Rebecca Kislak a petición del Concejo. Este proyecto autorizaría a los municipios a imponer un recargo de $2 en la venta de entradas para locales con capacidad de más de 800 personas. Este pequeño recargo representaría una importante fuente de ingresos para la Ciudad de Providence en un momento de graves dificultades financieras y es solo una de las nuevas fuentes de ingresos propuestas por los concejales para su implementación junto con un presupuesto municipal justo y equilibrado.
Los concejales también presentaron tres ordenanzas relacionadas con la vivienda para estudiantes universitarios en la ciudad. La primera, presentada por la concejala Shelley Peterson (Distrito 14) y el concejal John Goncalves (Distrito 1), crearía una tarifa de impacto estudiantil para los edificios que se alquilan exclusivamente a estudiantes. La segunda, presentada por la concejala Peterson, crearía un proceso de licencia para los proveedores de vivienda estudiantil. La tercera, también presentada por la concejala Peterson, codificaría el “Grupo de Trabajo contra Molestias,” bajo la supervisión del Abogado de la Ciudad. Las tres ordenanzas fueron remitidas a comité.
Puntos destacados adicionales de la reunión:
- Aprobación de una resolución presentada por la concejala Mary Kay Harris (Distrito 11) que establece la designación honoraria de una calle en homenaje a Mattie L. Smith.
- Aprobación de una resolución presentada por el presidente pro tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Distrito 9), aprobada con el apoyo unánime del Comité de Salud, Oportunidad, Prosperidad y Educación, que se opone al desmantelamiento del Departamento de Educación de los Estados Unidos.
- Aprobación de una resolución presentada por el presidente pro tempore Pichardo que apoya una medida legislativa estatal para otorgar reconocimiento estatal limitado a la Tribu Seaconke Wampanoag.
by Council Staff | May 29, 2025 | Blog
As one of the oldest cities in all of New England, Providence holds a rich history that is visible in every corner of the city—from the oldest Baptist church in the country, to the 19th century architecture throughout our iconic neighborhoods. On the fifth floor of City Hall, this history comes to life through the nearly 40,000 cubic feet of records preserved by the Providence City Archives, one of the many distinct entities that falls under the oversight of the City Council.
More than a collection of materials spanning centuries, they are a living memory of our city’s history and people who made it, many of whom have never gotten the recognition they deserve. Throughout her tenure as council president, Rachel Miller has worked closely with City Archivist Caleb Horton to showcase these items in exhibits that honor communities whose stories have historically been relegated to the margins and celebrate their immense contributions to Providence.
The latest installment of this ongoing partnership is coming up in June to commemorate Pride Month. Personal letters, news articles, and more will be on display on the third floor of City Hall to highlight the lives and accomplishments of LGBTQ+ elected officials in Providence. As the most diverse City Council in Providence history—led by Council President Miller, the first openly queer person and second woman to hold the position—it should come as no surprise that celebrating diverse perspectives is a priority.
Under the leadership of Council President Miller, Archives presented the first Pride Month exhibit in June 2023, which explored the experiences of gay Black men in the state over the span of 100 years. Other recent collaborations between Council and Archives demonstrate a shared commitment to understanding our past as we build an inclusive future.
This work and commitment extend to all of the many diverse communities that make our city strong. Led by President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo, the Special Commission on Veterans Affairs has worked with Archives to host re-dedication ceremonies at memorials throughout the city. In recent years, Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris and Councilwoman Althea Graves have helped develop Black History Month exhibits that invite the public to learn about the everyday life of 20th century African Americans, the history of abolitionism in the area, and the fight for voting rights in Rhode Island.
These programs not only present a more nuanced view of the past that what many of us learned in formal settings — they are carefully crafted to ensure that our city’s diverse residents can see themselves in leaders of the past and feel inspired to push for positive change in the future.
Join us in June for an exhibit and event for Pride Month and stay tuned for other collaborations to come. Learn more about the Providence City Archive through the extensive collection of digitized materials. For any research questions, or to learn how you can share your items from Providence’s past, email the Archives team at archivist@providenceri.gov.
by Council Staff | May 29, 2025 | Add Council Logo
Last night, City Council’s Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education (HOPE), chaired by President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo, met to discuss a resolution in support of RI House Bill H-5335, which would return the Providence Public School District (PPSD) to local control this July.
After receiving testimony from officials representing the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), PPSD, the Providence School Board, and the mayor’s administration, the committee voted to continue the resolution indefinitely, citing widespread agreement that the city is well on the right track to resume governance of the school district in July 2026.
Presentations from RIDE and PPSD focused on gains in student outcomes and school performance across the district in 2024. PPSD was the only district in the state to show improvements on all major standardized assessments—ELA and math RICAS, and the SAT. Providence also led the state in reducing chronic absenteeism, and seven schools improved their star ratings. Notably, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School, the first elementary school in PPSD to receive the distinction.
This presentation, as well as recent collaborative work between the various partners and stakeholders, bolstered the committee’s confidence that the city’s public schools are on the right path toward a successful transition next year.
“Providence’s students, families, and teachers are delivering results,” said Chairman Juan M. Pichardo. “This committee and the full Council are committed to working with RIDE, PPSD, the Mayor’s Office, the School Board, and community partners to do the hard work required to build on that progress, and ensure that local control is set up for long-term success. We believe that will be possible next year.”
In other business, the Committee unanimously passed a resolution opposing proposed funding cuts to the U.S. Department of Education, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to protecting public education and advocating for strong federal investment in Providence schools.
by Council Staff | May 20, 2025 | Add Council Logo
This week, Providence City Council President Rachel Miller picketed with SEIU 1199 NE workers who are currently striking for better wages and working conditions at Butler Hospital. Under the leadership of Council President Miller, this council has demonstrated time again its steadfast commitment to the rights of Providence workers to organize and collectively bargain.
Monday marked the fifth day of demonstrations by striking workers outside Butler, and the third day the council president marched alongside them. Her appearance yesterday followed reports that several workers were fined $500 for noise violations while exercising their right to demonstrate for a fair contract. Today, media reported on a letter sent from hospital management to striking workers that their health coverage will be terminated on May 31. The council president condemns both of these punitive and reactionary measures in the strongest possible terms, and reiterates the council’s firm support for union members to peacefully demonstrate without fear of reprisal.
“These striking workers are fighting back against unfair wages and unsafe conditions, in keeping with the long, proud tradition of organized labor in this country and here in Providence,” said Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6). “Unfortunately, the bosses have also kept up their own tradition: a tradition of bad faith, suppression, and cowardice. And now, we have learned that management is taking the cruel and unnecessary step of cancelling health insurance for striking employees, an irony for these essential healthcare workers that should enrage us all. I am proud to stand with these workers, and proud to serve on a City Council that recognizes the fundamental right to collectively bargain, struggle, and win.”
Councilors also commend the demonstrating workers for their commitment to making their voices heard in a way that minimizes disruption for the surrounding neighborhood. To this end, organizers have chosen to observe quiet hours before 8:00 AM and avoid the use of bullhorns or other noisemakers during that time. This willingness to respond to appeals from the community sets an example from which hospital management could draw a valuable lesson – meaningful progress is possible when built on a foundation of compassion and mutual respect. But that conversation is only possible when both sides are willing to listen.
“The striking employees at Butler perform demanding work often under extraordinary stress. They deserve a fair contract and have every right to organize toward that goal,” said Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), who represents the surrounding area. “I and many of my colleagues on the City Council stand in solidarity with the Butler employees, and we are grateful to both law enforcement and the demonstrators for ensuring that the workers’ essential right to strike is exercised peacefully and with respect for our neighbors.”
Councilors will continue to defend the rights of striking union members and amplify the voices and struggles of organized workers throughout the city. As they say on the picket line, ‘no contract, no peace.’
