by Council Staff | Feb 21, 2025 | Blog, Oscar Vargas
Throughout the city, a diverse network of parks, waterways, plants, and animals make up a thriving ecosystem that contribute to the wellbeing of our neighbors and enhance the climate resilience of our communities. For more than 30 years, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) has spearheaded stormwater management programs, educational field trips, and workforce training opportunities that strengthen our neighborhoods. Recognizing their positive impact on our city, Council added a $125,000 grant into the 2024-25 fiscal year budget to support the WRWC.
At the heart of the WRWC’s mission is the maintenance of the 50-square-mile Woonasquatucket watershed and the Greenway—seven miles of urban bike path that link parks and green spaces across Providence, Johnston, and Smithfield. This dedication to environmental stewardship has led to the creation of 28,000 square feet of new greenspace, removal of 315 pounds of trash and recycling from the river, planting of 2,000 new plants and trees, and reduction of 750,000 gallons of stormwater. More than just impressive metrics, these improvements have meaningfully revitalized our neighborhoods.
“This funding is a huge deal for our team and the entire community. The Woonasquatucket River Greenway isn’t just a trail—it’s a space for people to connect with nature, commute safely, and enjoy the outdoors,” said Greenway Manager Peter Dear. “Our River Rangers and Land Stewardship team work hard every day to keep it clean, accessible, and thriving, and we’re so grateful that City Council sees the value in that. Council’s support helps us keep the Greenway a beautiful, safe, and resilient space for everyone.”
“I applaud the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council’s work to clean the river and teach our communities to protect our environment,” said Councilman Oscar Vargas. “Across Providence, residents of all ages enjoy the city’s natural resources and help do their part to keep our city beautiful for years to come.”
Supporting organizations like WRWC is just one way Council continues to invest in efforts to build climate resilience and make our communities more sustainable. In the 2024 Comprehensive Plan, the City of Providence committed to prioritizing green infrastructure and local conservation efforts. From beautification and tree-planting initiatives in nearly every ward to last year’s passage of an ordinance requiring all municipal buildings to achieve carbon-neutral status by 2040, Council continues to execute this plan to protect the city’s residents and the environment where they live, work, and play.
Council + WRWC 2024 by Gcantu@providenceri.gov
by Council Staff | Feb 20, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Jo-Ann Ryan, John Goncalves, Juan M. Pichardo, Rachel Miller, Sue AnderBois
Thursday, February 20, 2025
At tonight’s Providence City Council meeting, Councilors passed a resolution, introduced by President Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo, Councilwoman Helen Anthony, and Councilor Sue AnderBois, in support of recommendations made by the State Senate Special Commission for the Providence Public School District.
At recent meetings, the Council Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity and Education (HOPE) heard from key experts regarding the commission’s findings, including State Senator Sam Zurier, former PPSD Superintendent Susan Lusi, educational consultant Steven Smith, and Empower Schools partner Matthew Matera. The resolution supports the state commission’s recommendations to address systemic issues through collaborative labor-management practices, increased autonomy for schools, and the exploration of establishing customized organizational models.
“Senator Zurier’s commission lays out an evidence-backed, realistic action plan that prioritizes student outcomes, strengthens collaboration, and ensures transparent governance,” said President Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo. “These recommendations would help set the stage for a successful return to local control. In this pivotal moment for Providence Public Schools, we must continue to create opportunities for all of our students to succeed.”
Councilors also passed a resolution, introduced by Senior Deputy Majority Leader John Goncalves, to advance electric vehicle infrastructure in Providence. The resolution aims to support updates to the city’s Electric Vehicle Fleet Study and expanded installation of charging infrastructure throughout the city.
“As the climate crisis intensifies, Providence must expand infrastructure for alternative transportation options, including electric vehicles,” said Senior Deputy Majority Leader John Goncalves. “In collaboration with the mayor’s administration, we’ve been working to explore ways to make our city EV friendly, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and transition municipal vehicles to clean energy.”
Additional Meeting Highlights
- Council President Rachel Miller introduced a resolution, by the administration’s request, in support of RI House Bill H-5335, which would return Providence Public School District to local control in July of this year. The resolution was referred to the Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education.
- Council passed multiple resolutions, by the administration’s request, supporting legislation recently introduced in the General Assembly, including RI House Bill H-5307, which would allow city leadership to set and adjust property tax exemptions for veterans; H-5314, which would grant municipalities authority to impose a parking services sales tax; and H-5389, which would limit the withholding authority of the RIDE commissioner.
- Council passed a resolution introduced by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan that will allow the City of Providence to enter a twinning partnership agreement with the Town of Athlone, Ireland.
- Council approved several street naming resolutions, both honorary and official. These approvals included the official renaming of Richardson Street and Park in honor of the late Cedric Huntley, former director of the Nonviolence Institute.
En la reunión del Concejo Municipal de Providence de esta noche, los concejales aprobaron una resolución, presentada por el presidente pro tempore Juan Pichardo, la concejala Helen Anthony, y la concejala Sue AnderBois, en apoyo de las recomendaciones realizadas por la Comisión Especial del Senado Estatal para el Distrito Escolar Público de Providence.
En reuniones recientes, el Comité Especial sobre Salud, Oportunidad, Prosperidad, y Educación (HOPE por sus siglas en ingles) escuchó a expertos clave sobre las conclusiones de la comisión, incluyendo al senador estatal Sam Zurier, la ex superintendente del PPSD Susan Lusi, el consultor educativo Steven Smith, y el socio de Empower Schools Matthew Matera. La resolución apoya las recomendaciones de la comisión estatal para abordar problemas sistémicos a través de practicas de colaboración entre los trabajadores y la administración, una mayor autonomía para las escuelas, y la exploración del establecimiento de modelos organizativos personalizados.
“La comisión del senador Zurier presenta un plan de acción realista y respaldado por evidencia que prioriza los resultados de los estudiantes, fortalece la colaboración, y garantiza una gobernanza transparente,” dijo el presidente pro tempore Juan Pichardo. “Estas recomendaciones ayudarían a sentar las bases para un retorno exitoso al control local. En este momento crucial para las Escuelas Publicas de Providence, debemos seguir creando oportunidades para que todos nuestros estudiantes tengan éxito.”
Los concejales también aprobaron una resolución, presentada por el senior diputado líder de la mayoría John Goncalves, para mejorar la infraestructura para vehículos eléctricos en Providence. La resolución tiene como objetivo respaldar las actualizaciones del Estudio de la Flota de Vehículos Eléctricos y ampliar la instalación de infraestructura de carga en toda la ciudad.
“A medida que se intensifica la crisis climática, Providence debe ampliar la infraestructura para opciones de transporte alternativas, incluidos los vehículos electrónicos,” dijo el senior diputado líder de la mayoría John Goncalves. “En colaboración con la administración del alcalde, hemos estado trabajando para explorar formas de hacer nuestra ciudad compatible con los vehículos electrónicos, reducir la dependencia de los combustibles fósiles, y hacer una transición de los vehículos municipales a energía limpia.”
Aspectos Destacados Adicionales de la Reunión
- La presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller presentó una resolución, a pedido de la administración, apoyando el proyecto de ley H-5335 de la Cámara de Representantes de Rhode Island, que devolvería el Distrito Escolar Público de Providence al control local en julio de este año. La resolución fue referida al Comité Especial de Salud, Oportunidad, Prosperidad, y Educación.
- El Concejo aprobó varias resoluciones, a pedido de la administración, apoyando la legislación presentada recientemente en la Asamblea General, incluido el proyecto de ley H-5307 de la Cámara de Representantes de Rhode Island, que permitiría a los lideres de la ciudad establecer y ajustar las exenciones de impuestos a la propiedad para los veteranos; H-5314, que otorgaría a los municipios la autoridad para imponer un impuesto a las ventas de servicios de estacionamiento; y H-5389, que limitaría la autoridad de retención de la comisionada de RIDE.
- El Concejo aprobó una resolución presentada por la concejala Jo-Ann Ryan que permitiría a la ciudad de Providence firmar un acuerdo de asociación con la ciudad de Athlone, Irlanda.
- El Concejo aprobó varias resoluciones de denominación de calles, tanto honorarias como oficiales. Estas aprobaciones incluyeron el cambio de nombre oficial de la calle y el parque Richardson en honor al difunto Cedric Huntley, ex director del Nonviolence Institute.
by Council Staff | Feb 13, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Juan M. Pichardo
Thursday, February 13, 2025
This week, the Special Commission on Veterans Affairs met to discuss a bill currently pending before the Rhode Island General Assembly which would allow the Providence City Council to set and adjust property tax exemptions for the city’s military veterans, which are currently capped at the state level.
Under the leadership of Chairman Juan M. Pichardo, the Special Commission proposed this change to state law to enable the City of Providence to lessen the tax burden for those who have honorably served their country in the armed forces.
“Providence veterans have given so much in service of our city, state, and country,” said Chairman Pichardo, a veteran who also serves as President Pro Tempore of the City Council.
“The commissioners and staff have done the research and recommended the bill to the General Assembly with the support of Mayor Smiley. We are ready to introduce this ordinance as soon as the state bill passes the General Assembly. This change will have a meaningful benefit for our veterans, to whom we owe an enormous debt of gratitude.”
H 5307, which was introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives by Representative Anthony DeSimone (D-Dist. 5, Providence), would authorize the City to set a specific dollar amount at which qualifying veterans would be exempt from paying a portion of their property taxes. The senate bill will be introduced by Senator Frank Ciccone (D-Dist. 7, Providence, Johnston).
At their regularly scheduled meeting, the Special Commission also voted unanimously to appoint Joseph Iannucci as vice chair. Commissioner Iannucci is a longtime Providence resident, retired Providence police officer, and veteran.
The Special Commission was formed to advocate for veterans living in the City and to establish a veterans parade in Providence.
by Council Staff | Feb 10, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Rachel Miller
Monday, February 10, 2025
This afternoon, state officials invited the media—but not elected city leaders—to an impromptu announcement of what they call a “Path to Local Control” framework. In response, Providence City Council President Rachel Miller released the following statement:
“Today, RIDE and the Governor unveiled a series of conditions the city must meet before regaining control of our schools, without engaging city leaders or addressing us directly. City Council wasn’t briefed on this framework, nor was the mayor’s administration. Instead, we learned about it from the press.
The city has repeatedly extended our hand to RIDE—ready, eager, and committed to work in partnership to ensure the best path for Providence students. They have repeatedly refused to take it. This blatant lack of transparency and collaboration only deepens distrust—a clear disservice to our shared work to improve student outcomes.
While we welcome the prospect of an earlier return to local control, this process cannot exclude the municipal decision-makers who will implement the transition. The state’s failure to engage directly with city leaders further affirms the Council’s position that Providence Public Schools must return to local control in July 2025.”
by Council Staff | Feb 6, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Althea Graves, Council News, Jim Taylor, Justin Roias, Mary Kay Harris, Pedro Espinal, Rachel Miller, Shelley Peterson
Providence, RI – At tonight’s meeting, Providence City Council approved Mayor Brett Smiley’s five school board appointments: Melissa Hughes (Region 1), Anjel Newmann (Region 2), Jenny Mercado (Region 3), Night Jean Muhingabo (Region 4), and Steven Williamson (Region 5). Following an extensive vetting process, the five appointees will join the five elected members – Corey Jones (Region 1), Michelle Lee Fontes (Region 2), Heidi Silverio (Region 3), Mireya Mendoza (Region 4), and Ty’Relle Stephens (Region 5) – to complete the ten-member, hybrid board. Immediately following the meeting, nine of the members were sworn in by Mayor Brett Smiley and Probate Court Judge John E. Martinelli. One elected member was not able to attend and will be sworn in separately in the near future.
“The new school board is made up of passionate members,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “Their swearing in is a renewed opportunity to bring forth the transformative change that our students are calling for. This new board has a deeply important job ahead: ushering in a successful return to local control and meaningfully improving student outcomes. Now, the work begins – building a school system that truly serves every Providence student. City Council is here as a partner.”
Council Passes Resolution in Support of RI House Speaker Shekarchi’s SAVE Units Legislation
Council passed a resolution, introduced by Majority Leader Pedro Espinal, urging the passage of RI House Speaker Joe Shekarchi’s Supportive and Versatile Emergency (SAVE) Units legislation (H5100). The legislation would remove bureaucratic barriers and expedite the process for municipalities to build emergency shelter units for unhoused residents.
“As we work toward long-term affordable housing solutions, we cannot let unnecessary red tape delay lifesaving emergency projects,” said Majority Leader Pedro Espinal. “Every winter, we’ve been in the same situation: endless shelter waitlists and limited options for our unhoused constituents. We are proud to support Speaker Shekarchi’s efforts to make necessary change in state requirements. This legislation would allow our city to move with the urgency the housing and homelessness crises demand.”
Council Passes Resolution Thanking Better Lives RI and the DaVinci Center Staff for Emergency Shelter Efforts
Council passed a resolution, introduced by Council President Rachel Miller, thanking outreach organization Better Lives RI and the DaVinci Center staff for their invaluable support in operating an emergency warming shelter during some of the coldest weeks this winter. The emergency shelter at the DaVinci Center provided overnight refuge to up to 50 unhoused residents in freezing temperatures during its nights in operation.
“Our city’s unhoused residents deserve more than temporary fixes – but when government officials drag their feet, it’s the community that steps up,” said Councilor Justin Roias. “The DaVinci Center and Better Lives RI staff didn’t hesitate, opening their doors and saving lives during freezing temperatures. Without their leadership, and support from countless volunteers and organizations across the city, it wouldn’t have been possible. We refuse to accept a system that leaves people out in the cold, and we will continue our fight for comprehensive solutions, not just emergency measures.”
Additional Highlights
El Concejo Confirma los Nombramientos de la Junta Escolar, Se Juramentó a la Junta Híbrida
Providence, RI – En la reunión de esta noche, el Concejo Municipal de Providence aprobó los cinco nombramientos de la junta escolar del alcalde Brett Smiley: Melissa Hughes (Región 1), Anjel Newmann (Región 2), Jenny Mercado (Región 3), Night Jean Muhingabo (Región 4) y Steven Williamson (Región 5). Después de un extenso proceso de investigación, los cinco designados se unirán a los cinco miembros electos – Corey Jones (Región 1), Michelle Lee Fontes (Región 2), Heidi Silverio (Región 3), Mireya Mendoza (Región 4) y Ty’Relle Stephens (Región 5) – para completar la junta híbrida de diez miembros. Inmediatamente después de la reunión, nueve de los miembros fueron juramentados por el alcalde Brett Smiley y el juez del Tribunal de Sucesiones John E. Martinelli. Un miembro electo no pudo asistir será juramentado separadamente en un futuro cercano.
“La nueva junta escolar está formada por miembros apasionados,” dijo la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller. “Su juramentación es una nueva oportunidad para generar el cambio transformativo que nuestros estudiantes están pidiendo. Esta nueva junta tiene una tarea sumamente importante por delante: marcar el comienzo de un regreso exitoso al control local y mejorar significativamente los resultados de los estudiantes. Ahora, el trabajo comienza—construyendo un sistema escolar que verdaderamente sirva todos los estudiantes de Providence. El Concejo está aquí como socio.”
El Concejo Aprueba Resolución Apoyando a la Legislación sobre Unidades SAVE del presidente de la Cámara de Representantes de RI Shekarchi
El Concejo aprobó una resolución, introducida por el líder de la mayoría Pedro Espinal, instando la aprobación de la legislación (H5100) sobre unidades de emergencia versátiles y de apoyo (SAVE, por sus siglas en inglcs). La legislación eliminaría las barreras y aceleraría el proceso para que los municipios construyan unidades de refugio de emergencia para los residentes sin hogar.
“Mientras trabajamos para lograr soluciones de viviendas de bajo costo a largo plazo, no podemos permitir que obstáculos burocráticos innecesarios retrasen proyectos de emergencia que salvan vidas,” dijo el líder de la mayoría Pedro Espinal. “Cada invierno, hemos estado en la misma situación: listas de espera interminables para refugios y opciones limitadas para nuestros constituyentes sin hogar. Estamos orgullosos de apoyar los esfuerzos del presidente de la Cámara de Representantes Shekarchi. Esta legislación permitiría a nuestra ciudad avanzar con la urgencia que exigen las crisis de vivienda y de personas sin hogar.”
El Concejo Aprueba una Resolución que Agradece al Personal de Better Lives RI y el DaVinci Center por sus Esfuerzos de Refugio de Emergencia
El Concejo aprobó una resolución, introducida por la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller, que agradece al personal de la organización comunitaria Better Lives RI y del DaVinci Center por su apoyo invaluable en la operación de un refugio de calentamiento de emergencia durante algunas de las semanas más frías de este invierno. El refugio de emergencia del DaVinci Center brindó refugio nocturno a hasta 50 residentes sin hogar en temperaturas gélidas durante sus noches de funcionamiento.
“Los residentes sin hogar de nuestra ciudad merecen más que soluciones temporales – pero cuando los funcionarios del gobierno se demoran, es la comunidad que da un paso al frente,” dijo el concejal Justin Roias. “El personal del DaVinci Center y de Better Lives RI no dudó, abrieron sus puertas y salvaron vidas durante temperaturas gélidas. Sin su liderazgo, y el apoyo de innumerables voluntarios y organizaciones de toda la ciudad, no habría sido posible. Nos negamos a aceptar un sistema que deja a la gente en la calle, y continuaremos nuestra lucha por soluciones integrales, no solo medidas de emergencia.”
Aspectos Destacados Adicionales de la Reunión
