by Council Staff | Mar 12, 2026 | Add Council Logo
Today, Providence City Council sponsors of the proposed rent stabilization ordinance announced a slate of amendments shaped by extensive public engagement, policy research, and stakeholder feedback.
The amendments respond to suggestions and feedback raised during multiple community listening sessions throughout the city, a public hearing that lasted more than five hours, and more than 700 written comments submitted to the City Clerk. Councilors also reviewed feedback from the Mayor’s administration, and from organizations including RIHousing, Stop Wasting Abandoned Property Inc. (SWAP Inc.), and the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island (ACLU of Rhode Island).
The amendments clarify exemptions, elaborate on Rent Board procedures, address substantial rehabilitation and utility cost issues, and revise the ordinance’s treatment of new construction. Taken together, the proposed amendments fine-tune the ordinance, while preserving its central goal of ensuring rent increases are stable and predictable for tenants while maintaining clear pathways for property owners to address legitimate operating costs.
“Good policy is built through listening and careful refinement,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “Over the past several months, the ordinance has been shaped by the people who will live with it. We’ve heard from renters, nonprofit developers, property owners, and policy experts. These amendments reflect what we learned. They strengthen the proposal while keeping its core purpose intact: bringing stability to Providence’s rental market while ensuring property owners have the flexibility they need to maintain and invest in their buildings.”
The public is invited to submit additional comments on the proposed amendments or share their feedback at the Tuesday, March 17 meeting of the Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education (HOPE) at 6 p.m. on the third floor of City Hall.
The following are key highlights of the proposed amendments.
New Construction Exemptions
The amendments modify the ordinance’s new construction exemption in several significant ways.
First, the base exemption period for new construction has been reduced from 15 years to 10 years. This preserves a fair transition period for new development while ensuring that units enter the rent stabilization framework within a reasonable timeframe.
Second, a longer 20-year exemption is made available for developments that meet strong labor standards. Projects where workers are paid prevailing wages and where at least 10% of total project hours are performed by registered apprentices will qualify for the longer exemption. This approach provides a pathway to a longer exemption for projects that create high-quality construction jobs, invest in local workers, support apprenticeship pipelines, and strengthen the state’s skilled building trades.
Third, the retroactive application of the exemption has been narrowed. Instead of applying to buildings up to 15 years old, the exemption will now apply only to units that received certificates of occupancy within five years prior to the ordinance’s effective date.
Together, these changes ensure that the exemption supports continued housing development while also strengthening local labor standards.
Affordable Housing Exemptions
The ordinance’s affordable housing exemptions have been revised based on feedback from nonprofit housing developers.
The updated language replaces the original provisions with clearer exemptions for deed-restricted affordable housing and publicly operated or project-based subsidized housing. These are clarifying amendments that match the language to the original intent.
The revised language incorporates the definition used in Rhode Island’s Low and Moderate Income Housing Act, which reflects the typical 30-year affordability restrictions used in most housing programs. It also distinguishes project-based assistance from tenant-based vouchers, which do not limit rent and therefore should not be exempted from the ordinance.
The amendments also direct the Executive Director of the Rent Board to maintain a limited registry of exempt units for transparency and administrative clarity.
Substantial Rehabilitation
The amendments add a clear definition and process for substantial rehabilitation, addressing concerns raised by RIHousing about how the ordinance would treat major renovation projects.
Substantial rehabilitation is defined as a comprehensive renovation that replaces or significantly upgrades at least two major building systems and where construction costs reach at least 15% of the property’s post-rehabilitation value. Cosmetic improvements, routine maintenance, or finish upgrades do not qualify. The amendments establish a process that allows property owners to petition the Rent Board to establish a new base rent for the first tenancy after a qualifying rehabilitation project is completed. In technical terms, it provides for the possibility of one-time vacancy decontrol in the case of substantial rehabilitation.
Utilities and Master-Metered Buildings
The sponsors also addressed concerns raised about master-metered buildings, where utilities are not separately metered and billed by apartment. This is common in older housing stock.
The ordinance already allows landlords to petition the Rent Board for above-standard rent increases based on documented operating cost increases, including utilities. To ensure this issue receives appropriate attention, the amendments now direct the Rent Board to specifically address relief for landlords of master-metered buildings in its rulemaking procedures.
Strengthening Rent Board Procedures
Several amendments clarify how the Rent Board will operate and adopt regulations.
These updates respond to feedback from the ACLU of Rhode Island and many individual testimonies. The amendments add advance notice requirements, a public comment period, a petition process allowing Providence residents to request rulemaking, and a limited emergency rule procedure. Additional changes clarify the roles of the Rent Board and its Executive Director, ensuring a clear distinction between the Board’s policy rulemaking authority and the Director’s day-to-day administrative procedures, and that the Board’s authority is final in the event of a conflict.
As the Council models a robust public feedback process on this ordinance, these changes signal to an incoming board the sponsors’ expectations that transparency and community engagement continue in earnest through the rulemaking process.
Budgetary, Legal, Administrative, and Minor Updates
Additional amendments make several technical, legal, and budgetary improvements to the ordinance.
The amendments establish compensation for Rent Board members, with a stipend starting at $10,000 per year for members and $12,000 per year for the chair. Limited compensation for the Board members is intended to recognize their unique and critical role in the ordinance’s successful enforcement.
In private meetings and public testimony, Mayor Smiley and his administration repeatedly criticized a line in the ordinance that Board funds “be sufficient to ensure full implementation of the Board’s duties.” The amendments remove this line to avoid creating an enforceable statutory obligation that the city cannot guarantee. Removing it does not in any way prevent nor discourage City Council from fully funding the Board with the resources it would need to be successful.
The amendments also modestly expand the owner-occupied exemption from properties with up to three units to properties with up to four units. This aligns the ordinance with federal mortgage standards used by programs administered by RIHousing, which treat owner-occupied properties with up to four units as small residential properties eligible for first-time homebuyer financing. This is intended to ensure the policy does not discourage owner-occupants from purchasing small multifamily homes.
A provision related to misinformation was removed following guidance from the ACLU of Rhode Island to avoid potential First Amendment concerns.
A complete redline of the proposed amendments is available here.
These amendments reflect months of research, community engagement, and policy refinement. Sponsors believe the updated ordinance represents a balanced, Providence-specific approach to addressing rising housing costs—providing stability and predictability for renters while ensuring property owners retain the ability to successfully manage their properties. As the proposal continues through the Council process, sponsors remain committed to a thoughtful public dialogue about how Providence can build more housing while protecting the residents who call the city home.
The ordinance will continue through the committee process in the coming weeks before returning to the full City Council for consideration. The next chance for community feedback will be at the HOPE committee meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17th.
by Council Staff | Mar 9, 2026 | Add Council Logo
Today, the Providence City Council announced the formation of a working group on its role in Providence Public School District (PPSD) governance—a focused, time-limited body tasked with preparing the Council for its responsibilities when PPSD returns to local control. The working group’s efforts will complement ongoing work led by the Mayor’s administration, the Providence School Board, PPSD, and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), including the Mayor’s Return to Local Control Cabinet established in 2023 and RIDE’s Stakeholder Collaboration Working Group established in 2024. While current governance rests with RIDE and future governance would rest with the School Board, this group’s focus is ensuring that, when the City Council is asked to fulfill its role, it does so effectively.
“The City has been doing an incredible job working with the schools to prepare for return to local control. City Council wants to ensure we are prepared to make that transition as effectively as possible,” said Working Group Chair Jill S. Davidson (Ward 2). “This Working Group is an opportunity for us to identify any related matters that require City Council’s attention and action ahead of time, and I am looking forward to working with this group of stakeholders who are contributing truly meaningful insight and experience.”
PPSD has been under State intervention since the 2019–2020 school year. In 2024, the intervention was extended through 2027, though the Council, Mayor, and School Board are requesting a return to local governance this summer. When governance returns to the City, Providence will assume significant fiscal and structural responsibilities related to the District. The City Council plays a direct role in that process through its authority to appropriate funding for PPSD and oversee procurement. The working group will examine what the Council needs in place to effectively fulfill those responsibilities.
The members of the working group include:
- Jill S. Davidson, Providence City Council, Chair
- Justin Roias, Providence City Council
- Nathan Biah, Rhode Island General Assembly State Representative
- Heidi Silviero, Providence School Board
- Sheila Dormody, City of Providence, Chief of Policy and Resiliency
- Paula Dillon, Providence Public Schools, Deputy Superintendent of Academics
- Drew Echelson, Rhode Island Department of Education, Deputy Commissioner
- Cindy Robles, Providence Teachers Union, President
- Melissa Hughes, PPSD parent
- Aubrey Johnson, PPSD parent
- Student Representatives from the OurSchoolsPVD Alliance
The working group will focus on practical questions tied to the Council’s role, including how municipal appropriations for the District should be structured, what financial safeguards and reporting structures would support effective budget oversight, and how coordination should occur among the Council, the Mayor’s administration, and the School Board during and following the transition. The group will also review the long-term financial sustainability of the District budget and other factors that may affect the City’s responsibilities.
The group will receive briefings from municipal finance professionals, individuals familiar with school governance transitions, and other subject matter experts. Community input will also be welcomed as the work proceeds. The working group aims to complete its work by June 5, 2026, producing a written summary of findings and considerations to inform future Council deliberations on budget and policy matters.
Note: Aubrey Johnson was not included in an earlier version of this press release.
by Council Staff | Mar 5, 2026 | Add Council Logo
Tonight, Providence City Council held a full meeting in the Council Chamber on the third floor of City Hall.
At the meeting, councilors unanimously finalized passage of an ordinance amendment regulating building design standards and updates to the utility permits ordinance.
In 2024, then-Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2) introduced an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan encouraging new housing to reflect the character and aesthetic of Providence’s neighborhoods. The ordinance passed tonight, introduced by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), codifies that vision into law by establishing design standards for new residential construction.
The new exterior standards include requirements for primary entrances that are visible from the public right-of-way, limits on the elevation of front entrances, pressure-treated wood to be finished rather than left exposed, screening beneath porches, stairs, and landings, and architectural features such as windows, porches, and entrances to prevent blank building facades. These provisions are intended to ensure new development enhances—rather than disrupts—the communities it joins, without increasing construction costs or delaying project timelines. Through these standards, the Council intends for new housing developments to help positively shape the landscape of Providence’s neighborhoods for years to come.
“I am pleased to have sponsored this important legislation that establishes practical and predictable development rules. Providence wants and needs new development, especially new housing, to meet the needs of current and future residents. It is essential, reasonable, and responsible to ensure that new development fits within our existing neighborhoods and complements the built environment that residents care deeply about. Scale, massing, and architectural details matter—they shape how buildings relate to the street, to nearby homes and businesses, and the overall character of our neighborhood,” said Councilwoman Ryan. “These new design standards will improve design quality without increasing construction costs or extending review timelines while supporting housing production that maintains the character of our neighborhoods.”
The updates to the utility permits ordinance address common complaints from residents about the serious obstacles presented by unexpected utility work in their neighborhoods. The ordinance now requires that any utility company receiving a permit to alter, install, or upgrade equipment on public or private property notify nearby property owners with a detailed schedule of when the work will be happening, a plan for how the utility company will coordinate to avoid unnecessary disturbances to Providence residences, and plans for daily clean-up, equipment storage, and full restoration of sidewalks and streets. In order to ensure compliance with the ordinance, failure to submit plans before non-emergency work starts—or deviation from the plans—may result in fines of up to $500 per day.
“Too often, neighbors report no notice before their streets are opened – blocking them in their driveways making them late for work, leaving tools on their yards, leaving the roads in disrepair for sometimes months at a time,” said Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3), who introduced the ordinance. “Taxpayers of the city own these streets. And while utilities provide services, many are large, out-of-state corporations that make big profits off of expanding their infrastructure. Our neighbors and their property deserve respect.”
In light of the historic snowfall in recent weeks, councilors took multiple actions to support the Providence community.
Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) introduced a resolution requesting the mayor research the use of a publicly accessible tracking system for snow removal vehicles. This measure aims to increase the transparency of clean-up operations during and after snowfall. Councilors referred the resolution to the Committee on Public Works.
Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6) introduced a resolution in support of Rhode Island Senate Bill 2264, which would fund and equip warming and cooling centers during extreme heat and cold spells, along with an accompanying ordinance that matches the state bill at the city level. Both the resolution and the ordinance were referred to the Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education.
Through an invocation and a resolution, councilors honored the lives of Irina Kozav, Stanislaw Kozav, and Ryan Boisvert, whose deaths were all attributed to the freezing cold temperatures that hit the city in late January.
Scientists agree that extreme weather like Rhode Island has seen this winter is a hallmark of climate change, which poses an ongoing and serious threat to human health and the environment. In response, Rhode Island legislators have introduced House Bill 7183 and Senate Bill 2260 to establish a statewide energy efficiency benchmarking program. Councilor AnderBois introduced a resolution in support of the bills, which was referred to the Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency.
The next regular city council meeting will take place on March 19, 2026.
by Council Staff | Feb 19, 2026 | Uncategorized
Tonight, Providence City Council held a full meeting in the Council Chamber on the third floor of City Hall.
At the meeting, councilors unanimously passed a resolution urging the return of Providence public schools to local control. The resolution, introduced by Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13), supports House Bill H-7414, which would provide for the return of the Providence Public School District to local governance by nullifying the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s recommendation that the turnaround plan be continued, and its Senate companion bill, entitled “An Act Relating to Education – The Paul W. Crowley Rhode Island Student Investment Initiative.” Should the state nullify the recommendation with these bills, local governance would return to PPSD on July 1, 2026.
Earlier this week, the Providence School Board unanimously passed a resolution calling for a return to local governance, which would fall under their jurisdiction. Mayor Brett Smiley included an end to the state takeover in his state legislative package last month. With this resolution, City Council demonstrates unity across city partners confirming readiness and eagerness for a return to local control.
“The Mayor, School Board, and City Council are on the same page here. Providence is ready to resume local control. We’re grateful to RIDE for all the work they’ve done with PPSD to help our schools and our students succeed in the long-term,” said President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9). “Thanks to the Turnaround Action Plan, our students and teachers have made tremendous strides over the last several years. With the full support of the School Board, Mayor, and City Council, we’re confident in PPSD’s ability to keep this momentum going.”
This term, City Council has been a consistent partner in the turnaround of the Providence Public Schools, including by negotiating into the budget the largest increase in funding on record, by making massive investments in new and like-new school buildings, and by committing to maintain the funding obligations laid out in the 2024 settlement agreement. Copies of this resolution will be transmitted to the Office of Governor Daniel McKee, Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi, Senate President Valarie Lawson, and the Providence Delegation.
After receiving public comment in the Committee on Ordinances last week, councilors granted first passage to an ordinance amendment regulating building design standards. As part of the 2024 Comprehensive Plan, these updated standards would offer a guide to ensure new housing developments fit into the character of Providence’s distinct neighborhoods.
Councilors also granted first passage to updates to the utility permits ordinance that clarify and strengthen existing requirements on planned and unplanned emergency utility work. This quality-of-life measure aims to improve residents’ awareness of work schedules, expectations around clean-up, and overall accessibility.
Both ordinances will undergo a second vote at the next full City Council meeting on March 5, 2026.
In response to continued snow and ice obstructions at city bus stops, councilors introduced a resolution compelling the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) to clear snowbanks from all bus stops, not just shelters. The resolution was referred to the Committee on Public Works .
In a continued effort to increase accessibility to City Council proceedings, Council now offers live Spanish translation. Constituents who would like to use the technology can scan a QR code or upload a link providing two options: they can either listen to translation from an AI voice, or they can read subtitles in Spanish. This will be available for use during every public meeting moving forward. The QR code will be available on the docket for City Council meetings, outside the Chamber, and on the home screen before each meeting. Languages other than Spanish or English can be accommodated upon request.
A regular meeting of the Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity and Education will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 23rd, in the Council Chamber on the third floor of City Hall. Councilors will discuss the rent stabilization ordinance, including the public testimony received via email and during the public hearing last night. The public and press are invited to attend, but there will be no public comment or vote during this meeting.
by Council Staff | Feb 5, 2026 | Uncategorized
Providence, RI – Tonight, the Providence City Council held a full meeting in the Council Chamber on the third floor of City Hall.
Councilors unanimously approved a resolution denouncing Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s campaign of aggression around the country, and specifically the unjust killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, who were tragically killed by immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis. As communities organize to support and protect each other from these violent, reckless attacks, Providence councilors extend solidarity and support to the people of Minneapolis.
“Federal officers are leading a campaign of terror in Providence and around the country, violating the constitutional rights of residents en masse,” said Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13). “Today we stand with Minneapolis, and we rise together to defend democracy here and everywhere by calling on our Congressional delegation to abolish an agency that is perverting the principles of justice and fair treatment under the law.”
As Providence residents continue to report difficulty navigating snow and ice on the city’s streets, several councilors introduced a resolution seeking information, reflection, and accountability on the City’s storm preparation and management. The City Council’s Committee on Public Works held a public meeting with DPW leadership to discuss the handling of the storm on Tuesday, February 3. The resolution, which requests a formal report from the Department of Public Works, was referred to the Committee on Public Works.
“Obviously, a combination of intense snow accumulation, extreme cold, and insufficient resources led to a less-than-stellar response by DPW,” said Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14). “I look forward to reading DPW’s report so we can join the Administration in finding ways to improve our storm planning and management in the future.”
In response to reports that many stores in the greater Providence area have sold out of road salt, Councilman Oscar Vargas (Ward 15), who chairs the Committee on Public Works, presented a resolution requesting DPW distribute at least one ton of the city’s salt supply to residents to help clear sidewalks and driveways. The resolution was passed on the floor.
“Unfortunately, over the last week DPW’s plows have pushed snow into constituents’ sidewalks and driveways, causing accessibility issues,” said Councilman Vargas. “We’ve been experiencing extreme cold temperatures, and not all of the snow and ice has melted. With the lack of road salt available for purchase, we’re proposing that DPW provide some of their salt to Providence residents to melt the ice so pedestrians, strollers, and wheelchairs can once again get around safely.”
Councilors also introduced a resolution promoting sustainable and equitable funding for stormwater and sewer management. Providence has experienced 13 significant flooding events in the past three years that have endangered residents and damaged homes and businesses. In response, a Sustainable Stormwater and Sewer Assessment Study Task Force recommended establishing dedicated user fees for stormwater and sewer management. The resolution, which was introduced by Councilor Jill S. Davidson (Ward 2) and Task Force member Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3), supports working in collaboration with the Administration to advance the task force’s recommendations, engage community members, and develop an implementation framework. It was referred to the Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency.
In a continued effort to advocate for safe, affordable housing, councilors heard two resolutions supporting state legislation that addresses housing issues. Councilors unanimously passed a resolution, introduced by Council President Miller, which supports $25 million general obligation housing bonds in the General Assembly. A second resolution introduced by Councilwoman Peterson supports H-7199 and S-2291, which amend the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to allow victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse to terminate a lease early without penalty or liability. This resolution was referred to the Special Committee on State Legislative Affairs.
Councilors also unanimously approved a resolution introduced by Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which took place on January 27, 2026. January 27th is the anniversary of the day the Red Army liberated the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi concentration and extermination camp.
Councilors approved Mayor Brett Smiley’s appointment of Andrew Bramson, President and CEO of Onward We Learn, to the Providence School Board for Region 1. Bramson is currently serving as the Board Chair of the Central Falls School District.
The next city council meeting will take place on February 19th, 2026.
