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.
by Council Staff | Feb 3, 2026 | Uncategorized
President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9), who chairs the Providence City Council Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education (HOPE), announced that the committee will hold a public hearing on the proposed rent stabilization ordinance. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, February 18, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber on the third floor of City Hall. Constituents are encouraged to attend to share their opinions on the ordinance, make suggestions, and hear the thoughts of their neighbors.
“This public hearing marks the beginning of a transparent process where Providence residents can share their experiences, concerns, and ideas about rent stabilization,” said President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo. “Vice Chair Shelley Peterson, our committee members, and I are committed to listening closely to everyone impacted by this proposal—including both renters and homeowners. The strongest policy is always informed by both evidence and the actual experiences of our residents. We look forward to hearing directly from the community as we work toward thoughtful, balanced housing policy for the city we call home.”
The public hearing is one piece of a robust public process that will also include community meetings throughout the city. Under the leadership of Chair Pichardo, the HOPE Committee will carefully consider the public’s input as they continue to vet the ordinance. Following the public hearing, the committee plans to meet on February 23, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the ordinance and the community feedback received to date. That meeting will not include public comment, and no vote will be taken on the ordinance.
by Council Staff | Jan 22, 2026 | Add Council Logo
Providence, RI — Tonight, a majority of the City Council formally introduced the highly anticipated rent stabilization ordinance. This proposal was announced at an event on Tuesday, January 20th, with Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13) and President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9), other sponsoring councilors, landlords, renters, and housing advocates. Together, they emphasized the urgent need for this policy proposal. The ordinance was referred to the Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education (HOPE), where there will be a robust public process including considerable opportunity for public input.
Just days after Brown University students returned to campus for the first time since December’s tragic shooting, councilors unanimously approved a resolution recognizing the countless first responders and community members who supported distressed students and neighbors during and after the attack. The heroic, generous efforts of the Providence Police Department, Brown University Department of Public Safety, RIPTA bus drivers, Brown staff, mutual aid networks, and others helped our community navigate this unprecedented tragedy with care and grace.
In addition, councilors unanimously approved a resolution supporting General Assembly legislation to raise the maximum reimbursement from PILOT aid from 27% to 30%, bringing much-needed revenue to the City following last year’s court settlement on school funding. The resolution was introduced by Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1).
Councilman Goncalves also introduced a resolution urging passage of the 2026 Save RIPTA Legislative package in response to a $10 million budget deficit that affected 45 of the system’s 63 routes and reduced overall service by 15%. If enacted, the package would support the long-term health of the bus system and those who depend on it by providing reliable funding avenues and addressing capital improvement issues. The resolution was referred to the Committee on State Legislative Affairs.
The Council approved a resolution from Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) establishing the Special Commission on the History of the Providence City Council. The commission will be tasked with the preservation of the Council’s institutional, legislative, and structural history, and with assembling and organizing records of the Council’s past actions, development, operation and governance practices to ensure their accessibility to the public and to current and future City leaders.
Rent Stabilization
Providence has the fastest rent growth in the country, even while the national median rent decreased. The median rent in Providence is 40% higher today than it was in 2020. Rising costs have forced working families out of the city and have directly contributed to rising rates of homelessness. Since March 2020, Providence has experienced more than 24,000 evictions. Between 2023 and 2024, Rhode Island experienced a 35% rise in homelessness, the second-highest increase in the country.
Sponsoring councilors developed the ordinance in order to create stability and predictability for Providence renters while supporting a healthy housing market. It allows owners of covered properties to raise rents up to 4% annually, includes exceptions for major tax increases and substantial capital improvements, provides for exemptions for a variety of properties including new construction and small owner-occupied buildings, and establishes a Rent Board to enforce tenant protections, grant exemptions to property owners, and resolve disputes. The ordinance is a balanced, Providence-specific approach—one that stabilizes housing for Providence families while ensuring property owners achieve a fair rate of return.
“Providence renters are cost-burdened—we are the least affordable city for renters in the country. We have to act now to create some stability for Providence families,” said Council President Miller. “This ordinance takes immediate action to give residents the breathing room they need. It stabilizes costs, slows a runaway rent pricing problem that will not regulate itself, and prevents our residents from being forced out of our city, all without slowing growth.”
Notable features of the Providence Rent Stabilization Ordinance include:
- Caps annual rent increases at 4%. A landlord cannot raise the rent by more than 4%, absent a special circumstance, in any 12-month period.
- Sets base rent as the rent charged 180 days before the ordinance takes effect, preventing last-minute price spikes before the law goes into force.
- Establishes a Rent Board to administer and enforce the rules. This five-member board and their staff will review landlord petitions for larger increases, hear tenant complaints, and ensure the ordinance is followed fairly.
- Tenants can report suspected violations and are protected from any landlord retaliation for exercising their rights. The Rent Board can roll back unlawful rent hikes, order landlords to refund overcharged rent, and the City can levy fines for serious violations.
- Exemptions for small, owner-occupied buildings with one to three units, such as duplexes and triple-deckers where the owner lives on-site. A narrow exemption for one additional small property owned by the same individual (not a corporation).
- A 15-year exemption for new construction, including currently existing buildings, to ensure that rent stabilization does not interfere with housing production or financing.
- Built-in flexibility for landlords to address major expenses. Owners can seek approval for a higher rent increase if they make significant capital improvements or have other special circumstances where a larger increase is necessary to ensure they can earn a fair return.
- Automatic flexibility for large property tax increases, allowing landlords to pass on a fair portion of unusually high tax hikes above a 5% threshold using a clear formula.
- Rent can only be increased one time by 4% when a tenant moves out and a new tenant moves in, maintaining stability through vacancies.
- Complaint-based enforcement, allowing tenants to report violations without creating a large new bureaucracy or annual reporting burden on property owners.
- Utility charges must reflect actual costs, ensuring that landlords may only pass through the real price of utilities and not mark them up.
- Properties must be up to code to qualify for annual rent increases, meaning landlords must maintain safe, habitable buildings in order to apply the standard 4% increase.
Since the start of the term in 2023, the City Council has invested $55 million in the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, overhauled the City’s zoning policy to increase density citywide, and incentivized private development through tax stabilization agreements. These policies have brought hundreds of housing units to the City—in both deeply affordable income restricted developments and market rate new construction. The Council has also increased annual budget allocations to the City’s home repair program that provides forgivable no cost loans to residents to maintain their properties and made a one-time $3 million allocation to the program with American Rescue Plan dollars.
Last year, the Council’s Housing Crisis Task Force concluded a two-year investigation into the issues residents—including those at risk of homelessness—face in finding and keeping stable housing with the release of an extensive report, which included rent stabilization among its recommendations.
For answers to commonly asked questions, the councilors sponsoring the ordinance have put together an FAQ, which will be updated on the City Council’s website at council.providenceri.gov/housinghub/rentstabilizationfaq/. You can also read Council President Miller’s opinion piece in The Boston Globe from January 20th on how rent stabilization could help solve Providence’s housing crisis.
