by Council Staff | May 10, 2022 | Council News
On Monday, the City Council’s Committee on Urban Redevelopment, Renewal, and Planning (URRP) passed the $5.4 million community development block grant budget (CDBG), federal funds that will immediately impact Providence neighborhoods. CDBG funding includes substantial support to community centers like Federal Hill House and provides grants for economic development and public service programs across the city. Many public service grants help with unemployment, homelessness, public health, clothing insecurity, music education, and domestic violence resources/emergency housing. Some beneficiaries include established providers like Amos House, Clinica Esperanza/Hope Clinic, and the Rhode Island Free Clinic.
Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11) chairs the committee (URRP). The budget ordinance will now go to the full council on May 19 for a first passage. A full breakdown of CDBG funds can be found here: CDGB 2022-2023
by Council Staff | Apr 26, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Press Release, Ward-7
Mayor Elorza has submitted a budget to the City Council, and now the budgetary process begins in earnest with the Council’s Finance Committee. I am encouraged that the proposed budget funds a new police academy, putting more officers on our streets and in our neighborhoods. Providence residents deserve to be safe. Another bright spot reduces the car tax and its’ eventual phase out next year. Small and large business owners will see a drop in the city’s commercial tax rate on real estate for the first time in 10 years. We all know the real estate market has seen enormous gains over the last few years. New tax assessments from the city have gone out in the mail, which show those increased values. I want to assure taxpayers that the City Council will work with the administration to help balance those new values with the tax rate to impact homeowners minimally.
by Council Staff | Apr 21, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Press Release
April 21, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
pgavigan@providenceri.gov
City Council Finance Committee Approves $124 million in Federal Stimulus Funds for Major Investments Throughout Providence
Providence, RI – Tonight, the Providence City Council’s Committee on Finance approved $124 million in an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) ordinance that will fund significant long-term investments in housing, water/sewer and broadband infrastructure, community and social disparities, parks and recreation centers, tourism, travel, and hospitality, as well as economic relief for businesses and organizations hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was important for the finance committee to thoroughly review this budget and scrutinize every expenditure,” said Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan, Chair of the Finance Committee. “The committee prioritized investments in housing, economic development, and infrastructure that touched every neighborhood. We’ve increased aid to elderly services and our libraries, set aside money for sidewalk repairs, and addressed food insecurities. Any modifications to the mayor’s proposed budget accounted for infrastructure commitments, changing priorities, and federal funding opportunities that could be found elsewhere. Residents should know the incredible responsibility of dispersing this money will be tracked and monitored by an independent auditor. This remains a top priority of the Council.”
“Guided by robust community input, Providence will be investing millions of dollars throughout our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “I look forward to working with the full City Council to finalize these allocations and move these critical investments forward.”
“These stimulus dollars allow us to make much-needed investments in our city that will have immediate and generational impacts,” said Council President John Igliozzi. “I thank Mayor Elorza and my council colleagues, particularly Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan, for working collaboratively on a comprehensive plan but one that also zeroes in on certain priorities for our neighborhoods like housing development and upgrades to 21 of our community recreation centers across the city.”
ARPA Ordinance Summary
Investment in Housing
$30.7 million
Investment in Water, Sewer, Broadband and Infrastructure
$20 million
Investments in Community and Social Disparities
$24.3 million
Speeding the Recover of the Tourism, Travel & Hospitality Sectors
$6.2 million
Economic Stabilization-Business
$2.7 million
Revenue Recovery
$36.7 million
Administration expenditures/audit ($300,000)
$3 million
Total = $123,769,438
The ARPA ordinance covers a period of January 6, 2022, through December 31, 2024. The ordinance will now be presented to the full Council for a future vote. A detailed copy of the ordinance can be found here.
by Council Staff | Apr 21, 2022 | Add Council Logo, Press Release
April 21, 2022
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Parker Gavigan, Director of Communications
pgavigan@providenceri.gov
Council Passes Law to Help Prevent Catalytic Converter Thefts and Addresses Street Sweeping Parking, Proposes Tax Exemption for Electric Vehicles Charging Stations & More
Catalytic Converters
An ordinance regarding catalytic converter theft sponsored by Councilor David Salvatore received final passage at tonight’s Council meeting. This ordinance takes effect as efforts are made at the city and state levels to curb the growing trend of catalytic converters being stolen from cars and sold to junk and second-hand dealers. Councilor Salvatore’s ordinance will impose stricter sales regulations, and record-keeping to be shared with local police and provides law enforcement with tools to closely monitor sales and investigate trends while strengthening penalties for repeat offenders.
Parking for Street Sweeping
Tonight, the Council voted for final passage on an ordinance sponsored by Councilor David Salvatore, creating a framework for parking management options during city street sweeping procedures. This new amendment will allow the Department of Public Works to enact parking bans in areas where streets are being cleaned and provide alternative side street parking for area residents. The DPW will begin piloting this program in the coming weeks, emphasizing resident outreach and project efficiency.
Electric charging stations
Councilman John Goncalves proposed an ordinance that would exempt Electric Vehicle Charging stations from taxation. This proposed exemption will apply to individuals who purchase electric vehicle charging stations for their homes and businesses that provide electric vehicle charging stations for customers. The ordinance was referred to the Committee on Ordinances for further review. “Providence is moving towards the future. My proposal will create incentives for residents and business owners to embrace green transportation as a long-term part of everyday life. As the City’s legislative branch, I am hopeful that the City Council will continue to enact legislation which encourages green lifestyle choices and business practices,” stated Councilman John Goncalves.
Resolution calls on local, federal governments to address climate change
The Green New Deal is at the heart of a new proposal introduced before the Council tonight. Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune, President Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal, Councilman John Goncalves, and Councilor Kat Kerwin co-sponsored the resolution calling on the City of Providence to join the federal government in embracing tougher regulations to reduce carbon emissions. If passed, the resolution asks the Mayor, Office of Sustainability, and Planning Department to formalize a detailed plan for how to cut greenhouse gases in Providence. “The time is now to take action to help future generations of Rhode Islanders,” said President Pro Tempore Espinal. “It’s vital to formalize a clear and proven plan to achieve carbon neutrality.” The city’s Office of Sustainability is currently working to create strategies to become carbon neutral by 2050.
Councilors challenge use of solitary confinement in Rhode Island prisons
A group of City Councilors is taking aim at controversial solitary confinement practices in local facilities. Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris, President Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal, Councilman John Goncalves, Councilor Kat Kerwin, and Councilman Nicholas Narducci co-sponsored a resolution introduced at tonight’s meeting, which cites “an abuse in authority” leading to the solitary confinement of some prisoners for up to 7 years. “Solitary confinement is an antiquated, ineffective means of handling prisoners in RI facilities,” said Councilwoman Harris. “We need to take immediate action to limit the duration of confinement and protect the human rights of the incarcerated population.” The resolution supports and urges the passage of House Bill H-7760 to establish policies and procedures to minimize the use of solitary confinement and create accountability guidelines.
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by Council Staff | Apr 21, 2022 | Ward-10
“Today’s decision from the RI Energy Facility Sitting Board is a victory for the people of Ward 10, and the community of South Providence. The proposed expansion clearly poses a substantial risk both to the environment, and public safety in general. I am grateful for the Board’s diligence and careful consideration in this most important matter and look forward to the review process, and public input. I remain dedicated to bringing commerce, in the form of clean, renewable energy to ProvPort, but I will not compromise the well-being of my community.”
