by Council Staff | Nov 19, 2025 | Add Council Logo
Tomorrow, November 20 at 6 p.m., Providence City Council will convene for a full meeting in the Council Chamber on the third floor of City Hall. Press and the public are invited to attend.
After being voted out of the Committee on Finance with a recommendation to pass earlier this month, councilors will vote on the City’s lease of the WaterFire Arts Center back to WaterFire Providence and an ordinance supporting the Mile of History project, which authorizes financing to restore sidewalks along and adjacent to Benefit Street.
Councilors will also vote on a resolution, introduced by Council President Rachel Miller, establishing a working group to review how ordinances related to nightlife are enforced and offer recommendations.
At Thursday’s meeting, City Council members will also debut a host of upgrades to the Council Chamber to make meetings more transparent and accessible.
by Council Staff | Nov 6, 2025 | Add Council Logo
Tonight, the Providence City Council unanimously passed proposed changes to the immigration sections of the Community-Police Relations Act and passed a citywide ban on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers by the year 2033 with a vote of 9-3-1-1.
Councilors passed into law a series of amendments to the immigration section of the Community Police Relations Act (CPRA) that were introduced by Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6). After extensive research and support from local and national experts, the amendments focus on five key areas: further limiting PPD officers from voluntarily helping federal immigration enforcement; clarifying prohibited collaboration without a signed judicial warrant; establishing protected spaces; limiting collection and disclosure of sensitive personal data; and giving the community the tools they need to hold the city accountable.
“Providence thrives when every resident can live without fear,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “With Donald Trump’s cruel targeting of immigrant communities, that sense of safety feels out of reach for too many of our undocumented neighbors. What we can control, as a city, is how our police interact with federal agents operating outside of the bounds of due process—and with these amendments, we make clear: they will not. Providence Police will not be used as tools in Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda. And if violations occur, the community will have accountability and recourse. These reforms are about safety, dignity, and trust—and I’m grateful to every advocate, councilor, and community member who made them possible.”
With these protections now in place, councilors sent a clear message that the safety of our neighbors is the highest priority. Read more about the changes here, or view the amendments in full here.
In response to environmental and noise concerns, councilors passed into law an ordinance introduced by Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3) that bans the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Providence completely by 2033. Crafted with extensive vetting and stakeholder feedback, this policy reflects a commitment to addressing the polluting emissions from gas-powered leaf blowers improving the safety of residents and landscapers from dangerously loud sound levels, and the needs of small businesses.
“Our neighborhoods deserve a future without toxic gases and excessive noise. This policy is a win for the health and well-being of our environment and our neighbors, while mitigating impacts on small business” said Councilor Sue AnderBois, the ordinance’s lead sponsor and chair of the Special Committee on the Environment and Resiliency. “I am grateful for the thoughtful conversations with landscapers and concerned residents and the Administration who all helped shape this final legislation.”
A seasonal ban will limit use of this equipment by city departments and members of the public between October 1 and December 15, from 2030 through 2032. As of January 1, 2033, all use within the city limits would be permanently prohibited.
After hearing public comment in the Committee on Ordinances, the entertainment ordinance is being referred back to committee for further study.
Other notable items on tonight’s agenda include:
- An ordinance introduced by President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9) mandating that property owners be alerted when deeds are altered in light of scams seen nationally. The item was referred to the HOPE Committee.
- An ordinance amendment, introduced by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), that updates design standards for new developments guided by the Comprehensive Plan and input from an ad hoc design review committee s referred to the Committee on Ordinances.
- Unanimous passage of a resolution introduced by Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11) honoring community leader Eugenio Fernandez for his service to healthcare in Providence.
- A resolution introduced by Councilman Oscar Vargas (Ward 15) requesting improved access to overnight parking passes was referred to the Committee on Public Works.
- A resolution, introduced by Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14), requesting a review of curb cuts for city-created accessible street parking was referred to the Committee on Public Works.
by Council Staff | Nov 6, 2025 | Add Council Logo
Today, November 6 at 6PM, Providence City Council will convene for a full meeting in the Council Chamber on the third floor of City Hall. Press and the public are invited to attend.
Councilors will consider second and final passage of amendments to the immigration section of the Community Police Relations Act (CPRA), which prioritize the safety of Providence residents and further prohibit voluntary collaboration between Providence Police and federal immigration authorities. Read the full draft of the proposed changes here.
After being voted out of the Committee on Ordinances with a recommendation to pass on Monday, councilors will vote for the first time on proposed updates to the city’s entertainment regulations to expand opportunities for local artists, businesses, and neighborhoods. The updates ensure the law fairly reflects the current needs and realities of Providence’s vibrant entertainment landscape for the shared benefit of businesses, residents, and the city. The amendments were described in a press release on Monday, which can be found here.
In response to environmental and noise concerns, councilors will also consider second passage of an ordinance, introduced by Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3), banning the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Providence. City departments would eliminate their usage by 2028, with a total ban within city limits by 2033.
Immediately after the council meeting, President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo will host a Veterans’ Day event featuring a speaking program and local resources available to veterans.
Other notable items being introduced on Thursday include:
- An ordinance introduced by President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9) mandating that property owners be alerted when deeds are altered in light of scams seen nationally.
- An ordinance amendment, introduced by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), that updates design standards for new developments guided by the Comprehensive Plan and input from an ad hoc design review committee.
- A resolution introduced by Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11) honoring community leader Eugenio Fernandez for his service to healthcare in Providence.
- A resolution introduced by Councilman Oscar Vargas (Ward 15) requesting improved access to overnight parking passes.
- A resolution introduced by Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14) requesting a review of curb cuts for city-created accessible street parking.
by Council Staff | Nov 5, 2025 | Add Council Logo
Last night, the Providence City Council Committee on Finance voted to advance the City’s lease of the WaterFire Arts Center back to WaterFire Providence. This follows council approval of the $3.75 million purchase of the building. The conditional deal requires WaterFire to produce eight full lightings and five partial lightings annually (a three-lighting increase over this year’s schedule), with the Arts Center maintained at WaterFire’s expense and the City retaining the right to reclaim the property if necessary. The purchase is intended to provide an immediate infusion of capital to stabilize the organization (which, by design, remains free to the public and cannot rely on admissions revenue), while protecting a cultural asset from the market pressures of a changing landscape for nonprofit and arts organizations.
“This vote is about protecting the heartbeat of Providence, a cultural event that has become synonymous with the city itself,” said Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan. “WaterFire is more than a world-renowned art installation, it’s an engine of economic activity, drawing in about $162 million of economic stimulus to Rhode Island annually. This agreement is a smart, forward-looking decision that will pay dividends for Providence residents, businesses, and visitors for years to come.”
WaterFire draws roughly a million visitors a year, generating significant downtown foot traffic that supports restaurants, hotels, and small businesses. Beyond the lightings themselves, the organization hosts workforce and artist programs such as ArtLab@WaterFire, houses local groups like the Wilbury Theatre Group, and provides a marketplace for countless local vendors. Under the new leadership of Mark Allan and a reconstructed board, the organization is in a strong position to chart a sustainable path forward with the right support from the City of Providence.
The Committee also voted to advance an ordinance supporting the Mile of History project by authorizing financing to restore sidewalks along and adjacent to Benefit Street, known as one of Providence’s most historic corridors. Studies have found that nearly 40% of the street is considered difficult to traverse, with over 300 feet of sidewalks impassable.
“This project preserves Benefit Street’s historic character while making it safe, inviting, and accessible to everyone,” said Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan. “It will repair cracked sidewalks and missing bricks, restore historic tree wells, and add ADA accommodations on a stretch of road that attracts 300,000 tourists every year. It’s an important, underinvested-in part of our economy, supporting our museums, shops, restaurants, and more. The committee’s vote shows our commitment to fiscal responsibility, preservation, and accessibility, and I hope the full council will follow suit.”
The project would be financed through a loan from the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank’s municipal road and bridge revolving fund, which was first pursued by a local community group, the Mile of History Association. The program provides a discount on loan interest equivalent to 1/3 of the municipal borrowing rate, allowing the City to finance the repairs on more favorable terms than comparable sidewalk projects. This would save the City an estimated $1.94 million in debt service over the twenty-year term of the obligation compared to financing the project through the Capital Improvement Plan, which preserves assets for other essential community projects.
Both matters now move to the full council, where they will be heard with the committee’s recommendation to approve at the regular council meeting on November 20.
by Council Staff | Nov 4, 2025 | Add Council Logo
Tonight, the Providence City Council Committee on Ordinances approved proposed updates to the city’s entertainment regulations to expand opportunities for local businesses, artists, and neighborhoods to thrive. The updates ensure the law reflects the current needs and realities of Providence’s vibrant entertainment landscape so that businesses, residents, and the city have transparent and fair rules to follow. The amendments were advanced to the full city council with a recommendation to pass.
Informed by extensive engagement with stakeholders over a year and a half, the amendments clarify and expand the definition of incidental entertainment, improve regulation of entertainment activities and events, and continue to require compliance with the city’s noise ordinance.
“Providence’s food, beverage, music, and hospitality landscapes have evolved, but the rules have not kept pace, creating confusion for business owners and frustrations for residents,” said Council President Rachel Miller, “Taken together, these changes add structure and predictability for everyone and provide a balanced solution that supports local artists and establishments while maintaining calm and quiet at a reasonable hour for our neighborhoods. We are the Creative Capital – our nightlife should have a chance to flourish, to support musicians, create more access to live music, and opportunities to connect with one another in our neighborhoods throughout the city, while respecting residents living alongside commercial corridors.”
The amendments expand what’s allowed under the category of “incidental entertainment,” which is meant to account for entertainment that isn’t the main event (e.g. no tickets are sold). This could be a jazz brunch, or a small band playing mood-setting music meant to accompany dinner or a glass of wine. The amendments lift the restrictions on dancing or having multiple band members and allow for instruments to be plugged into speakers. Through these updates, establishments that incorporate music as part of the ambiance will be brought into compliance.
The amendments also introduce more straightforward regulations and management mechanisms. Indoor music has a firm end time of 9 PM on weeknights and 11 PM on weekends while outdoor music must cease by 9 PM on any night. Another proposed amendment addresses temporary entertainment events. Events like these will now require a temporary entertainment license from the Board of Licenses, rather than a temporary use permit from the Department of Inspections and Standards. Temporary entertainment licenses will be issued a maximum of nine times per year per license holder.
The city’s noise ordinance will be in full effect for these and all occasions. Music heard beyond the walls of the establishment or at excessive levels (10 decibels above ambient noise and/or outside of 200 feet from the source) is out of compliance with the noise ordinance and should face enforcement action.
