by Council Staff | Sep 4, 2025 | Add Council Logo
Tonight, the City Council convened for its first full meeting following the August recess. Councilors unanimously passed a resolution sponsored by all 14 members honoring the life and legacy of the late Judge Frank Caprio, who passed away last month. Councilors also formally accepted the resignation of former Ward 2 Councilwoman Helen Anthony, who recently announced her resignation to devote more time to her recovery from a life-threatening accident in June 2023.
Caprio, a longtime public servant and community leader in the city, served on the Providence City Council in the 1960s prior to his widely celebrated nearly 40-year career as a Providence Municipal Court Judge. In a statement after Judge Caprio’s passing, Council President Rachel Miller who, like Caprio, represents the Federal Hill neighborhood, said, in part:
“For nearly four decades as Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court, he approached each case with a spirit of mercy that made justice feel human. He believed deeply in the power of education, creating scholarships that honored his own journey and gave Rhode Island students the chance to shape not only their own lives, but the future of their city. Through his work in the courtroom and his dedication to public service, he set a standard for those who follow, showing that leadership is found in how we treat the people we serve. His example will guide our city for generations.”
Also at tonight’s meeting, councilors accepted the resignation of Helen Anthony, who served as councilwoman for Ward 2 from 2019 until stepping down, and passed a resolution declaring the seat vacant and directing the city’s Board of Canvassers to begin the special election process to fill the seat.
Councilwoman Anthony’s departure creates an open seat on the Committee on Finance, which Anthony has chaired since 2023. Council President Miller announced tonight that this vacancy will be filled by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), a former Finance Chair.
Additional highlights from tonight’s meeting include:
- Unanimous passage of a resolution introduced by Councilwoman Ryan renaming Obadiah Brown Field, named for an 18th century slave trader, in honor of Armand E. Batastini, Jr., a lifelong Providence resident and community leader.
- Unanimous passage of a resolution introduced by Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6) authorizing the raising of the Mexican flag outside Providence City Hall in recognition of Mexican Independence Day on Tuesday, September 16th.
- Unanimous passage of a resolution introduced by Councilwoman Ana Vargas (Ward 7) recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated each year from September 15th to October 15th.
- Unanimous passage of a resolution ceremonially renaming Dodge Street in honor of Miss Barbara Thurmond, a longtime community leader and advocate for social justice.
- Introduction of a slew of Tax Stabilization Agreements, which were referred to the Committee on Finance.
El Concejo de Providence Rinde Homenaje a la Vida del Juez Frank Caprio
Esta noche, el Concejo se reunió por primera vez despues del receso de agosto. Los concejales aprobaron por unanimidad una resolución, patrocinada por los 14 miembros, que rinde homenaje a la vida y el legado del difunto juez Frank Caprio, quien falleció el mes pasado. Los concejales también aceptaron formalmente la renuncia de la exconcejala del Distrito 2, Helen Anthony, quien anunció recientemente su renuncia para dedicar más tiempo a la recuperación de su accidente en junio de 2023.
Caprio, un veterano servidor público y líder comunitario de la ciudad, formó parte del Concejo Municipal de Providence en la década de 1960, antes de su reconocida trayectoria de casi 40 años como juez del Tribunal Municipal de Providence. En una declaración tras el fallecimiento del juez Caprio, la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller, quien, al igual que Caprio, representa al vecindario de Federal Hill, declaró
“Durante casi cuatro décadas como Juez Presidente del Tribunal Municipal de Providence, abordó cada caso con un espíritu de misericordia que humanizaba la justicia. Creía profundamente en el poder de la educación, creando becas que honraron su propia trayectoria y brindaron a los estudiantes de Rhode Island la oportunidad de forjar no solo sus propias vidas, sino también el futuro de su ciudad. A través de su trabajo en los tribunales y su dedicación al servicio público, sentó las bases para quienes lo seguirán, demostrando que el liderazgo se encuentra en cómo tratamos a las personas a las que servimos. Su ejemplo guiará a nuestra ciudad durante generaciones.”
También en la reunión de esta noche, los concejales aceptaron la renuncia de Helen Anthony, quien se desempeñó como concejala del Distrito 2 desde 2019 hasta su renuncia, y aprobaron una resolución que declara vacante el puesto y ordena a la Junta de Escrutinio de la ciudad que inicie el proceso de elección especial para cubrirlo. Por ley, la elección debe alojarse dentro de los 90 días posteriores a la notificación a la Junta de Escrutinio.
La salida de la concejala Anthony crea un puesto vacante en el Comité de Finanzas, que Anthony preside desde 2023. La presidenta del Concejo Miller anunció esta noche que esta vacante será cubierta por la concejala Jo-Ann Ryan (Distrito 5), expresidenta del Comité de Finanzas.
Otros puntos destacados de la reunión de esta noche incluyen:
- Aprobación unánime de una resolución presentada por la concejala Ryan que renombra el Campo Obadiah Brown, llamado así por un comerciante de esclavos del siglo XVIII, en honor a Armand E. Batastini, Jr., residente de Providence de toda la vida y líder comunitario.
- Aprobación unánime de una resolución presentada por el concejal Miguel Sanchez (Distrito 6) que autoriza el izamiento de la bandera mexicana frente al Ayuntamiento de Providence en conmemoración del Día de la Independencia de México el martes 16 de septiembre.
- Aprobación unánime de una resolución presentada por la concejala Ana Vargas (Distrito 7) que reconoce el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, que se celebra cada año del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre.
- Aprobación unánime de una resolución que renombra solemnemente la calle Dodge en honor a la Srta. Barbara Thurmond, líder comunitaria de larga trayectoria y defensora de la justicia social.
Introducción de una serie de Acuerdos de Estabilización Fiscal, que fueron remitidos al Comité de Finanzas.
by Council Staff | Aug 21, 2025 | Add Council Logo
Council President Rachel Miller and members of the Providence City Council commend the historic contract ratified by SEIU 1199NE workers at Butler Hospital and applaud that, following sustained pressure from Council leadership, the City of Providence today dropped all $500 noise citations levied against striking workers.
Throughout the three month strike, Council members marched the picket line, passed a resolution in support of the workers, and repeatedly condemned the City’s issuance of punitive fines. Today, the City’s Law Department formally dismissed the charges—a clear win for workers’ rights and free expression in Providence.
“Butler workers stood together for their families, their co-workers, and their patients, and the City Council was proud to stand with them every step of the way,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “Earlier this week, we celebrated the ratification of a contract that meaningfully improves their lives. Today, we welcome the reversal of unjust noise citations that should never have been issued. $500 fines could not quiet the striking workers, whose tenacity and solidarity led directly to a strong new contract. When the City punished workers for raising their voices, we raised ours, and I’m happy today to see the penalties dropped.”
The new four-year contract raises wages by up to $5/hour, protects health coverage, strengthens workplace safety, and secures retirement and education benefits. By the end of the agreement, no worker will earn less than $20 per hour. Members of the Providence City Council congratulate SEIU 1199NE workers on this hard-fought victory and remain committed to defending workers’ rights, supporting healthcare staff, and holding institutions accountable when they retaliate against organizing workers.
by Council Staff | Aug 20, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Ward-13
Today, the City of Providence lost one of its giants, with the passing of former Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court Frank Caprio. In response, Council President Rachel Miller released the following statement:
“My colleagues and I mourn the loss of Judge Frank Caprio, a man whose life reflected this city at its very best. Raised in Federal Hill, the lessons of his family and his neighborhood guided his every decision, bringing fairness and understanding to the courtroom and earning respect from well beyond Providence’s boundaries. For nearly four decades as Chief Judge of the Providence Municipal Court, he approached each case with a spirit of mercy that made justice feel human. He believed deeply in the power of education, creating scholarships that honored his own journey and gave Rhode Island students the chance to shape not only their own lives, but the future of their city. Through his work in the courtroom and his dedication to public service, he set a standard for those who follow, showing that leadership is found in how we treat the people we serve. His example will guide our city for generations. On behalf of the City Council, and as the councilor representing Judge Caprio’s dear Federal Hill, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. This city will never forget him.”
by Council Staff | Aug 1, 2025 | Blog
Driving in Providence presents the same difficulties found in any city—dense traffic, limited parking, and the risk of getting a ticket. When it comes to dealing with these tickets, the Providence Municipal Court, under the oversight of the city council, has gone to great lengths to make things easier for the public to navigate.
One example of this is a recent push to ensure that dealing with the court is as easy as possible for as many residents as possible. From recent census data, we know that more than 1 in 5 Providence residents speak a language other than English. That’s why Chief Judge John Lombardi, Court Administrator Elisabeth Bettis, and Council President Rachel Miller have led strategic efforts that prioritize accessibility and equitable systems.
Under the leadership of Council President Miller, the city’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget allocated funds for a bilingual clerk and public defender at the Municipal Court to address criminal justice inequality. Additionally, Chief Judge Lombardi and Bettis have ensured that the public has quick and easy access to support in over a dozen languages through a third-party service. Whether or not someone speaks English, Municipal Court staff provide necessary support to ensure that the public can review, pay, and dispute tickets.
While the court can be a daunting place, thanks to the hardworking city workers who show up every day for Providence residents, members of the public can feel confident that when they do need to stop by the court they will be treated with dignity and fairness. In everything they do, Bettis and court staff keep the public’s needs and experience front-of-mind.
The effort to create streamlined, accessible systems has also extended beyond the walls of the Municipal Court. When a December 2023 audit revealed major customer service issues with a third-party vendor, action was swift and decisive. For council members and Municipal Court leadership alike, the treatment of constituents under the third-party system was unacceptable. Since then, Municipal Court has moved all constituent calls in-house, and the clerks have taken on the task of addressing callers with the kindness and respect that the public deserves.
Beyond the regular operations at the Municipal Court, the Providence Public Safety Complex offers a variety of other public services and support. In dangerously high summer temperatures, the building serves as a cooling center. A community board is regularly updated with a range of helpful resources in several languages. Every day, the dedicated public servants at the Municipal Court are advancing public safety initiatives in Providence without compromising the public’s well-being.
To get help with a ticket or to contest a violation, call the Municipal Court at 401-680-5000 or visit in person at 325 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903.
by Council Staff | Aug 1, 2025 | Add Council Logo
Today, Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2) announced that she will resign from office effective September 1st to devote more time to her health.
This morning, Chairwoman Anthony sent a formal letter of resignation to the city clerk. Councilors will officially receive that letter at the first September meeting of the city council and, by resolution, declare the seat vacant and direct the Board of Canvassers to schedule a special election. In accordance with the Providence Home Rule Charter, a special election will then be held within 90 days.
In a letter shared by email this morning with her Ward 2 neighbors, Chairwoman Anthony explained her decision and shared a well-earned pride in her accomplishments over six and a half years as a city councilwoman. The letter read, in part:
“As I continue to heal from the traumatic injuries I suffered when I was struck by a van in June 2023, my neurologist has recommended that I devote more time to my recovery. I’m proud to have served Ward 2 and the City of Providence and to have chaired the council’s Finance Committee. Unfortunately, the demands of those roles are hindering my ability to heal.
Working on behalf of this incredible community has been tremendously rewarding. Over the past six years, I have been inspired by your commitment to demanding better for our schools, our environment, our city services, and our government.
I take immense pride in the stands I have taken for transparency. It was not always easy, but I have done my best to communicate with you and to represent the city’s long-term interests. This year’s budget was particularly difficult given the financial challenges facing the city. While no single councilor can solve the city’s problems, I am proud that my team and I set a new bar for educating colleagues and residents about how the city’s budget and taxation processes work, and striving to encourage meaningful public input.”
On behalf of her colleagues and staff, Council President Rachel Miller shared her gratitude and admiration for the chairwoman’s service during her time on the council:
“Serving alongside Chairwoman Anthony has been a great privilege,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “Since our first months in office, I found her to be a clarion voice for her neighborhood and the city, honoring resident contribution and leading effectively with compassion and clarity of purpose. The residents of Ward 2 have had a wonderful representative; residents of every neighborhood have had a steadfast advocate in Helen. While I will miss her leadership on the council, and in particular her deft stewardship of the Finance Committee, I am proud of her decision to prioritize her health. As Helen’s colleague and friend, I was in awe of her resilience and tenacity as she recovered from the accident, and I am in awe of the grace with which she is making this difficult decision today. The city owes Councilwoman Anthony a debt of gratitude for her service.”
The City Council Office will be available to address any constituent issues during the transition and while the Ward 2 council seat is vacant. Residents are encouraged to call constituent services at 401-521-7477 or email council@providenceri.gov.
