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 | May 29, 2025 | Blog
As one of the oldest cities in all of New England, Providence holds a rich history that is visible in every corner of the city—from the oldest Baptist church in the country, to the 19th century architecture throughout our iconic neighborhoods. On the fifth floor of City Hall, this history comes to life through the nearly 40,000 cubic feet of records preserved by the Providence City Archives, one of the many distinct entities that falls under the oversight of the City Council.
More than a collection of materials spanning centuries, they are a living memory of our city’s history and people who made it, many of whom have never gotten the recognition they deserve. Throughout her tenure as council president, Rachel Miller has worked closely with City Archivist Caleb Horton to showcase these items in exhibits that honor communities whose stories have historically been relegated to the margins and celebrate their immense contributions to Providence.
The latest installment of this ongoing partnership is coming up in June to commemorate Pride Month. Personal letters, news articles, and more will be on display on the third floor of City Hall to highlight the lives and accomplishments of LGBTQ+ elected officials in Providence. As the most diverse City Council in Providence history—led by Council President Miller, the first openly queer person and second woman to hold the position—it should come as no surprise that celebrating diverse perspectives is a priority.
Under the leadership of Council President Miller, Archives presented the first Pride Month exhibit in June 2023, which explored the experiences of gay Black men in the state over the span of 100 years. Other recent collaborations between Council and Archives demonstrate a shared commitment to understanding our past as we build an inclusive future.
This work and commitment extend to all of the many diverse communities that make our city strong. Led by President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo, the Special Commission on Veterans Affairs has worked with Archives to host re-dedication ceremonies at memorials throughout the city. In recent years, Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris and Councilwoman Althea Graves have helped develop Black History Month exhibits that invite the public to learn about the everyday life of 20th century African Americans, the history of abolitionism in the area, and the fight for voting rights in Rhode Island.
These programs not only present a more nuanced view of the past that what many of us learned in formal settings — they are carefully crafted to ensure that our city’s diverse residents can see themselves in leaders of the past and feel inspired to push for positive change in the future.
Join us in June for an exhibit and event for Pride Month and stay tuned for other collaborations to come. Learn more about the Providence City Archive through the extensive collection of digitized materials. For any research questions, or to learn how you can share your items from Providence’s past, email the Archives team at archivist@providenceri.gov.
by Council Staff | May 2, 2025 | Blog
As city leaders, Providence City Councilors make decisions every week that affect the lives and livelihoods of Providence residents. But standing up for our city’s values goes beyond the routine work of legislating. In a diverse, working city like Providence, councilors’ role as advocates is about more than any one ordinance or resolution – it’s about showing up.
In April, Councilor Justin Roias stood before the Paul Cuffee Board of Trustees to speak in support of educators at Cuffee Upper and Lower Schools who are currently in the process of unionizing. In October and December of 2024, these workers voted overwhelmingly to join the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals. Since then, they have been met with misdirection, legal maneuvering, and disrespect.
City Councilors have long supported the right of Providence workers to unionize, which is why Council recently voted unanimous passage of two resolutions in support of such efforts at Cuffee and Highlander Charter schools – the latest of thirteen total union support resolutions passed this term. To underscore this overwhelmingly support, Councilor Roias hand-delivered the Cuffee resolution to the board on April 24th and spoke in support of the right of all workers to collectively bargain for fair pay and better treatment.
“I’m not here to tell you what to do,” said Roias, appearing before the Cuffee Board. “Only you can make that decision. I’m not here to shame or preach. I’m here to proudly say, on behalf of the City of Providence, that workers have the right to organize in this city. In this city, we stand with educators who want fair wages and conditions, not only for themselves but so that they can, with confidence and dignity, carry out the noble and often thankless task of preparing our next generation to thrive and to lead.”
Under the leadership of Council President Rachel Miller, Providence City Council has been a champion for labor and those seeking to make their voices heard — marching and picketing with labor allies and showing up for working people who want and need the strength of a union to help secure better conditions. From teachers and educators to staff at a local news station, postdoctoral workers at Brown University, and Starbucks employees, this council has demonstrated time and again its committed to supporting and uplifting efforts to organize and unionize.
It should come as no surprise that Council President Miller has led this support. More than twenty years ago, it was her advocacy for workers’ rights that first brought her to Providence. As a former union organizer herself, Miller knows firsthand the challenges, pressures, and threats faced by workers who dare to make themselves heard. This week – as we celebrated International Workers Day – and every week, the City of Providence celebrates that daring and stands with all those seeking to organize for a better workplace and world.
For the educators at Paul Cuffee and Highlander schools, and all those demanding the respect they deserve, Providence City Council will keep showing up to defend this most essential right.
by Council Staff | Apr 1, 2025 | Blog
You know your neighborhood and your councilor. But you may not know all of the many different ways Providence City Council is building a better city for you and for your neighbors each and every day – like helping the city’s youth stay out of the criminal justice system.
For more than 30 years, City Council has overseen the Providence Juvenile Hearing Board (JHB), a community-based program designed to provide first-time, non-violent juvenile offenders with an alternative to the traditional court system. Instead of facing formal prosecution, eligible youth appear before the JHB, which works to hold them accountable while offering rehabilitative support.
Comprised of 15 community members appointed by City Council, the JHB reviews each case, considers the circumstances, and assigns appropriate sanctions such as community service, restitution, counseling, or educational workshops. This process helps young people take responsibility for their actions while avoiding a permanent juvenile record. Families and trusted adults then work closely with the JHB Coordinator, a member of council staff, to ensure they have all the support they need to be successful. The current board is led by Chairwoman Bernadette Tavares.
“Supporting and developing youth is both my passion and personal mission,” says Tavares, who has served on the board since 2021. “The opportunity that the JHB presents to avert the perpetual cycle of recidivism is invaluable to our communities. I have greatly enjoyed being a part of the board and serving as the current chair and look forward to supporting the continued growth and development of this important body.”
By focusing on restorative justice, the JHB promotes positive behavioral change, supports families, and enhances public safety without unnecessarily incarcerating our city’s youth. It serves as a critical tool in guiding youth toward better choices while strengthening the community as a whole.
Recently, City Council welcomed a new JHB Coordinator. Luisa Sarante comes to city service with nearly a decade of experience working in housing and supportive services in the Providence community. Most recently, she worked at the Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness as CES Housing Prioritization and Referral Coordinator. Luisa’s position is part of Council’s Constituent Services team working out of City Hall.
“I am thrilled to join the City Council staff to help lead this crucial work. Our city’s youth deserve compassion and support,” Luisa says. “And when they run into trouble, they deserve a chance to make things right. Non-violent, first-time offenders should be given every possible opportunity to do that without being burdened by a criminal record.”
For more information about the Juvenile Hearing Board and how it impacts our city, please contact Luisa Sarante and lsarante@providenceri.gov.
by Council Staff | Feb 21, 2025 | Blog
Throughout the city, a diverse network of parks, waterways, plants, and animals make up a thriving ecosystem that contribute to the wellbeing of our neighbors and enhance the climate resilience of our communities. For more than 30 years, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) has spearheaded stormwater management programs, educational field trips, and workforce training opportunities that strengthen our neighborhoods. Recognizing their positive impact on our city, Council added a $125,000 grant into the 2024-25 fiscal year budget to support the WRWC.
At the heart of the WRWC’s mission is the maintenance of the 50-square-mile Woonasquatucket watershed and the Greenway—seven miles of urban bike path that link parks and green spaces across Providence, Johnston, and Smithfield. This dedication to environmental stewardship has led to the creation of 28,000 square feet of new greenspace, removal of 315 pounds of trash and recycling from the river, planting of 2,000 new plants and trees, and reduction of 750,000 gallons of stormwater. More than just impressive metrics, these improvements have meaningfully revitalized our neighborhoods.
“This funding is a huge deal for our team and the entire community. The Woonasquatucket River Greenway isn’t just a trail—it’s a space for people to connect with nature, commute safely, and enjoy the outdoors,” said Greenway Manager Peter Dear. “Our River Rangers and Land Stewardship team work hard every day to keep it clean, accessible, and thriving, and we’re so grateful that City Council sees the value in that. Council’s support helps us keep the Greenway a beautiful, safe, and resilient space for everyone.”
“I applaud the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council’s work to clean the river and teach our communities to protect our environment,” said Councilman Oscar Vargas. “Across Providence, residents of all ages enjoy the city’s natural resources and help do their part to keep our city beautiful for years to come.”
Supporting organizations like WRWC is just one way Council continues to invest in efforts to build climate resilience and make our communities more sustainable. In the 2024 Comprehensive Plan, the City of Providence committed to prioritizing green infrastructure and local conservation efforts. From beautification and tree-planting initiatives in nearly every ward to last year’s passage of an ordinance requiring all municipal buildings to achieve carbon-neutral status by 2040, Council continues to execute this plan to protect the city’s residents and the environment where they live, work, and play.
Council + WRWC 2024 by Gcantu@providenceri.gov
by Council Staff | Jan 28, 2025 | Blog
Making Providence streets safe and vibrant is deeply important to Providence City Council. In fall 2022, Council and former Mayor Elorza released the North Main Street Revitalization Study, recognizing both the economic opportunities along the corridor and intense traffic safety concerns. In early 2024, Council unanimously passed a resolution making Providence a Vision Zero city, which adopts a goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. North Main Street has become a focal point of that work, with a rise in pedestrian-involved deadly accidents demanding urgent, focused improvements. Seeing the potential of what the future of North Main Street could be, the serious safety challenges that are an immediate emergency, and the challenging governance structure to make change, Councilor Sue AnderBois formed the North Main Street (NMS) Task Force.
“Everyone should trust that Providence streets are safe, whether they’re traveling by foot, bike, car, bus, or scooter,” said NMS Task Force Chair Sue AnderBois. “The fatal, preventable accidents on North Main Street have devastated my community and the North Main Street Task Force has acted with the urgency the situation demands.”
Through data collection and firsthand accounts, it became clear to the eleven-member committee that insufficient lighting was a major issue—and one that could be tackled quickly. Data presented by Vice-Chair Jamie Pahigian, including drone images of North Main Street at night and federal standards for pedestrian lighting, highlighted the dangerous conditions. Anecdotes from East Side residents and business owners exposed the fear and challenges when traveling on and around North Main Street.
Equipped with data and the support of Kyle Delgado, Director of Project Management for City Council, $500,000 in federal funds were allocated to execute a comprehensive lighting project. Broken light posts were repaired and existing lights were brightened, carefully balancing safety goals and light pollution concerns. Council also invested in seven strategically placed light posts at the most problematic sites, identified in part using crash data collected by the Providence Streets Coalition. These new lights on Cypress Avenue, Rochambeau Avenue, and Branch Avenue—near and on the intersection with North Main Street—will shine much-needed light on the pedestrians who travel down this major street.
“For this Council, money spent on safety measures is always money well spent,” said Director of Project Management Kyle Delgado. “Every day I help implement projects for all 15 councilors that make our neighborhoods more welcoming and beautiful places. With the North Main Street Task Force’s investments, our projects are saving lives.”
The Task Force also immediately noted that speeding is a huge concern on this road—and that while longer infrastructure changes could take time—the Providence Police Department has stepped up with greatly increased enforcement. Many drivers have been shocked to find out that the speed limit is only 25 miles per hour on North Main Street and the increased enforcement and speed sleds have been an important initial way the city has increased safety along the corridor.
At the end of 2024, the R.I. Department of Transportation (RIDOT) also addressed tripping hazards, discouraged speeding, and helped create safer crosswalks. Looking ahead, the NMS Task Force will consider increasing crosswalks, pedestrian-level lighting, among other safety measures. Improving pedestrian safety measures is just one piece of the Task Force’s work to revitalize North Main Street. Empty lots will be assessed for affordable housing opportunities, the needs of our local businesses will be gauged, and other projects will be considered through a range of medium-term plans. Across Providence, Council will continue to craft policy and invest funds to create the thriving, safe neighborhoods residents deserve. 
Photo by Kris Craig from The Providence Journal.
