Councilor Justin Roias Issues Statement in Support of Etta Apartments Tenant Union

by Council Staff | May 22, 2026 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release

Providence, RI —Tenant unions are organizations of tenants that come together to advocate for themselves and their neighbors. Our neighbors at the Etta Apartments in the North End have come together to establish the Etta Apartments Tenant Union (EATU). These tenants have united to fight for better living conditions.

Etta Apartment residents are under the Section 8 program, meaning that their living situations are subsidized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This apartment complex in particular works with elderly residents of our community. In order to form the union, over 70% of them signed cards saying that they want to organize as a group and then negotiate with the landlord for improvements!

EATU has been dealing with all sorts of issues for years, including, but not limited to:

• Lack of maintenance and update standards
• Unjust towing of tenants’ vehicles
• Over the top fees for AC usage
• Absentee management
• No accountability for the owner or property manager
• Disrespect 

As a long-time Providence resident and city councilor, I fully support the tenants in their fight for fair treatment. Why is it that elderly folks living in subsidized housing should ever have to deal with questions of heat, cost, respect, or dignity? Unfortunately, groups like Providence Realty Investment (the owners of the building) and Wingate (the property management company) reap in millions of dollars in tax incentives and federal dollars only to ignore our most vulnerable communities. While Providence Realty Investment boasts a portfolio of 19 different subsidized housing complexes in RI and MA, and while the company’s owners live in multi-million dollar mansions, they leave our elders in a precarious position.  

Providence Realty Investment now has the opportunity to do the right thing: sit down with the tenants and negotiate a fair lease. Don’t retaliate against these tenants for using their federal right to organize (remember, retaliation is against the law). Respect their wishes. Treat your tenants the way you should have from the start. If you do, there’s an incredible opportunity ahead to build a future for these tenants, a future where they are fully respected and where their needs are listened to and met.

I have the back of every single tenant organizing in this building, and I won’t let greedy landlords come in and take public dollars to violate your federal right to organize. It’s time for every tenant in this city to have a voice by organizing into a tenant union, and I can’t wait to see what EATU is able to achieve as it grows and negotiates with the landlord.

Councilors Vote to Expand Police Oversight in Providence

by Council Staff | May 21, 2026 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release

The ordinance strengthening PERA requires one more vote to become law

Providence, RI – Tonight, councilors voted for the first time to strengthen civilian oversight of the Providence Police Department (PPD) by expanding the Providence External Review Authority’s (PERA’s) oversight powers. Currently, PERA relies heavily on PPD for access to information, which limits its ability to operate independently.

Sponsors of the bill say that the proposed amendments would give PERA the tools, access, and authority to conduct real, independent oversight with direct access to internal police systems and records, the ability to audit Internal Affairs investigations, and the creation of an Early Warning System to flag officers who may need counseling or retraining. These reforms would give Providence residents a clearer path to review from outside the police department, strengthening accountability and increasing public safety.

“For years, PERA has been tasked with investigating police misconduct without the tools, access, and authority to do that work independently,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “Today’s vote is a major step toward real civilian oversight—giving PERA meaningful access to the systems and information it needs to conduct independent investigations and strengthen public trust. This legislation builds on decades of organization by community members who have demanded a system of accountability that does not depend on the institution it is meant to oversee. Real public safety means safe neighborhoods, yes—but it also means confidence that when harm occurs, there is a path to justice.”

Additionally, councilors finalized passage of the $3 million Green Revolving Fund and $5.45 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget, significant investments in the overall health and well-being of Providence residents and the city itself.

CDBG funds reach every corner of the city. Distributed as grants to the city’s community centers and public service organizations, utilized for neighborhood park and facility improvements, and invested in homelessness prevention and affordable housing projects, CDBG funding decisions reflect the needs of the city as well as ward priorities.

“This has been the most efficient and collaborative URRP process of my term,” said Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), who serves as chair of the Committee on Urban Redevelopment, Renewal, & Planning (URRP). “I’m so proud of how many programs and projects we have been able to meaningfully support in this new funding cycle.”

Some important allocations of funding to highlight include:

• $20,000 for the Mathewson Street United Methodist Church’s food services program.
• $40,000 for the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber (which recently celebrated its tenth anniversary!) of Commerce for economic development support.
• $657,360 housing grant for Amos House to rehabilitate homes at 428, 430, and 434 Pine Street.
• An additional $70,000 for Amos House’s A Hand Up program, which offers work opportunities to more than 500 people who are actively participating in, and at risk for, panhandling.
• $85,000 for the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council’s “Merino Park and Greenway Accessibility Project.”
• An additional $75,000 in Ward 6 and Ward 7 neighborhood investment funding to support Merino Park pedestrian access improvements.

Mayor Brett Smiley and the City Council will issue a more detailed joint press release on CDBG projects and the benefits of the ordinance.

While the CDBG budget focuses on building healthy and well-supported communities, the Green Revolving Fund looks to the emissions footprint of city buildings. The GRF will serve as a much-needed mechanism for the city to reach its goal for municipal buildings to be carbon neutral by 2040. Projects will include such improvements and upgrades as installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; installation of solar panels and other renewable energy systems; and weatherization and other updates to tighten building envelopes. The savings from the reduction in energy costs, alongside incentives and rebates, will be reinvested into the Fund.

“The work that we are doing to decarbonize, to invest in energy efficiency, it is working, not just to help the environment, but to save our residents and our taxpayers real money,” said Green Revolving Fund sponsor Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3) during the May 7^th city council meeting. “Providence [is] leading the way and showing that we’re seeing savings. And even if the federal and state governments try to disinvest in this, we’re going to use our savings to create our own incentives to keep going.”

“If decarbonization doesn’t move you, then let cost savings move you,” added Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 4).

Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) introduced an ordinance that would prohibit rent increases above 10% during states of emergency, and for 30 days afterward, declared by the President or Governor and the Mayor. The ordinance would create a 3-1-1 complaint category for tenants to report rent increases of 15% or more and require housing inspections when tenants report rent increases of 25% or more, with credible supporting documentation. The ordinance was referred to the Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education for further review.

Just in time for summer, councilors completed first passage of the updated entertainment ordinance. The updated ordinance creates the definition of expanded incidental entertainment, clarifies what qualifies as entertainment under this new definition, changes licensing requirements, and sets clearer hours for general indoor and outdoor music, while reinforcing noise regulations in consideration of nearby residents. According to sponsors, the updated ordinance is necessary to support and create consistency for the local artists and venues that make Providence the Creative Capital.

The next regular City Council meeting will convene on June 4, 2026.

Council President Miller Issues Statement Following Rent Stabilization Veto Override Vote

by Council Staff | May 15, 2026 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release

Council President Miller Issues Statement Following Rent Stabilization Veto Override Vote

Providence, RI — Following tonight’s vote on the rent stabilization veto override, Council President Rachel Miller released the following statement:

I’m profoundly disappointed that Mayor Smiley and a small minority of the City Council chose to side with developers and corporate landlords over Providence renters. With nine out of fifteen city councilors defying big-money special interests to support rent stabilization, it’s clear the grip the real estate lobby has over City Hall is slipping. But tonight, that grip was still strong enough to block much-needed protections for working families. Until the next effort succeeds, the unfortunate reality remains: in Providence, it is still legal for a landlord to raise rent by unlimited amounts, for any reason.

Industry wants us to believe the sky will fall if there’s reform. But for working families, the sky is already falling, as concentrated real estate power turns Providence into a city so few can afford.

In the 1930s, business groups warned that the minimum wage, the weekend, and child labor laws would destroy the free market. In the 1960s and 1970s, car manufacturers warned that seatbelt requirements and clean air rules would destroy the auto industry. After the 2008 financial crisis, Wall Street warned that basic banking regulations would destroy the economy. And in 2026, the real estate industry cries that basic tenant protections will kill development. But I see businesses still open, streets full of cars, and banks making money. And I see no reason to let the same tired industry panic stand between working people and the basic protections they deserve.

Like those reforms, rent stabilization is a modest guardrail to keep working people from being crushed by an unchecked market. And like those reforms, there will come a time when basic tenant protections are common, obvious, and accepted.

My hope is that this effort to keep Providence families in their homes has changed the conversation. I hope it allowed working people to see themselves not just as people affected by the housing crisis, but as people with the power to change it. We landed one vote short of changing the power dynamic between landlords and tenants in the city of Providence. That is painful proof that victory is within reach.

Developers alone will never save working people from the housing crisis. Lobbyists will not build an affordable Providence. That will take relentless community organizing, sustained public pressure, and political courage from city leaders.

Talk to your neighbors. Organize in your community. Make your voice heard in the halls of government. The fight for an affordable Providence is only just beginning.

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La Presidenta del Concejo Municipal Miller Emite una Declaración Tras la Votación para Anular el Veto a la Estabilización de la Renta 

Providence, RI — Tras la votación de esta noche sobre la anulación del veto a la estabilización de la renta, la Presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller emitió la siguiente declaración:

Me siento profundamente decepcionada de que el alcalde Smiley y una minoría del Concejo Municipal hayan optado por ponerse del lado de los desarrolladores inmobiliarios y los propietarios corporativos en lugar de los inquilinos de Providence. Con nueve de los quince concejales desafiando a los intereses especiales adinerados para apoyar la estabilización de la renta, resulta evidente que el control que ejerce el grupo de presión inmobiliario sobre el Ayuntamiento se debilita. Sin embargo, esta noche, ese control fue lo suficientemente fuerte como para bloquear unas protecciones sumamente necesarias para las familias trabajadoras. Hasta que el próximo intento tenga éxito, la lamentable realidad persiste: en Providence, sigue siendo legal que un propietario aumente la renta en cantidades ilimitadas y por cualquier motivo.

La industria quiere hacernos creer que el cielo caerá si hay reformas. Pero para las familias trabajadoras, el cielo ya se les está cayendo, ya que el poder inmobiliario concentrado convierte a Providence en una ciudad inasequible para la mayoría.

En la década de 1930, los grupos empresariales advirtieron que el salario mínimo, el fin de semana y las leyes sobre el trabajo infantil acabarían con el libre mercado. En las décadas de 1960 y 1970, los fabricantes de automóviles advirtieron que los requisitos sobre los cinturones de seguridad y las normas de calidad del aire acabarían con la industria automotriz. Tras la crisis financiera de 2008, Wall Street advirtió que las regulaciones bancarias básicas acabarían con la economía. Y en 2026, el sector inmobiliario clama que las protecciones básicas para los inquilinos acabarán con el desarrollo. Pero yo veo negocios que siguen abiertos, calles repletas de automóviles y bancos que siguen generando ganancias. Y no veo ninguna razón para permitir que el mismo pánico trillado de la industria se interponga entre la gente trabajadora y las protecciones básicas que merecen.

Tal como esas reformas, la estabilización de la renta es una modesta medida de protección para evitar que la gente trabajadora sea aplastada por un mercado sin control. Y al igual que esas reformas, llegará un momento en que las protecciones básicas para los inquilinos sean comunes, obvias y aceptadas.

Mi esperanza es que este esfuerzo por mantener a las familias de Providence en sus hogares haya cambiado la conversación. Espero que haya permitido a los trabajadores verse a sí mismos no solo como personas afectadas por la crisis de la vivienda, sino como personas con el poder de cambiarla. Nos quedamos a un solo voto de cambiar la dinámica de poder entre propietarios e inquilinos en la ciudad de Providence. Esa es una prueba dolorosa de que la victoria está a nuestro alcance.

Los desarrolladores inmobiliarios por sí solos nunca salvarán a la gente trabajadora de la crisis de la vivienda. Los grupos de presión no construirán un Providence asequible. Eso exigirá organización comunitaria incansable, presión pública sostenida y valentía política por parte de los líderes municipales.

Hable con sus vecinos. Organice en su comunidad. Haga oír su voz en las salas del gobierno. La lucha por un Providence asequible apenas comienza.

Council President Miller Schedules Vote to Override Veto of Rent Stabilization Ordinance

by Council Staff | May 11, 2026 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release

Residents are encouraged to attend the May 15th meeting as the City Council considers the final step to enact rent stabilization for Providence

Providence, RI — Today, Providence City Council President Rachel Miller announced that the Council will hold a vote on Friday, May 15th at 6 p.m. to consider overriding Mayor Brett Smiley’s veto of the rent stabilization ordinance, representing a decisive step in the effort to bring stability and predictability to the city’s rental market. 

The proposed ordinance, which caps annual rent increases at 4% while maintaining clear pathways for property owners to address legitimate costs, was passed by the City Council following months of public engagement, policy research, and amendments shaped by community feedback. Mayor Smiley vetoed the measure less than a day after its final passage, underscoring his longstanding opposition to regulating the cost of rent. 

“Working families are at a crossroads,” said Council President Miller. “If the Council succeeds in overriding Mayor Smiley’s veto, residents will be able to breathe a little easier knowing they won’t face sudden, extreme rent increases. If the override fails, landlords will continue to be allowed unlimited increases that price families out of their homes and neighborhoods. I encourage every resident who has been affected by rising housing costs—or who believes Providence should be a city working people can afford—to show up and be part of this defining moment. I hope my colleagues will join me in rejecting a status quo that is making Providence unlivable for working families. Our neighbors deserve stability and relief.” 

Under the City Charter, the Council has 30 days from the date of the veto to override with a two-thirds majority, or 10 votes, giving it until Sunday, May 17th. If successful, the override would immediately enact the ordinance into law. 

The override vote follows one of the most extensive public processes undertaken by the City Council in recent years, including listening sessions held across Providence, more than seven hours of public testimony before the Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education (HOPE), and over 1,000 written comments submitted to the City Clerk. Feedback from tenants, property owners, housing advocates, nonprofit developers, and policy experts directly informed a series of amendments that strengthened and clarified the proposal. 

Recent polling has reinforced what was heard throughout that process. A poll highlighted in the Boston Globe found that 74% of likely Democratic voters support limiting annual rent increases to 4%, consistent with findings from a 2025 University of Rhode Island poll showing 72% statewide support for rent stabilization. 

Sponsors emphasized that rent stabilization is one part of a broader strategy to address Providence’s housing crisis, alongside investments in affordable housing, zoning reforms, and policies to increase housing supply. 

The meeting will take place in the Council Chamber on the third floor of City Hall, and residents are encouraged to attend. 

Providence City Council Introduces Local Vendor Preference Ordinance, Considers $5.45M CDBG Budget, Green Revolving Fund

by Council Staff | May 7, 2026 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release

Providence, RI – Tonight, Majority Leader Pedro J. Espinal (Ward 10) introduced an ordinance that would establish a certified local vendor program and apply a 5% evaluative preference in bid scoring to support Providence-based businesses. By giving local businesses a leg up in the bidding process, sponsors say the ordinance would both attract new businesses and help sustain established ones.

“We hear ‘buy local’ a lot, but hiring local is just as important,” said Majority Leader Espinal. “This ordinance is a great way for the city to support the entrepreneurs and businesses that not only make Providence their home, but help make Providence our home as well.”

The ordinance was referred to the Committee on Ordinances.

Tonight, councilors passed the Green Revolving Fund ordinance for the first time. The ordinance advances the City’s commitment to reducing energy use, lowering emissions, and reinvesting savings from municipal energy improvements back into future sustainability projects.

Buildings are among the largest drivers of energy demand and emissions nationwide: the building sector uses roughly 75% of the electricity generated in the United States, and homes and businesses accounted for 31% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2022, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. With energy bills skyrocketing, municipal buildings are modeling the decarbonization actions needed to reduce building emissions and eventually reach net zero. While the savings from these efforts will be reinvested into the fund, the whole city will benefit from the City’s commitment to lower energy use, alternative energy sources, and reduced emissions. The ordinance requires a second vote to become law.

Councilors also voted for the first time on an ordinance that would adopt the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Budget for Program Year 2026-27, and authorize the City to submit its annual CDBG, HOME Investment Partnerships Program, Emergency Solutions Grants Program (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) grant applications to the U.S. Department of Housing and Human Services. The total CDBG allocation of $5,450,000 will be used for grants for housing, community centers, facility improvements, economic development, neighborhood projects, and more. The ordinance requires a second vote to become law.

Councilors presented several resolutions, including a resolution opposing Brown University’s planned demolitions on Brook Street as well as a resolution requesting that Providence Public School District report to the Ways and Means Committee on how it is addressing the growing crisis of student homelessness in Providence schools. The Brook Street resolution was referred to the Department of Public Works. The student homelessness crisis resolution was passed on the floor.