by Council Staff | Oct 2, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Jo-Ann Ryan, John Goncalves, Press Release, Sue AnderBois
At tonight’s meeting of the Providence City Council, councilors granted first passage to an ordinance introduced by Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3) which would ban the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in the city of Providence by 2033. Councilors also granted second passage to an ordinance approving the financing of $5.5 million for the purchase and distribution of new solid waste and recycling carts citywide.
If granted second and final passage, the ban on gas-powered leaf blowers would phase out the use of the devices beginning in 2028, with a full prohibition taking effect in 2033. In addition to contributing to noise pollution in neighborhoods across the city by operating at dangerously loud sound levels, gas-powered leaf blowers produce toxic gases like nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide that pollute our air and contribute to the growing climate crisis.
“This ordinance is a common-sense commitment to keeping our air clean, clear, and safe for all – while also addressing a loud and disruptive public nuisance,” said Councilor AnderBois, the ordinance’s lead sponsor and chair of the Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency. “I am also grateful to the many landscapers who met with me and helped me amend this to mitigate effects on our small business owners. It’s proof that we can improve quality-of-life, build environmental resilience, and take into account the needs of small businesses all at the same time. We don’t need to choose between what’s best for our neighbors and what’s best for the environment.
Last week, the ordinance was passed unanimously by the Special Committee. If passed by the council a second time, the initial phase of the ban would permit use only between October 1 and December 15, from 2028 through 2033, with city departments eliminating their use altogether in 2028. As of January 1, 2033, all use within the city limits would be permanently prohibited.
“I’m proud to have been a strong co-sponsor of this legislation, which builds on a previous ordinance and protects workers from toxic fumes, environmental hazards and dangerous noise while also improving quality of life for our constituents,” said Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1). “This marks real progress toward healthier working conditions and a cleaner, quieter, more livable community.”
Final passage was granted to an ordinance financing the citywide replacement of all public trash and recycling carts. The new bins will save taxpayer money over the long term by dramatically reducing the time and resources currently devoted to repair and replacement of the existing aging fleet, while improving public health and safety by reducing overflow and recycling contamination.
Also at tonight’s meeting, councilors passed two resolutions approved earlier this week by the Committee on Finance. The first resolution supports the Providence Public School District’s Stage II application for $79.5 million spent, 91% of which is eligible for reimbursement, to upgrade school infrastructure and support teaching and learning excellence, student and staff wellbeing, resource management, and family and community engagement. These funds will address urgent needs at: Feinstein Elementary, George J. West Elementary, Leviton Dual Language, Reservoir Avenue Elementary, Robert L. Bailey Elementary, Veazie Street Elementary, Young and Woods Elementary, Webster Avenue Elementary, Esek Hopkins Middle, Nathan Bishop Middle, Central High, Classical High, Dr. Jorge Alvarez High, E-Cubed Academy, Hope High, Juanita Sanchez Complex, and Providence Career and Technical Academy.
The second resolution authorizes the Providence Public Building Authority to issue bonds to buy the Doorley Municipal Building at 444 Westminster Street and the WaterFire Arts Center at 475 Valley Street. Purchase of the Doorley Building will free up at least $1.4 million in rental payments through 2036, and projections show that the city stands to save $7.6 million over the term of the lease. Acquiring this building, which currently houses 10 city departments, is a meaningful step in centralizing municipal functions and services.
The WaterFire Arts Center, an institution at the heart of the city’s arts and culture, will be purchased for $3.75 million and leased back to the organization. This investment stabilizes WaterFire’s financial health and ensures the continued vitality of Providence’s arts economy.
Following passage of these items, Finance Committee Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) emphasized the importance of council investment in Providence schools and public spaces. “These strategic, financially sound agreements promise to deliver stability to our schools, critical city operations and arts programming that residents and staff depend on,” said Chairwoman Ryan.
Finally, councilors voted to confirm Sean Holley as the city’s next Director of the Department of Recreation, effective immediately.
Following the conclusion of the regularly scheduled public meeting, councilors entered into executive session for a discussion with the receivers of the Providence Place Mall to hear an update on the mall’s sale and future plans.
by Council Staff | Sep 18, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Althea Graves, Council News, Housing, Jim Taylor, Jo-Ann Ryan, Mary Kay Harris, Press Release, Rachel Miller, Shelley Peterson
At tonight’s meeting of the Providence City Council, councilors formally received the Housing Crisis Task Force 2025 Report, a deeply-researched legislative blueprint for addressing the city’s housing affordability crisis. Also at tonight’s meeting, councilors granted the first of two required passages to an ordinance which would authorize the financing, purchase, and distribution of new residential trash and recycling bins for the entire city.
The Housing Crisis Task Force (HCTF) has worked for the past two years to develop and recommend a wide range of legislative solutions available to the city council to take on the city’s worsening housing challenges from every possible angle: by expanding housing supply, better regulating an out-of-control rental market, strengthening tenant protections, and expanding emergency shelters and homelessness support services.
“The Housing Crisis Task Force, under the leadership of Chairwoman Mary Kay Harris, has shown real courage where others have been unwilling or unable to commit to action,” said City Council President Rachel Miller. “This council will be prioritizing consideration of the recommendations contained in this report – many of which we have already begun to address, with more to come. Our city’s residents, and our renters in particular, have been demanding relief. Now we have our playbook, and we are ready to act.”
Since the beginning of this city council’s term in January 2023, Council President Miller and members of the city council have repeatedly named housing as their highest priority policy area, with a particular emphasis on increasing protections for the city’s renters.
From banning predatory, price-fixing rental algorithms and limiting the bulk purchase of property throughout the city by out-of-state corporate interests, to expanding support for emergency warming centers and investing millions into the affordable housing trust, this city council has led the way with creative and urgently needed solutions. The HCTF report gives councilors the tools they need to continue that leadership in the months ahead.
In a statement following the panel’s vote to finalize the report earlier this week, Chairwoman Harris expressed gratitude for her fellow Task Force members and urged immediate action:
“This report lays out a bold vision for housing in our city, which is exactly what this moment demands. I could not be prouder of my colleagues on the Task Force and our incredible staff who have spent countless hours listening to residents, researching solutions, and determining the best ways for this council to address the overlapping crises of homelessness and housing affordability that we all see and feel each day. The time to act is right now.”
Also at tonight’s meeting, councilors granted first passage to an ordinance introduced by Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8) that, if granted second and final passage, would approve the financing of $5.5 million to purchase new trash and recycling bins across the city. Replacing bins citywide with new, more modern, and larger receptacles will support public health and safety by reducing overflow and minimizing recycling contamination. The new bins will also save personnel hours and resources currently being spent on repair and replacement of the current, aging bins, saving the city money over the longer term and ensuring smoother curbside pick-up across all 15 wards. The idea for this ordinance was first proposed by the Special Commission on Waste Management chaired by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5).
Other notable items from tonight’s meeting include:
- Introduction of an ordinance by Councilwoman Althea Graves (Ward 12) which would allow councilmembers to more effectively address hazardous trees across the city.
- Unanimous passage of a resolution introduced by Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14) congratulating the faculty, staff, students, and families of E-Cubed Academy for placing in the top five high schools statewide for reductions in chronic absenteeism.
- Unanimous passage of a resolution introduced by Councilwoman Peterson recognizing Ward 14 resident Laura Afonso for her contributions to the Providence small business community.
by Council Staff | Mar 7, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Jo-Ann Ryan
Friday, March 7, 2025
Yesterday, Providence City Council participated in a signing ceremony at City Hall which formalized a new Twinning Partnership between the City of Providence and the Municipal District of Athlone, Ireland.
Ward 5 Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan and Mayor Brett Smiley welcomed the mayor of Athlone and several town councilors for the signing of the official agreement document, held in the mayor’s office.
Town twinning is the European term for the arrangement more commonly known as “sister cities” in the United States.
“This agreement is the result of many years of dedicated effort on both sides of the Atlantic by elected officials from both Providence and Athlone,” said Councilwoman Ryan. “I am especially grateful to Mayor Frankie Keena and Providence’s own Patrick Griffin – who originally hails from Athlone – for their work to build this partnership into something real. I am so proud to be here today to see this across the finish line.”
The formal agreement signed on Thursday commits the two municipalities to strengthening their “common interests” through initiatives such as student and sporting exchanges, local business partnerships, environmental sustainability efforts, and many other areas.
“This Twinning Agreement between Providence and Athlone celebrates our shared history and commits us to a future of collaboration,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “By strengthening our cultural, educational and economic ties, we are building a lasting partnership that will benefit our communities for generations to come.”
Both Providence and Athlone have set up committees which will work together to manage the ongoing partnership. Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan serves as president of the Providence committee, with Patrick Griffin serving as vice president and secretary liaison. The Athlone committee is chaired by Councilor Aengus O’Rourke, with Mr. John Henson serving as Secretary Liaison.
The resolution authorizing the city to enter the twinning agreement was passed unanimously by the full City Council on February 20th. The full text of the resolution can be found here.
by Council Staff | Mar 6, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Jo-Ann Ryan, John Goncalves, Miguel Sanchez, Oscar Vargas, Pedro Espinal
Thursday, March 6, 2025
At tonight’s Providence City Council meeting, councilors granted first passage to phase one of the amended zoning ordinance, which was updated in the Committee on Ordinances in accordance with the 2024 Comprehensive Plan. Upon second passage, these amendments will officially update the city’s base and overlay zoning maps. Phase two of the zoning ordinance amendment process will involve discussion of more complex aspects of the Comprehensive Plan, including reducing or eliminating parking minimums, environmental protections at the Port of Providence, and inclusionary zoning.
“These updates reflect months of community input and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth in Providence,” said Majority Leader and Chairman of Committee on Ordinances Pedro J. Espinal (Ward 10). “Through responsible upzoning, the new zoning maps promote density across the city. I look forward to our work on phase two, where we will take action to promote environmental justice and meaningfully address the housing crisis that is devastating our community.”
Additionally, an ordinance introduced by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) received first passage. The ordinance, returning from the Special Committee on Environment and Resilience, would increase municipal littering fines from $50 to $100. It would also establishes a $250 fine for littering in a designated watershed area due to greater environmental impact. This measure aims to curb littering across the city, especially in natural areas that need protection.
Both ordinances will be voted on for final passage at the next Council meeting on March 20
Councilors also introduced over a dozen resolutions in support of various pieces of state legislation. Several resolutions were passed on the floor, including a resolution introduced by Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6) in support of H5744 and S0457 which would expand bilingual and dual language teacher certificates and programming through new funding avenues. Councilors also passed a resolution introduced by Councilman Oscar Vargas (Ward 15) in support of state legislation to mitigate rising energy costs.
The bulk of the resolutions supporting General Assembly bills were referred to the Committee on State Legislative Affairs, chaired by Senior Deputy Majority Leader John Goncalves (Ward 1).
Councilors also approved a resolution, introduced by Council President Rachel Miller, in solidarity with educator efforts to unionize at Highlander Charter Elementary School.
El Concejo Realiza la Primera Votación sobre las Actualizaciones de la Ordenanza de Zonificación y las Multas por Tirar Basura y Aprueba Resoluciones en Apoyo de Legislación Estatal
Providence, RI – En la reunión del Concejo Municipal de Providence de esta noche, los concejales dieron primera aprobación a la primera fase de la ordenanza de zonificación enmendada, que se actualizó en el Comité de Ordenanzas de acuerdo con el Plan Comprehensivo de 2024. Tras la segunda aprobación, estas enmiendas actualizarán oficialmente los mapas de zonificación base y superpuestos de la ciudad. La segunda fase del proceso de enmienda de la ordenanza de zonificación implicará la discusión de aspectos más complejos del Plan Comprehensivo, incluida la reducción o eliminación de los mínimos de estacionamiento, las protecciones ambientales en el Puerto de Providence, y la zonificación inclusiva.
“Estas actualizaciones reflejan meses de aportes de la comunidad y sientan las bases para desarrollo sostenible en Providence,” dijo el Líder de la Mayoría y presidente del Comité de Ordenanzas Pedro J. Espinal (Distrito 10). “A través de la rezonificación responsable, los nuevos mapas de zonificación promueven la densidad en toda la ciudad. Espero con ansias nuestro trabajo en la segunda fase, donde tomaremos medidas para promover la justicia ambiental y abordar de manera significativa la crisis de vivienda que está devastando nuestra comunidad”.
Además, una ordenanza presentada por la concejala Jo-Ann Ryan (Distrito 5) recibió la primera aprobación. Esta ordenanza, que regresa del Comité Especial sobre Medio Ambiente y Resiliencia, aumentaría las multas municipales por tirar basura de $50 a $100. También establece una multa de $250 por tirar basura en una zona designada de cuenca hidrográfica debido al mayor impacto ambiental. Esta medida tiene como objetivo detener la basura que se tira en toda la ciudad, especialmente en áreas naturales que necesitan protección.
Ambas ordenanzas se votarán para aprobación final en la próxima reunión del Concejo el 20 de marzo.
Los concejales también presentaron más de una docena de resoluciones en apoyo de varios artículos de legislación estatal. Varias resoluciones fueron aprobadas en el pleno, incluyendo una resolución presentada por el Jefe de la Mayoría Miguel Sanchez (Distrito 6) en apoyo de H5744 y S0457 que ampliaría los certificados y la programación de educadores bilingües y de doble idioma a través de nuevas vías de financiación. Los concejales también aprobaron una resolución presentada por el concejal Oscar Vargas (Distrito 15) en apoyo de legislación estatal que para mitigar el aumento de los costos de energía.
La mayoría de las resoluciones en apoyo de los proyectos de ley de la Asamblea General fueron referidas al Comité de Asuntos Legislativos Estatales, presidido por el Sr. Diputado Líder de la Mayoría John Goncalves (Distrito 1).
Los concejales también aprobaron una resolución, presentada por la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller, en solidaridad con los esfuerzos de educadores para sindicalizarse en la Escuela Primaria Highlander Charter.
by Council Staff | Feb 20, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Jo-Ann Ryan, John Goncalves, Juan M. Pichardo, Rachel Miller, Sue AnderBois
Thursday, February 20, 2025
At tonight’s Providence City Council meeting, Councilors passed a resolution, introduced by President Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo, Councilwoman Helen Anthony, and Councilor Sue AnderBois, in support of recommendations made by the State Senate Special Commission for the Providence Public School District.
At recent meetings, the Council Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity and Education (HOPE) heard from key experts regarding the commission’s findings, including State Senator Sam Zurier, former PPSD Superintendent Susan Lusi, educational consultant Steven Smith, and Empower Schools partner Matthew Matera. The resolution supports the state commission’s recommendations to address systemic issues through collaborative labor-management practices, increased autonomy for schools, and the exploration of establishing customized organizational models.
“Senator Zurier’s commission lays out an evidence-backed, realistic action plan that prioritizes student outcomes, strengthens collaboration, and ensures transparent governance,” said President Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo. “These recommendations would help set the stage for a successful return to local control. In this pivotal moment for Providence Public Schools, we must continue to create opportunities for all of our students to succeed.”
Councilors also passed a resolution, introduced by Senior Deputy Majority Leader John Goncalves, to advance electric vehicle infrastructure in Providence. The resolution aims to support updates to the city’s Electric Vehicle Fleet Study and expanded installation of charging infrastructure throughout the city.
“As the climate crisis intensifies, Providence must expand infrastructure for alternative transportation options, including electric vehicles,” said Senior Deputy Majority Leader John Goncalves. “In collaboration with the mayor’s administration, we’ve been working to explore ways to make our city EV friendly, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and transition municipal vehicles to clean energy.”
Additional Meeting Highlights
- Council President Rachel Miller introduced a resolution, by the administration’s request, in support of RI House Bill H-5335, which would return Providence Public School District to local control in July of this year. The resolution was referred to the Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education.
- Council passed multiple resolutions, by the administration’s request, supporting legislation recently introduced in the General Assembly, including RI House Bill H-5307, which would allow city leadership to set and adjust property tax exemptions for veterans; H-5314, which would grant municipalities authority to impose a parking services sales tax; and H-5389, which would limit the withholding authority of the RIDE commissioner.
- Council passed a resolution introduced by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan that will allow the City of Providence to enter a twinning partnership agreement with the Town of Athlone, Ireland.
- Council approved several street naming resolutions, both honorary and official. These approvals included the official renaming of Richardson Street and Park in honor of the late Cedric Huntley, former director of the Nonviolence Institute.
En la reunión del Concejo Municipal de Providence de esta noche, los concejales aprobaron una resolución, presentada por el presidente pro tempore Juan Pichardo, la concejala Helen Anthony, y la concejala Sue AnderBois, en apoyo de las recomendaciones realizadas por la Comisión Especial del Senado Estatal para el Distrito Escolar Público de Providence.
En reuniones recientes, el Comité Especial sobre Salud, Oportunidad, Prosperidad, y Educación (HOPE por sus siglas en ingles) escuchó a expertos clave sobre las conclusiones de la comisión, incluyendo al senador estatal Sam Zurier, la ex superintendente del PPSD Susan Lusi, el consultor educativo Steven Smith, y el socio de Empower Schools Matthew Matera. La resolución apoya las recomendaciones de la comisión estatal para abordar problemas sistémicos a través de practicas de colaboración entre los trabajadores y la administración, una mayor autonomía para las escuelas, y la exploración del establecimiento de modelos organizativos personalizados.
“La comisión del senador Zurier presenta un plan de acción realista y respaldado por evidencia que prioriza los resultados de los estudiantes, fortalece la colaboración, y garantiza una gobernanza transparente,” dijo el presidente pro tempore Juan Pichardo. “Estas recomendaciones ayudarían a sentar las bases para un retorno exitoso al control local. En este momento crucial para las Escuelas Publicas de Providence, debemos seguir creando oportunidades para que todos nuestros estudiantes tengan éxito.”
Los concejales también aprobaron una resolución, presentada por el senior diputado líder de la mayoría John Goncalves, para mejorar la infraestructura para vehículos eléctricos en Providence. La resolución tiene como objetivo respaldar las actualizaciones del Estudio de la Flota de Vehículos Eléctricos y ampliar la instalación de infraestructura de carga en toda la ciudad.
“A medida que se intensifica la crisis climática, Providence debe ampliar la infraestructura para opciones de transporte alternativas, incluidos los vehículos electrónicos,” dijo el senior diputado líder de la mayoría John Goncalves. “En colaboración con la administración del alcalde, hemos estado trabajando para explorar formas de hacer nuestra ciudad compatible con los vehículos electrónicos, reducir la dependencia de los combustibles fósiles, y hacer una transición de los vehículos municipales a energía limpia.”
Aspectos Destacados Adicionales de la Reunión
- La presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller presentó una resolución, a pedido de la administración, apoyando el proyecto de ley H-5335 de la Cámara de Representantes de Rhode Island, que devolvería el Distrito Escolar Público de Providence al control local en julio de este año. La resolución fue referida al Comité Especial de Salud, Oportunidad, Prosperidad, y Educación.
- El Concejo aprobó varias resoluciones, a pedido de la administración, apoyando la legislación presentada recientemente en la Asamblea General, incluido el proyecto de ley H-5307 de la Cámara de Representantes de Rhode Island, que permitiría a los lideres de la ciudad establecer y ajustar las exenciones de impuestos a la propiedad para los veteranos; H-5314, que otorgaría a los municipios la autoridad para imponer un impuesto a las ventas de servicios de estacionamiento; y H-5389, que limitaría la autoridad de retención de la comisionada de RIDE.
- El Concejo aprobó una resolución presentada por la concejala Jo-Ann Ryan que permitiría a la ciudad de Providence firmar un acuerdo de asociación con la ciudad de Athlone, Irlanda.
- El Concejo aprobó varias resoluciones de denominación de calles, tanto honorarias como oficiales. Estas aprobaciones incluyeron el cambio de nombre oficial de la calle y el parque Richardson en honor al difunto Cedric Huntley, ex director del Nonviolence Institute.
by Council Staff | Feb 13, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Juan M. Pichardo
Thursday, February 13, 2025
This week, the Special Commission on Veterans Affairs met to discuss a bill currently pending before the Rhode Island General Assembly which would allow the Providence City Council to set and adjust property tax exemptions for the city’s military veterans, which are currently capped at the state level.
Under the leadership of Chairman Juan M. Pichardo, the Special Commission proposed this change to state law to enable the City of Providence to lessen the tax burden for those who have honorably served their country in the armed forces.
“Providence veterans have given so much in service of our city, state, and country,” said Chairman Pichardo, a veteran who also serves as President Pro Tempore of the City Council.
“The commissioners and staff have done the research and recommended the bill to the General Assembly with the support of Mayor Smiley. We are ready to introduce this ordinance as soon as the state bill passes the General Assembly. This change will have a meaningful benefit for our veterans, to whom we owe an enormous debt of gratitude.”
H 5307, which was introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives by Representative Anthony DeSimone (D-Dist. 5, Providence), would authorize the City to set a specific dollar amount at which qualifying veterans would be exempt from paying a portion of their property taxes. The senate bill will be introduced by Senator Frank Ciccone (D-Dist. 7, Providence, Johnston).
At their regularly scheduled meeting, the Special Commission also voted unanimously to appoint Joseph Iannucci as vice chair. Commissioner Iannucci is a longtime Providence resident, retired Providence police officer, and veteran.
The Special Commission was formed to advocate for veterans living in the City and to establish a veterans parade in Providence.
