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 | Sep 9, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Jim Taylor, Jo-Ann Ryan, Miguel Sanchez, Sue AnderBois
Tonight, the Providence City Council Committee on Finance elected Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) as its next chair.
Councilwoman Ryan, a former chair of the committee, was reappointed to the panel last week by Council President Rachel Miller to fill the vacancy resulting from former councilwoman Helen Anthony’s recent resignation.
With tonight’s vote, Chairwoman Ryan was selected by her colleagues to lead the committee responsible for the city’s annual budget.
“The Chair of Finance is a critical position,” said Council President Rachel Miller after the vote. “As seen over the last three years, under Helen Anthony’s outstanding leadership, the process of vetting and balancing a budget for the city requires patience, flexibility, some very long hours and the ability to make difficult decisions. I applaud the committee’s decision to entrust Councilwoman Ryan with this crucial role and am looking forward to working with her and each member of the Finance Committee as we work on behalf of residents of the city over the upcoming year.”
Councilwoman Ryan was first elected in 2014 to represent Ward 5, which includes the neighborhoods of Elmhurst, Mount Pleasant, and the western edge of Manton. Ryan was reelected in 2018 and 2022 and previously served on Finance from 2016 to 2023, including as committee chair from 2021 to 2023. During her first stint as chair, Ryan oversaw passage of several annual city budgets and the allocation of more than $100 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding.
“I’m grateful for the confidence of my fellow committee members and Council leadership as I take on this role,” said Ryan of her return to the chair. “City Council has no greater responsibility than to be effective stewards of taxpayer dollars. I intend to lead this committee with transparency and diligence as we work together to build a city that serves the best interests of all of its residents.”
The Committee on Finance is responsible for overseeing all matters relating to city finances, including appropriations for city boards and commissions, major contracts for necessary supplies and services, as well as the city’s annual budget which is presented each spring by the mayor and must be carefully vetted, amended, and advanced to the full council.
Also serving on Finance this term are Vice-Chairman James Taylor (Ward 8), Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3), Councilwoman Althea Graves (Ward 12), and Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6).
Following the chair election, the committee moved on to a full meeting agenda with Chairwoman Ryan presiding.
by Council Staff | Sep 4, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Jo-Ann Ryan, Rachel Miller
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 | Jul 24, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Jim Taylor, Jo-Ann Ryan, John Goncalves, Mary Kay Harris, Rachel Miller, Sue AnderBois
Tonight, the Providence City Council convened for the final regularly scheduled meeting before the August recess and advanced several major wins for city residents.
For the second time in two years, councilors defeated a lease proposed by the mayor which would have seen the historic, city-owned Carl G. Lauro building handed over to Excel Academy, a North Providence charter school recently granted an expansion of charter seats by the Rhode Island Department of Education. Yesterday, Council President Rachel Miller, who represents the area surrounding the property, shared a statement explaining her opposition to the proposed lease.
“Mayor Smiley’s lease proposal attempted to solve two challenges at once – ensuring Providence students with already assigned charter seats have a suitable place to learn and finding a path forward for a vacant historic building,” Council President Miller explained in the statement. “After careful consideration, I’ve determined that such an arrangement would not be in the best interest of the neighborhood or city. The city council will not hand the keys of a shuttered public school building to a charter school.”
Council President Miller concluded her statement with both a commitment to stewarding this building and to Providence students, saying, “We need to ensure that our public spaces are utilized in ways that reflect the needs of surrounding communities. I will work closely with my neighborhood and our partners to find a solution for this building that is beneficial to Federal Hill. Every Providence student deserves equal access to quality education, and this council remains committed to ensuring our city’s public schools are capable of delivering that education. We will continue to work with the mayor, the school board, and the Department of Education to build a public school system that is worthy of our students and families.”
Councilors also unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the expenditure of more than $5 million in recently awarded state and federal funds for urgently needed repairs and updates along the North Main Street corridor. With the authorization of these funds, the city council’s North Main Street Task Force, under the leadership of Chairwoman Sue AnderBois (Ward 3), has achieved a major milestone along the path to a safer, more equitable, and prosperous future for one of our city’s busiest streets.
This new investment, driven by the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), follows nearly two years of dedicated work by the Task Force to address longstanding pedestrian and traffic safety concerns along a corridor that has experienced multiple fatalities in recent years. A 2023 Road Safety Assessment conducted by the Task Force identified several critical recommendations to address deficiencies along the corridor, ranging from immediate fixes to long-term infrastructure solutions. Last year, the Task Force secured $500,000 in federal funds to implement early-stage improvements such as new lighting installations. Tonight’s resolution—requiring only a single passage—officially authorizes the city to execute funding agreements and advance the next phase of this transformative project.
Also at tonight’s meeting, Council President Miller introduced two ordinances which would amend the chapter of the city’s Code of Ordinances governing the Providence Police Department (PPD). These proposals follow two recent high-profile violations of PPD policy by police officers.
The first of these proposed ordinances would make several reforms to the Providence External Review Authority (PERA), a body tasked with oversight of PPD including review of potential violations by PPD personal of department policy. Among other reforms, the changes would expand PERA’s purview to include the police academy, establish an early warning system to detect officers in need of counseling or retraining, and empower PERA to audit internal affairs investigations.
A second proposed ordinance introduced by Council President Miller require timely notification of individuals entered by PPD personnel into the so-called “gang database” maintained by the department. This would be significant for the constitutional rights of Providence residents, who deserve to know when they have been specifically identified as gang-affiliated by police. Both proposed police-related ordinances were referred to the Committee on Ordinances.
Councilors also granted first passage to a $279 million bond package that will fund the first two years of the city’s newly adopted five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which totals $557.7 million through FY2030. This plan delivers transformative investments across all neighborhoods—resurfacing roads and sidewalks, modernizing recreation centers, strengthening stormwater and climate resilience systems, and upgrading vital public facilities like City Hall and the Public Safety Complex. It also funds safer streets, new playgrounds, and public art through strategic cultural investments. The CIP reflects the council’s commitment to long-term, equitable improvements that enhance quality of life citywide.
Finally, Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8) introduced an ordinance which would approve the purchase and distribution of new solid waste and recycling bins for the city residents. The idea for this ordinance was proposed by the Special Commission on Waste Management chaired by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5). The item was referred to the Committee on Finance.
Additional items from tonight’s meeting:
- Unanimous passage of a resolution introduced by Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11) recognizing July 26, 2025 as Liberian Independence Day.
- Unanimous passage of a resolution introduced by Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) supporting the potential relocation of the WNBA Connecticut Sun franchise to Providence.
- Unanimous passage of a resolution introduced by Council President Miller that would permit the city to connect Providence with the state’s longest bike path.
El Concejo Municipal de Providence Rechaza el Contrato de Arrendamiento De Lauro, Propone Reformas en la Supervisión Policial e Invierte en Calles más Seguras y Limpias
Esta noche, el Concejo Municipal de Providence se reunió por última vez antes del receso de agosto y logró varias victorias importantes para los residentes de la ciudad.
Por segunda vez en dos años, los concejales rechazaron un contrato de arrendamiento propuesto por el alcalde, que habría pasado el histórico edificio Carl G. Lauro, propiedad de la ciudad, a Excel Academy, una escuela chárter de North Providence a la que el Departamento de Educación de Rhode Island recientemente le otorgó una ampliación de plazas. Ayer, la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller, quien representa el área que rodea la propiedad, publicó un comunicado explicando su oposición al contrato de arrendamiento propuesto.
«La propuesta de arrendamiento del alcalde Smiley buscaba resolver dos desafíos a la vez – garantizar que los estudiantes de Providence con plazas ya asignadas en escuelas chárter tuvieran un lugar adecuado para aprender y encontrar una solución para un edificio histórico desocupado,» explicó la presidenta del Concejo Miller en el comunicado. «Tras una cuidadosa reflexión, he determinado que tal acuerdo no sería lo mejor para el vecindario ni para la ciudad. El Concejo no entregará las llaves de un edificio escolar público clausurado a una escuela chárter.»
La presidenta del Concejo Miller concluyó su declaración con la promesa de proteger este edificio y a los estudiantes de Providence: «Debemos asegurar que nuestros espacios públicos se utilicen de manera que reflejen las necesidades de las comunidades a su alrededor. Trabajaré en colaboración con mi vecindario y nuestros socios para encontrar una solución para este edificio que beneficie a Federal Hill. Todos los estudiantes de Providence merecen igualdad de acceso a una educación de calidad, y este concejo mantiene su compromiso de garantizar que las escuelas públicas de nuestra ciudad sean capaces de impartir esa educación. Seguiremos trabajando con el alcalde, la junta escolar y el Departamento de Educación para construir un sistema escolar público digno de nuestros estudiantes y familias.»
Los concejales también aprobaron por unanimidad una resolución que autoriza la inversión de más de $5 millones de fondos estatales y federales recientemente otorgados para reparaciones y mejoras urgentes a lo largo de North Main Street. Con la autorización de estos fondos, el Grupo de Trabajo de North Main Street del concejo municipal, bajo el liderazgo de la presidenta Sue AnderBois (Distrito 3), ha logrado un hito importante en el camino hacia un futuro más seguro, justo y próspero para una de las calles más transitadas de nuestra ciudad.
Esta nueva inversión, compuesta en gran parte por fondos del Plan Estatal de Mejora del Transporte, se produce tras casi dos años de trabajo del Grupo de Trabajo de North Main Street para mejorar la seguridad de peatones y conductores en una calle que ha registrado varias muertes por accidentes de tráfico en los últimos años. El año pasado, el Grupo de Trabajo obtuvo $500,000 en fondos federales para un nuevo y mejor alumbrado público, una evaluación de seguridad vial realizada por el Departamento de Educación de Rhode Island y la implementación de varias otras recomendaciones del Grupo de Trabajo. La resolución de esta noche solo requirió una aprobación del pleno del concejo.
También en la reunión de esta noche, los concejales presentaron dos ordenanzas que modificarían el capítulo del Código de Ordenanzas de la ciudad que gobierna al Departamento de Policía de Providence (PPD por sus siglas en ingles). Estas propuestas surgen tras dos recientes y notorias violaciones de la política del PPD por parte de oficiales de policía.
La primera de estas ordenanzas propuestas introduciría varias reformas en la Autoridad de Revisión Externa de Providence (PERA por sus siglas en ingles), agencia encargada de supervisar al PPD, incluyendo la revisión de posibles infracciones de las políticas del departamento por parte del personal del PPD. Entre otras reformas, los cambios ampliarían el alcance de PERA para incluir a la academia de policía, establecerían un sistema de alerta temprana para detectar a los agentes que necesitan consejo o reentrenamiento, y facultarían a PERA para auditar las investigaciones de asuntos internos.
Una segunda ordenanza propuesta, presentada por la presidenta del Concejo Miller, exige la notificación oportuna de las personas registradas por el personal del PPD en la denominada “base de datos de pandillas” que mantiene el departamento. Esto sería crucial para los derechos constitucionales de los residentes de Providence, quienes merecen saber cuándo la policía los ha identificado específicamente como miembros de una pandilla. Ambas propuestas de ordenanzas relacionadas con la policía fueron remitidas al Comité de Ordenanzas.
Los concejales también aprobaron un paquete de bonos de $279 millones que financiará los dos primeros años del recién adoptado Plan de Mejoras de Capital (CIP), con un total de $557,7 millones para los próximos 5 años, hasta el año fiscal 2030. Este plan ofrece inversiones transformadoras en todos los vecindarios—repavimentación de calles y aceras, modernización de centros recreativos, fortalecimiento de los sistemas de aguas pluviales y resiliencia climática, y modernización de instalaciones públicas esenciales como el Ayuntamiento y el Complejo de Seguridad Pública. También financia calles más seguras, nuevas áreas de juego y arte público mediante inversiones culturales estratégicas. El CIP refleja el compromiso del concejo con mejoras equitativas a largo plazo que mejoren la calidad de vida en toda la ciudad.
Finalmente, el concejal James Taylor (Distrito 8) presentó una ordenanza que aprobaría la compra y distribución de nuevos contenedores para el reciclaje y residuos sólidos para los residentes de la ciudad. La idea de esta ordenanza fue propuesta por la Comisión Especial de Gestión de Residuos, presidida por la concejala Jo-Ann Ryan (Distrito 5). La ordenanza fue remitida al Comité de Finanzas.
Puntos adicionales de la reunión de esta noche:
- Aprobación unánime de una resolución presentada por la concejala Mary Kay Harris (Distrito 11) que reconoce el 26 de julio de 2025 como el Día de la Independencia de Liberia.
- Aprobación unánime de una resolución presentada por el concejal John Goncalves (Distrito 1) que apoya la posible reubicación de la franquicia Connecticut Sun de la WNBA a Providence.
- Aprobación unánime de una resolución presentada por la presidenta del Concejo Miller, que permitiría a la ciudad conectar Providence con la ciclovía más larga del estado.
by Council Staff | May 15, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Housing, Jo-Ann Ryan, John Goncalves, Miguel Sanchez, Rachel Miller
At tonight’s meeting, Providence City Council granted final passage of an ordinance which will ban the use of price-fixing rental algorithms in the city. This software, developed and sold by companies like RealPage and used by corporate landlords to drive up rents, risks exacerbating the affordability crisis for Providence renters, already the most-overburdened renters in the country.
“It’s no secret that large, corporate landlords – the kind of that have been gobbling up properties in our city for years – will use every available tool to minimize competition and maximize profits,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “Companies like RealPage enable this price-fixing by using algorithms to do what would be illegal between human beings. It’s a loophole that needs closing and, as a renter myself, I’m proud that Providence is joining the growing list of American cities who have acted on this needed protection.”
Here’s how it works: a handful of large, often out-of-state private firms make bulk purchases of property across the city; as more and more units are concentrated in the hands of fewer and fewer landlords, the ability of these large firms to influence and manipulate the broader housing market becomes greater; as the number of units under their control increases, landlords turn over rent-setting to algorithms that comb through public market and private competitor data to determine how high they can go; then, as more landlords use the same software to set rents, it creates a feedback loop using all of their private data which leads to pricing patterns that drive rents higher and higher.
To make matters worse, we know based on a 2022 ProPublica report that the largest landlords in the country, the folks who have been consolidating properties in Providence and who use software like this, favor markets like Providence where rents are already skyrocketing. The same report found that these rental algorithms will sometimes recommend landlords let units sit vacant in order to create even greater scarcity in the market.
Normally, collusion of this kind would be indisputably illegal, but landlords are exploiting a dangerous loophole—using an algorithm to avoid getting in a room together to fix prices. This is a growing problem in metro areas around the country, which is why last year the U.S. Department of Justice, under then-President Biden, filed suit against RealPage and a group of corporate landlords, arguing that this type of software distorts competition and props up artificially high rents. Among the landlords named in that lawsuit are Cushman & Wakefield and Willow Bridge, both of which own properties in the Providence market.
It’s also why five other major American cities have already banned the use of price-fixing tools like those offered by RealPage. Tonight, Providence becomes the sixth such city to secure this protection for renters. Providence City Council continues to take real, meaningful action on behalf of the 60% of Providence residents who rent – with much more to come.
Tonight, councilors also passed an ordinance adopting the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Budget for Program Year 2025-26, and authorizing the city to submit its annual CDBG, HOME Investment Partnership, Emergency Solution Grant, and Housing Opportunity for Persons with AIDS grant applications to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The total CDBG allocation is $5,340,000 for more than a dozen local organizations serving the Providence community.
Finally, councilors granted unanimous passage to a resolution introduced by Senior Deputy Majority Leader John Goncalves recognizing May as Jewish Heritage Month. Jewish Heritage Month is celebrated each may to honor and acknowledge the many contributions of Jewish Americans to the culture and history of the United States.
“The Providence City Council is a body of 15 distinct members who represent diverse voices, neighborhoods and opinions,” said Senior Deputy Majority Leader John Goncalves (Ward 1), the measure’s sponsor, who rose to speak in support of the resolution. “In the face of rising antisemitism, I’m proud to have introduced this resolution to say clearly to our Jewish neighbors: you belong here in Providence, we value you and your contributions, and your presence strengthens the very fabric of Providence.”
Additional Meeting Highlights:
- Introduction and passage of a resolution from Council President Rachel Miller that authorizes the City Council to engage one or more groups to conduct a housing assessment informing the best future use of the property located at 99 Kenyon Street, the former Carl G. Lauro building. City Council continues to vet the proposed Excel Academy lease and listen to the voices of affected constituencies. As a part of this, it is necessary to explore all possible uses of the building, including its potential as a site for housing. The Carl G. Lauro building is a fixture in the Federal Hill neighborhood, and a very large property at a time when the cost of land and development is at an all-time high. It is critical that we use it in a way that benefits the working families of Providence, and especially Federal Hill and the West End. Council will continue to vet the proposal in front of it and explore all of the options until they are confident that its future use is in the best interest of the people they serve.
- Passage of a resolution introduced by Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6) urging passage by the General Assembly of H-5473 and S-0329, which would create an additional tax rate of 3% on taxable income for the state’s highest earners beginning in tax year 2026.
- Passage of two resolutions establishing honorary renaming of Providence streets. The first resolution will rename parts of Camp Street to Donald “Danny” Lopes Way, in recognition of the life and legacy of former Providence City Councilman Donald Lopes, Sr. The second resolution will rename Laura Street to “Algonquin Way” in honor of Algonquin House.
- Introduction of an ordinance by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) which would authorize the creation of a Design Standards Committee to establish design standards for new construction. It was referred to the Committee on Ordinances.
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El Concejo Municipal Prohíbe el Uso de Algoritmos para la Fijación de Alquileres
En la reunión de esta noche, el Concejo Municipal de Providence aprobó por ultima vez una ordenanza que prohibirá el uso de algoritmos de fijación de precios de alquiler en la ciudad. Este software, desarrollado y vendido por empresas como RealPage y utilizado por arrendadores corporativos para aumentar los alquileres, podría empeorar la crisis de viviendas para los inquilinos de Providence, que ya son los más sobrecargados del país.
“No es ningún secreto que los grandes arrendadores corporativos, aquellos que llevan años acumulando propiedades en nuestra ciudad, utilizarán todas las herramientas disponibles para minimizar la competencia y maximizar sus ganancias,” declaró la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller. “Empresas como RealPage facilitan esta fijación de precios con el uso de algoritmos para lograr lo que sería ilegal entre personas. Es una escapatoria legal que debe cerrarse y, como inquilina, estoy orgulloso de que Providence se una a la creciente lista de ciudades estadounidenses que han tomado medidas para realizar esta necesaria protección.”
Así es como funciona: unas pocas empresas privadas grandes, a menudo de otros estados, realizan compras masivas de propiedades en toda la ciudad; a medida que más y más unidades se concentran en manos de cada vez menos propietarios, aumenta la capacidad de estas grandes empresas para influir y manipular el mercado inmobiliario; a medida que aumenta el numero de unidades bajo su control, los propietarios entregan la fijación de alquileres a algoritmos que analizan los datos del mercado público y de los competidores privados para determinar el precio máximo que pueden alcanzar; luego, a medida que más propietarios usan el mismo software para fijar los alquileres, se crea un ciclo que utiliza todos sus datos privados, lo que genera patrones de precios que hacen que los alquileres suban cada vez más.
Para colmo, sabemos, según un informe de ProPublica de 2022, que los mayores propietarios del país, quienes han estado consolidando propiedades en Providence y utilizan software como este, prefieren mercados como Providence, donde los alquileres ya se están disparando. El mismo informe descubrió que estos algoritmos de alquiler a veces recomiendan que los propietarios dejen las unidades vacías para crear una escasez aún mayor en el mercado.
Normalmente, este tipo de colusión seria indiscutiblemente ilegal, pero los propietarios están aprovechando una peligrosa escapatoria legal—usando un algoritmo para evitar reunirse en persona y fijar precios. Este es un problema creciente en las ciudades de todo el país, por lo que el año pasado el Departamento de Justicia de EE. UU., bajo la presidencia de Biden, presentó una demanda contra RealPage y un grupo de arrendadores corporativos, argumentando que este tipo de software distorsiona la competencia y eleva artificialmente los alquileres. Entre los arrendadores mencionados en la demanda se encuentran Cushman & Wakefield y Willow Bridge, ambos propietarios de propiedades en el mercado de Providence.
Es también la razón por la que otras cinco grandes ciudades estadounidenses ya han prohibido el uso de herramientas de fijación de precios como las que ofrece RealPage. Esta noche, Providence se convierte en la sexta ciudad en garantizar esta protección para los inquilinos. El Concejo de Providence sigue tomando medidas reales y significativas en nombre del 60 % de los residentes de Providence que alquilan, y hay muchas más por venir.
Esta noche, los concejales también aprobaron una ordenanza que adopta el Presupuesto de Subvenciones en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario (CDBG, por sus siglas en ingles) de la ciudad para el Año Programático 2025-26 y autoriza a la ciudad a presentar sus solicitudes anuales de subvenciones CDBG, HOME Investment Partnership, Subvenciones para Soluciones de Emergencia y Oportunidades de Vivienda para Personas con SIDA al Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los Estados Unidos. La asignación total de CDBG es de $5,340,000 para más de una docena de organizaciones locales que prestan servicios a la comunidad de Providence.
Finalmente, los concejales aprobaron por unanimidad una resolución presentada por el Senior Vicelíder de la Mayoría John Goncalves, que reconoce mayo como el Mes de la Herencia Judía. Este mes se celebra cada mes de mayo para honrar y reconocer las numerosas contribuciones de los judíos estadounidenses a la cultura y la historia de Estados Unidos.
“El Concejo de Providence es un cuerpo legislativo de 15 miembros quien representan voces diversas, vecindarios y opiniones diversas,” dijo el Senior Vicelíder de la Mayoría John Goncalves (Distrito 1), el patrocinador de la medida, quien hablo en pleno en apoyo de la resolución. “Ante el creciente antisemitismo, me enorgullece haber presentado esta resolución para decirles claramente a nuestros vecinos judíos: su lugar en Providence es nuestro, los valoramos a ustedes y a sus contribuciones, y su presencia fortalece la esencia misma de Providence.”
Puntos destacados adicionales de la reunión:
- Presentación y aprobación de una resolución de la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller que autoriza al Concejo a contratar a uno o más grupos para realizar una evaluación de vivienda que determine el mejor uso futuro de la propiedad ubicada en 99 Kenyon Street, el antiguo edificio Carl G. Lauro. El Concejo continúa examinando el contrato de arrendamiento propuesto para Excel Academy y escuchando las opiniones de los grupos afectados. Como parte de esto, es necesario explorar todos los posibles usos del edificio, incluyendo su potencial como vivienda. El edificio Carl G. Lauro es importante para el vecindario de Federal Hill y una propiedad de gran tamaño en un momento en que el costo del terreno y el desarrollo están en su nivel más alto. Es crucial que lo utilicemos de forma que beneficie a las familias trabajadoras de Providence, y especialmente a Federal Hill y el West End. El Concejo continuará examinando la propuesta que tiene ante sí y explorando todas las opciones hasta que esté seguro de que su uso futuro beneficia a las personas a las que sirve.
- Aprobación de una resolución presenta por el Jefe de la Mayoría miguel sanchez (Distrito 6) instando a la aprobación por parte de la Asamblea General de H-5473 y S-0329, que crearía una tasa impositiva adicional del 3% sobre los ingresos imponibles para las personas con mayores ingresos del estado a partir del año fiscal 2026.
- Aprobación de dos resoluciones que establecen el cambio de nombre honorario de dos calles de Providence. La primera resolución cambiará el nombre de partes de Camp Street a Donald “Danny” Lopes Way, en reconocimiento a la vida y el legado del exconcejal municipal de Providence, Donald Lopes, Sr. La segunda resolución cambiará el nombre de Laura Street a “Algonquin Way” en honor a Algonquin House.
- La concejala Jo-Ann Ryan (Distrito 5) presentó una ordenanza que autorizaría la creación de un Comité de Normas de Diseño para establecer normas de diseño para nuevas construcciones. La ordenanza fue remitida al Comité de Ordenanzas.
