by Council Staff | Feb 5, 2026 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Jill Davidson, John Goncalves, Oscar Vargas, Press Release, Rachel Miller, Shelley Peterson, Sue AnderBois
Providence, RI – Tonight, the Providence City Council held a full meeting in the Council Chamber on the third floor of City Hall.
Councilors unanimously approved a resolution denouncing Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s campaign of aggression around the country, and specifically the unjust killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, who were tragically killed by immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis. As communities organize to support and protect each other from these violent, reckless attacks, Providence councilors extend solidarity and support to the people of Minneapolis.
“Federal officers are leading a campaign of terror in Providence and around the country, violating the constitutional rights of residents en masse,” said Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13). “Today we stand with Minneapolis, and we rise together to defend democracy here and everywhere by calling on our Congressional delegation to abolish an agency that is perverting the principles of justice and fair treatment under the law.”
As Providence residents continue to report difficulty navigating snow and ice on the city’s streets, several councilors introduced a resolution seeking information, reflection, and accountability on the City’s storm preparation and management. The City Council’s Committee on Public Works held a public meeting with DPW leadership to discuss the handling of the storm on Tuesday, February 3. The resolution, which requests a formal report from the Department of Public Works, was referred to the Committee on Public Works.
“Obviously, a combination of intense snow accumulation, extreme cold, and insufficient resources led to a less-than-stellar response by DPW,” said Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14). “I look forward to reading DPW’s report so we can join the Administration in finding ways to improve our storm planning and management in the future.”
In response to reports that many stores in the greater Providence area have sold out of road salt, Councilman Oscar Vargas (Ward 15), who chairs the Committee on Public Works, presented a resolution requesting DPW distribute at least one ton of the city’s salt supply to residents to help clear sidewalks and driveways. The resolution was passed on the floor.
“Unfortunately, over the last week DPW’s plows have pushed snow into constituents’ sidewalks and driveways, causing accessibility issues,” said Councilman Vargas. “We’ve been experiencing extreme cold temperatures, and not all of the snow and ice has melted. With the lack of road salt available for purchase, we’re proposing that DPW provide some of their salt to Providence residents to melt the ice so pedestrians, strollers, and wheelchairs can once again get around safely.”
Councilors also introduced a resolution promoting sustainable and equitable funding for stormwater and sewer management. Providence has experienced 13 significant flooding events in the past three years that have endangered residents and damaged homes and businesses. In response, a Sustainable Stormwater and Sewer Assessment Study Task Force recommended establishing dedicated user fees for stormwater and sewer management. The resolution, which was introduced by Councilor Jill S. Davidson (Ward 2) and Task Force member Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3), supports working in collaboration with the Administration to advance the task force’s recommendations, engage community members, and develop an implementation framework. It was referred to the Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency.
In a continued effort to advocate for safe, affordable housing, councilors heard two resolutions supporting state legislation that addresses housing issues. Councilors unanimously passed a resolution, introduced by Council President Miller, which supports $25 million general obligation housing bonds in the General Assembly. A second resolution introduced by Councilwoman Peterson supports H-7199 and S-2291, which amend the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to allow victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse to terminate a lease early without penalty or liability. This resolution was referred to the Special Committee on State Legislative Affairs.
Councilors also unanimously approved a resolution introduced by Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which took place on January 27, 2026. January 27th is the anniversary of the day the Red Army liberated the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi concentration and extermination camp.
Councilors approved Mayor Brett Smiley’s appointment of Andrew Bramson, President and CEO of Onward We Learn, to the Providence School Board for Region 1. Bramson is currently serving as the Board Chair of the Central Falls School District.
The next city council meeting will take place on February 19th, 2026.
by Council Staff | Nov 6, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Jo-Ann Ryan, Juan M. Pichardo, Mary Kay Harris, Oscar Vargas, Press Release, Shelley Peterson, Sue AnderBois
Today, November 6 at 6PM, Providence City Council will convene for a full meeting in the Council Chamber on the third floor of City Hall. Press and the public are invited to attend.
Councilors will consider second and final passage of amendments to the immigration section of the Community Police Relations Act (CPRA), which prioritize the safety of Providence residents and further prohibit voluntary collaboration between Providence Police and federal immigration authorities. Read the full draft of the proposed changes here.
After being voted out of the Committee on Ordinances with a recommendation to pass on Monday, councilors will vote for the first time on proposed updates to the city’s entertainment regulations to expand opportunities for local artists, businesses, and neighborhoods. The updates ensure the law fairly reflects the current needs and realities of Providence’s vibrant entertainment landscape for the shared benefit of businesses, residents, and the city. The amendments were described in a press release on Monday, which can be found here.
In response to environmental and noise concerns, councilors will also consider second passage of an ordinance, introduced by Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3), banning the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Providence. City departments would eliminate their usage by 2028, with a total ban within city limits by 2033.
Immediately after the council meeting, President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo will host a Veterans’ Day event featuring a speaking program and local resources available to veterans.
Other notable items being introduced on Thursday include:
- An ordinance introduced by President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9) mandating that property owners be alerted when deeds are altered in light of scams seen nationally.
- An ordinance amendment, introduced by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), that updates design standards for new developments guided by the Comprehensive Plan and input from an ad hoc design review committee.
- A resolution introduced by Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11) honoring community leader Eugenio Fernandez for his service to healthcare in Providence.
- A resolution introduced by Councilman Oscar Vargas (Ward 15) requesting improved access to overnight parking passes.
- A resolution introduced by Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14) requesting a review of curb cuts for city-created accessible street parking.
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 21, 2025 | Blog, Oscar Vargas
Throughout the city, a diverse network of parks, waterways, plants, and animals make up a thriving ecosystem that contribute to the wellbeing of our neighbors and enhance the climate resilience of our communities. For more than 30 years, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) has spearheaded stormwater management programs, educational field trips, and workforce training opportunities that strengthen our neighborhoods. Recognizing their positive impact on our city, Council added a $125,000 grant into the 2024-25 fiscal year budget to support the WRWC.
At the heart of the WRWC’s mission is the maintenance of the 50-square-mile Woonasquatucket watershed and the Greenway—seven miles of urban bike path that link parks and green spaces across Providence, Johnston, and Smithfield. This dedication to environmental stewardship has led to the creation of 28,000 square feet of new greenspace, removal of 315 pounds of trash and recycling from the river, planting of 2,000 new plants and trees, and reduction of 750,000 gallons of stormwater. More than just impressive metrics, these improvements have meaningfully revitalized our neighborhoods.
“This funding is a huge deal for our team and the entire community. The Woonasquatucket River Greenway isn’t just a trail—it’s a space for people to connect with nature, commute safely, and enjoy the outdoors,” said Greenway Manager Peter Dear. “Our River Rangers and Land Stewardship team work hard every day to keep it clean, accessible, and thriving, and we’re so grateful that City Council sees the value in that. Council’s support helps us keep the Greenway a beautiful, safe, and resilient space for everyone.”
“I applaud the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council’s work to clean the river and teach our communities to protect our environment,” said Councilman Oscar Vargas. “Across Providence, residents of all ages enjoy the city’s natural resources and help do their part to keep our city beautiful for years to come.”
Supporting organizations like WRWC is just one way Council continues to invest in efforts to build climate resilience and make our communities more sustainable. In the 2024 Comprehensive Plan, the City of Providence committed to prioritizing green infrastructure and local conservation efforts. From beautification and tree-planting initiatives in nearly every ward to last year’s passage of an ordinance requiring all municipal buildings to achieve carbon-neutral status by 2040, Council continues to execute this plan to protect the city’s residents and the environment where they live, work, and play.
Council + WRWC 2024 by Gcantu@providenceri.gov
