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 | Nov 8, 2024 | Council News, Press Release, Rachel Miller
Providence, RI – Today, R.I. Superior Court issued a decision in favor of Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) to withhold $8.5 million in state funds to the city. In response, City Council President Rachel Miller released the following statement:
“This is a striking decision from the court that puts city finances at serious risk. The City Council is dedicated to righting historic wrongs and funding our schools – as demonstrated by this year’s historic single-year increase to school funding. The Council has opened the door and invited a true partnership – we’ve asked to get the full understanding we need of PPSD’s budget and spending in order to responsibly continue a conversation about allocating further funding. Rather than embracing this demonstrated commitment, the state has repeatedly chosen an adversarial route, including taking drastic court action that threatens the financial stability of our city.
While RIDE does not have to consider the impacts of cuts to critical city services or tax increases on a struggling community, we do, and the families of PPSD students do as well. It is shortsighted to ignore devastating cuts – whether they be in our school communities or in our neighborhoods – affecting our kids, public safety, and basic programs. The City Council has offered a hand to move us forward together, instead we’re facing what comes next with deep disappointment, knowing there were better collaborative ways.
Meanwhile, PPSD continues to budget public money in secret, and now threatens to cut sports and bus passes and deprioritize special education and multilingual learners despite Department of Justice mandates. Last year, PPSD irresponsibly ended the year with a $20 million deficit, recklessly threatening current and future city funding for PPSD and for city services. Now, the state is reaching into the city’s pockets to finance their missteps, not based on a mutual understanding of what PPSD needs for students to succeed but on a zero sum aim to win a political fight. We have an obligation to safeguard taxpayer dollars with transparency. We have a goal to fund our schools and city services, to move us forward on a path to prosperity for all students and families. The actions taken by RIDE move us further away from those aims. Why should Providence taxpayers be forced to bankroll an opaque and irresponsible budgeting process that treats students and families as collateral damage?”
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Providencia, RI – Hoy, el Tribunal Superior de Rhode Island emitió una decisión a favor del Departamento de Educación de Rhode Island (RIDE) para retener $8,5 millones en fondos estatales destinados a la ciudad. En respuesta, la presidenta del Concejo Municipal Rachel Miller, emitió la siguiente declaración:
“Esta es una decisión sorprendente del tribunal que pone en grave riesgo las finanzas de la ciudad. El Concejo Municipal está comprometido en corregir los errores históricos y financiar nuestras escuelas, como lo demuestra el aumento histórico de este año en los fondos destinados a las escuelas. El Concejo ha abierto la puerta y ha invitado a una verdadera colaboración: hemos solicitado obtener una comprensión completa del presupuesto y los gastos del PPSD para continuar responsablemente una conversación sobre la asignación de fondos adicionales. En lugar de aprovechar este compromiso demostrado, el estado ha optado por un enfoque confrontativo, incluso tomando medidas judiciales drásticas que amenazan la estabilidad financiera de nuestra ciudad.
Mientras que RIDE no tiene que considerar los impactos de los recortes en servicios críticos para la ciudad o los aumentos de impuestos en una comunidad que ya está luchando, nosotros sí, y también las familias de los estudiantes del PPSD. Es una visión a corto plazo ignorar los devastadores recortes, ya sea en nuestras comunidades escolares o en nuestros vecindarios, que afectan a nuestros niños, la seguridad pública y los programas básicos. El Concejo Municipal ha tendido la mano para avanzar juntos, pero ahora nos enfrentamos a lo que viene con una profunda decepción, sabiendo que existían mejores formas de colaborar.
Mientras tanto, PPSD sigue presupuestando el dinero público en secreto y ahora amenaza con recortar deportes y pases de autobús, además de dar menos prioridad a la educación especial y a los estudiantes multilingües, a pesar de los mandatos del Departamento de Justicia. El año pasado, PPSD irresponsablemente terminó el año con un déficit de $20 millones, poniendo en peligro de manera imprudente los fondos actuales y futuros de la ciudad para PPSD y los servicios municipales. Ahora, el estado está sacando dinero de los bolsillos de la ciudad para financiar sus errores, no basándose en una comprensión mutua de lo que el PPSD necesita para que los estudiantes tengan éxito, sino en un enfoque de suma cero con el objetivo de ganar una pelea política. Tenemos la obligación de proteger los fondos públicos con transparencia. Nuestro objetivo es financiar nuestras escuelas y servicios municipales, avanzar en un camino hacia la prosperidad para todos los estudiantes y las familias. Las acciones tomadas por RIDE nos alejan de esos objetivos. ¿Por qué los contribuyentes de Providence deberían financiar un proceso presupuestario opaco e irresponsable que trata a los estudiantes y a las familias como daño colateral?”
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by Council Staff | Oct 31, 2024 | Press Release, Rachel Miller
The proposed mid-year funding would prevent threatened cuts to sports programs and bus passes
Providence, RI – At a press conference Tuesday, October 29, Providence City Council announced a proposed $2.5 million to Providence Public School District (PPSD) to prevent cuts to all winter and spring sports programs and some bus passes for students. This funding includes $750,000 from a new PILOT deal with Lifespan, $250,000 from a parking agreement with the Rhode Island School of Design, and $1.5 million in reallocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, contingent on PPSD agreeing to a third-party audit of its finances and to spend the money on reversing cuts to sports and bus passes.
PPSD has been aware of this offer since October 22nd but, despite the Council’s swift action to identify these funds, has not accepted.
On October 23rd, Superintendent Javier Montañez wrote a letter to Council Chief of Staff June Rose rejecting this offer, writing “we will move forward with implementing the difficult decisions we have communicated to the City.” On October 25th, Council President Rachel Miller responded with a letter of her own. PPSD has not responded, despite repeated outreach.
The Committee on Finance has postponed the final vote on the ARPA reallocation ordinances to November 7, urging the district to seize this opportunity and prioritize student needs.
Watch the press conference in full here.
Read the Council President’s letter to the Superintendent here.
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El Concejo Municipal Ofrece $2.5 Millones en Fondos de Emergencia a PPSD y Espera una Respuesta
El financiamiento propuesto a mitad de año evitaría recortes amenazados a programas deportivos y pases de autobús.
Providence, RI – En una conferencia de prensa el martes 29 de octubre, el Concejo Municipal de Providence anunció una propuesta de $2.5 millones para el Distrito Escolar Público de Providence (PPSD) con el objetivo de prevenir recortes a todos los programas deportivos de invierno y primavera, así como a algunos pases de autobús para los estudiantes. Este financiamiento incluye $750,000 de un nuevo acuerdo PILOT con Lifespan, $250,000 de un acuerdo de parqueo con la Rhode Island School of Design, y $1,5 millones de dólares realojados del Plan de Rescate Americano (ARPA). Sin embargo, este apoyo está condicionado a que PPSD acepte una auditoría financiera por parte de una entidad externa y se comprometan a utilizar los fondos para restaurar los recortes en los programas deportivos y los pases de autobús.
PPSD ha estado informado de esta oferta desde el 22 de octubre, pero a pesar de la rápida acción del Concejo para identificar estos fondos, aún no la ha aceptado.
El 23 de octubre, el superintendente Javier Montañez escribió una carta al Líder de Gabinete del Concejo, June Rose, rechazando esta oferta, escribiendo: “seguiremos adelante con la implementación de las difíciles decisiones que hemos comunicado a la Ciudad.” El 25 de octubre, la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller respondió con una carta. PPSD no ha contestado, a pesar de los repetidos intentos de contacto.
El Comité de Finanzas ha pospuesto la votación final sobre las ordenanzas de reubicación del ARPA para el 7 de noviembre, instando al distrito a aprovechar esta oportunidad y poner en primer lugar las necesidades de los estudiantes.
Mira la conferencia de prensa en su totalidad aquí.
Lee la carta de la presidenta del Concejo al superintendente aquí.
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by Council Staff | Sep 10, 2024 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Pedro Espinal, Press Release
The recommended ordinance includes equity-driven zoning and public safety measures for potential cannabis retailers
Providence, RI – The Providence City Council’s Ordinance Committee has advanced the Cannabis Zoning Ordinance with a recommendation for passage, a major step towards allowing responsible and inclusive cannabis retail in the city.
In accordance with the Rhode Island Cannabis Act, passed in 2022, the state has been split into 6 geographic zones, with each zone allowed only four licenses for retail-only cannabis establishments. The city’s ordinance amends the municipal zoning code to permit cannabis retailers in designated areas within Providence, ensuring the city’s participation in this emerging industry.
The ordinance process has involved a robust dialogue with the community, including three City Council public hearings, a community meeting held by Ordinance Committee Chair Pedro Espinal, and a positive recommendation from the City Planning Commission following public comment.
Key Components of the Ordinance:
- New classifications and zones: The city’s ordinance introduces two new classifications – Social Equity/Worker’s Cooperative Cannabis Retailer and Cannabis Retailer – designed to mirror the state’s license types. By aligning municipal zoning with state licensing categories, the ordinance ensures that communities disproportionately harmed by past marijuana laws, as well as cooperative business models, can meaningfully benefit from the cannabis industry.
- Signage requirements: All licensed cannabis retailers will be required to post clear signage outlining Rhode Island cannabis laws, including the prohibition of public cannabis use. Failure to post signage will result in a fine of $100 for a first offense and $250 for each subsequent offense.
- Distance from schools: Cannabis retailers may not open within 500 feet of schools, including both private and public.
“After extensive community engagement and input, this ordinance provides a foundation for a cannabis industry that’s both fair and forward-thinking,” said Committee Chair Pedro Espinal. “By expanding opportunity for minority-owned and worker-owned retailers, we’re ensuring the benefits of this industry reach those who have historically been excluded. This ordinance creates space for economic development, while keeping our neighborhoods safe through intentional zoning and safety guidelines. This is the right step for Providence – a measured approach that puts community first.”
Prior to passing out of committee, members approved a substitution that would require prospective retailers to alert neighbors within 200 feet of a potential establishment, as well as notify the relevant City Councilor via the City Clerk.
The ordinance will proceed to the full City Council for a first passage vote on September 19th. If approved, the ordinance will lay the groundwork for well-regulated, inclusive cannabis retail in Providence. If you missed the meeting tonight, you can view the recording on our YouTube Channel.
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La Ordenanza de Zonificación de Cannabis sale del Comité de Ordenanza con una Recomendación de Aprobación
La ordenanza recomendada incluye zonificación impulsada por la equidad y medidas de seguridad publica para potenciales comercios minoristas de cannabis.
Providence, RI – El Comité de Ordenanza del Concejo Municipal de Providence ha avanzado la Ordenanza de Zonificacion de Cannabis con una recomendación de aprobación, un paso mayor hacia permitir responsables e inclusivos comercios minoristas de cannabis en la ciudad.
De acuerdo a la Ley de Cannabis de Rhode Island, que pasó el 2022, el estado ha sido dividido en seis zonas geográficas, con cada zona permitida solamente cuatro licencias para comercios minoristas de cannabis. La ordenanza de la ciudad enmienda el código de zonificación municipal para permitir que comercios minoristas de cannabis se establezcan en áreas designadas dentro de Providence, asegurando la participación de la ciudad en esta naciente industria.
El proceso de esta ordenanza ha involucrado extenso diálogo con la comunidad, incluyendo tres audiencias publicas organizadas por el Concejo Municipal, una reunión comunitaria organizada por el presidente del Comité de Ordenanzas Pedro Espinal, y una recomendación positiva de la Comisión de Planificación de la Ciudad después de oír comentario publico.
Componentes Claves de la Ordenanza:
- Nuevas zonas y clasificaciones: Dos nuevas clasificaciones, creadas por el estado, serán agregadas a la ley de zonificación municipal – Comercio Minorista de Cannabis de Equidad Social/Cooperative de Trabajadores y Comercio Minorista de Cannabis – diseñadas para estar sincronizadas con los tipos de licencias proveídas por el estado. Al alinear la zonificación municipal con las categorías de licencias del estado, la ordenanza asegura que las comunidades que desproporcionadamente son dañadas por las leyes de marijuana del pasado, así como modelos de negocio cooperativos, pueden beneficiar significativamente de la industria de cannabis.
- Requisitos de señalización: Todos los comercios minoristas de cannabis serán requeridos de colocar señalización clara que describe las leyes de cannabis de Rhode Island, incluyendo la prohibición de uso de cannabis en publico. Falta de colocación de señalización resultara en una multa de $100 por la primera falta y $250 por cada falta después de eso.
- Distancia de escuelas: No puede haber comercios minoristas de cannabis dentro de 500 pies de escuelas, sean privadas o publicas.
“Después de extensa participación y aportes de la comunidad, esta ordenanza provee una fundación para la industria de cannabis que es justo y con visión de futuro,” dijo el presidente del Comité de Ordenanza Pedro Espinal. “Al ampliar las oportunidades para los comercios minoristas propiedad de minorías y de trabajadores, garantizamos que los beneficios de esta industria lleguen quienes históricamente han sido excluidos. Esta ordenanza crea oportunidades para el desarrollo económico, al mismo tiempo que mantiene seguros nuestros vecindarios a través de pautas intencionales de zonificación y seguridad. Este es el paso correcto para Providence – un enfoque medido que prioriza a la comunidad.”
Prior to passing out of committee, members approved a substitution that would require prospective retailers to alert neighbors within 200 feet of a potential establishment, as well as notify the relevant City Councilor via the City Clerk.
Antes de que saliera del comité, los miembros aprobaran una sustitución que requeriría que los comercios minoristas de cannabis prospectivos notifiquen a sus vecinos dentro de 200 pies de un establecimiento potencial, así como notificar al concejal municipal a través de la Oficina de secretarios municipales.
Esta ordenanza pasara al pleno del Concejo Municipal para una primera votación el 19 de septiembre. Si se aprueba, la ordenanza sentara las bases para una industria de cannabis inclusiva y bien regulada en Providence. Si te perdiste la reunión de esta noche, puedes ver la grabación a través de nuestro perfil en YouTube.
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by Council Staff | Aug 26, 2024 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Press Release, Rachel Miller
Providence, RI — Today, Council President Rachel Miller announced an expansion of the City Council communications department with the hiring of a communications director and a press secretary.
Starting on August 28, Joshua Speiser will serve as communications director. Speiser has over two decades of experience in strategic communications, including with Physicians for Social Responsibility, the American Geophysical Union, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, DC, Georgetown University and, most recently, the Carney Institute for Brain Science at Brown University. Speiser is a resident of Ward 3, a dad to two teenagers, a film lover, and a community member at AS220.
“I am thrilled to join the City Council as communications director,” said Speiser. “Real change happens at the local level and I couldn’t be prouder to join the City Council team. I’m looking forward to doing my part to help make Providence the best and most livable city in New England.”
Starting on September 3, Roxie Richner will serve as press secretary. Richner is a recent graduate from Michigan State University, where she studied Social Relations and Policy. She got her start in politics and organizing at a young age, interning and working on campaigns in Michigan, New Jersey, Tennessee, and more. In college, Richner worked with progressive firms Left Rising and Left Flank Strategies on communications and fundraising strategy for advocacy organizations, campaigns, and members of Congress.
“I’m excited to serve as press secretary for the City Council as they work to make Providence a more just, affordable, and vibrant city,” Richner said. “I look forward to working under Council President Miller and with the team to highlight our progress, engage with the community, and help advance policies that create real positive change.”
“Joshua and Roxie are great additions to our growing Council team,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “As we work to move a people-forward agenda for city, Joshua and Roxie will ensure that residents will be informed and engaged on all of the great work the City Council does on behalf of our Providence residents. I’m excited to welcome them to our office.”
Speiser and Richner are the latest additions to a growing Council team. Earlier this summer, the Council hired Isabella Muratore and Patricia Pedriali as policy and research analysts. Muratore recently graduated from Boston University with a Master of Public Health, Health Policy and Law. Pedriali worked for five years on reducing commercial motor vehicle accidents as a program analyst for Changeis.
