by Council Staff | May 21, 2026 | Add Council Logo, Council News, John Goncalves, Justin Roias, Mary Kay Harris, Press Release, Rachel Miller, Sue AnderBois
The ordinance strengthening PERA requires one more vote to become law
Providence, RI – Tonight, councilors voted for the first time to strengthen civilian oversight of the Providence Police Department (PPD) by expanding the Providence External Review Authority’s (PERA’s) oversight powers. Currently, PERA relies heavily on PPD for access to information, which limits its ability to operate independently.
Sponsors of the bill say that the proposed amendments would give PERA the tools, access, and authority to conduct real, independent oversight with direct access to internal police systems and records, the ability to audit Internal Affairs investigations, and the creation of an Early Warning System to flag officers who may need counseling or retraining. These reforms would give Providence residents a clearer path to review from outside the police department, strengthening accountability and increasing public safety.
“For years, PERA has been tasked with investigating police misconduct without the tools, access, and authority to do that work independently,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “Today’s vote is a major step toward real civilian oversight—giving PERA meaningful access to the systems and information it needs to conduct independent investigations and strengthen public trust. This legislation builds on decades of organization by community members who have demanded a system of accountability that does not depend on the institution it is meant to oversee. Real public safety means safe neighborhoods, yes—but it also means confidence that when harm occurs, there is a path to justice.”
Additionally, councilors finalized passage of the $3 million Green Revolving Fund and $5.45 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget, significant investments in the overall health and well-being of Providence residents and the city itself.
CDBG funds reach every corner of the city. Distributed as grants to the city’s community centers and public service organizations, utilized for neighborhood park and facility improvements, and invested in homelessness prevention and affordable housing projects, CDBG funding decisions reflect the needs of the city as well as ward priorities.
“This has been the most efficient and collaborative URRP process of my term,” said Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), who serves as chair of the Committee on Urban Redevelopment, Renewal, & Planning (URRP). “I’m so proud of how many programs and projects we have been able to meaningfully support in this new funding cycle.”
Some important allocations of funding to highlight include:
- $20,000 for the Mathewson Street United Methodist Church’s food services program.
- $40,000 for the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber (which recently celebrated its tenth anniversary!) of Commerce for economic development support.
- $657,360 housing grant for Amos House to rehabilitate homes at 428, 430, and 434 Pine Street.
- An additional $70,000 for Amos House’s A Hand Up program, which offers work opportunities to more than 500 people who are actively participating in, and at risk for, panhandling.
- $85,000 for the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council’s “Merino Park and Greenway Accessibility Project.”
- An additional $75,000 in Ward 6 and Ward 7 neighborhood investment funding to support Merino Park pedestrian access improvements.
Mayor Brett Smiley and the City Council will issue a more detailed joint press release on CDBG projects and the benefits of the ordinance.
While the CDBG budget focuses on building healthy and well-supported communities, the Green Revolving Fund looks to the emissions footprint of city buildings. The GRF will serve as a much-needed mechanism for the city to reach its goal for municipal buildings to be carbon neutral by 2040. Projects will include such improvements and upgrades as installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; installation of solar panels and other renewable energy systems; and weatherization and other updates to tighten building envelopes. The savings from the reduction in energy costs, alongside incentives and rebates, will be reinvested into the Fund.
“The work that we are doing to decarbonize, to invest in energy efficiency, it is working, not just to help the environment, but to save our residents and our taxpayers real money,” said Green Revolving Fund sponsor Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3) during the May 7th city council meeting. “Providence [is] leading the way and showing that we’re seeing savings. And even if the federal and state governments try to disinvest in this, we’re going to use our savings to create our own incentives to keep going.”
“If decarbonization doesn’t move you, then let cost savings move you,” added Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 4).
Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) introduced an ordinance that would prohibit rent increases above 10% during states of emergency, and for 30 days afterward, declared by the President or Governor and the Mayor. The ordinance would create a 3-1-1 complaint category for tenants to report rent increases of 15% or more and require housing inspections when tenants report rent increases of 25% or more, with credible supporting documentation. The ordinance was referred to the Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education for further review.
Just in time for summer, councilors completed first passage of the updated entertainment ordinance. The updated ordinance creates the definition of expanded incidental entertainment, clarifies what qualifies as entertainment under this new definition, changes licensing requirements, and sets clearer hours for general indoor and outdoor music, while reinforcing noise regulations in consideration of nearby residents. According to sponsors, the updated ordinance is necessary to support and create consistency for the local artists and venues that make Providence the Creative Capital.
The next regular City Council meeting will convene on June 4, 2026.
by Council Staff | Apr 17, 2026 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Juan Pichardo, Mary Kay Harris, Press Release, Rachel Miller, Sue AnderBois
The historic action delivers long-awaited housing stability and predictability for Providence renters, capping annual rent increases at 4%
Providence, RI – Tonight, the Providence City Council voted to approve the rent stabilization ordinance, marking a historic step forward in addressing the city’s housing crisis and keeping Providence families in their homes.
For the first time in Providence’s history, the City Council has passed legislation to rein in extreme, unexpected rent increases, bringing predictability, fairness, and accountability to a housing market where costs have risen far beyond what residents can afford. In recent years, Providence has been named the least affordable city for renters in the country and the U.S. city with the fastest year-over-year rent growth, even as the national median rent declined. The median rent in Providence is 40% higher today than it was in 2020. Nearly half of Providence renters spend more than 30% of their income on rent, while 26% spend at least half their income on rent.
The ordinance caps annual rent increases at 4%, with thoughtful exemptions and clear ways for property owners to address legitimate costs. According to the ordinance’s sponsors, the proposal reflects a balanced, Providence-specific approach that stabilizes housing for residents while supporting continued investment in the city’s housing stock.
“This City Council has addressed every aspect of the housing affordability crisis, from increasing supply to protecting our aging housing stock, but until tonight we hadn’t taken direct action to provide stability for Providence residents who rent their homes,” said Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13). “Despite the power large corporate landlords wield—the same landlords that have pushed rent up and working families out—despite the pervasive myths that have attempted to create a climate of fear where inaction is better than action, this Council voted to protect this city we love and the diverse residents who call it home.”
The ordinance is targeted toward the segment of the market most responsible for extreme rent increases, while maintaining exemptions for small, local owner-occupied landlords, deed-restricted affordable housing, and new construction. Amendments adopted during the committee process also strengthened support for new development, including a pathway to longer exemptions tied to creating good-paying local jobs.
The policy is designed to give Providence families the ability to plan for their future and remain in their homes, while maintaining a fair and workable system for property owners. It allows landlords to seek additional increases when necessary to cover significant capital improvements, major tax increases, or other legitimate expenses through a complaint-based process overseen by a five-member Residential Rent Regulation Board, which will resolve disputes and ensure the policy is applied fairly.
Tonight’s vote follows one of the most extensive public processes undertaken by the City Council in recent years, including listening sessions in neighborhoods across Providence, more than seven hours of public testimony before the Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education (HOPE), and over 1,000 written comments submitted to the City Clerk. Feedback from tenants, property owners, housing advocates, nonprofit developers, and policy experts directly informed a series of amendments that strengthened and clarified the ordinance.
“From the beginning, we made a commitment to do this the right way,” said Chairman Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9). “We ran one of the most robust and accessible public processes this Council has ever undertaken—holding listening sessions across the city, reviewing more than 1,000 pieces of testimony, and making sure every voice was heard. That work led to a balanced ordinance that reflects the real experiences of renters, homeowners, and small landlords alike. Our committee is called the HOPE Committee, and that’s exactly what this policy offers—hope that Providence residents can stay in their homes, plan for their future, and remain part of the communities they helped build.”
Recent polling has reinforced what was heard through that public engagement, showing strong support for rent stabilization among Providence residents and across Rhode Island. A recent poll highlighted in the Boston Globe found 74% of likely Democratic voters in favor of limiting annual rent increases to 4 percent. This is consistent with findings from a statewide 2025 University of Rhode Island poll, which showed that 72% of Rhode Islanders support limits on rent increases.
“This vote is about who our city is for,” said Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11). “For too long, rising housing costs have pushed working families out of the neighborhoods they built. Rent stabilization means no more sudden, unaffordable increases that force people out of their homes. I’ve spent my life fighting to bring power back to the people, and I’m proud to cast one of my final votes on the Council for a policy that helps keep Providence a city for everyone, no matter where they’re from or how much money they have.”
Sponsors emphasized that rent stabilization is one part of a broader strategy to address Providence’s housing crisis from multiple angles. In recent years, the Council has invested $55 million in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support hundreds of deeply affordable homes, updated zoning to allow more housing citywide—including Accessory Dwelling Units—and used tax stabilization agreements to incentivize new development. The Council has also funded home repair and lead-safe programs to preserve existing housing and is prioritizing efforts to convert underutilized commercial space into housing and secure a $25 million state housing bond. Sponsors say these efforts work together with rent stabilization, which provides immediate relief by limiting excessive rent increases and giving residents the stability they need while new housing comes online.
The rent stabilization ordinance will now be transmitted to Mayor Brett Smiley for consideration. The mayor has 10 days to sign or veto the ordinance, or allow it to become law without his signature. If it is vetoed, the Council will have 30 days to override the veto with a two-thirds majority, or 10 votes.
Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3) also introduced an ordinance that would create a $3 million green revolving fund to finance municipal decarbonization projects as part of the city’s ongoing work to achieve carbon neutrality in all city-owned buildings by 2040. The ordinance was referred to the Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency.
“Two years ago, knowing we were undertaking a historic volume of construction and renovation in our municipal buildings, we passed the Carbon Neutral Buildings Act to require all municipally owned buildings to be carbon neutral by 2040,” said Councilor AnderBois, the ordinance’s lead sponsor and Chair of the Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency, at a press conference announcing the fund last week. “The Green Revolving Fund is the next step in implementation—reinvesting the savings from clean energy into additional projects. While the federal government attacks clean energy, Providence will continue to find new ways to save money, reduce pollution, and create good local jobs.”
The next regular City Council meeting will convene on May 7, 2026.
by Council Staff | Mar 5, 2026 | Add Council Logo, Council News, Jo-Ann Ryan, John Goncalves, Miguel Sanchez, Press Release, Sue AnderBois
Tonight, Providence City Council held a full meeting in the Council Chamber on the third floor of City Hall.
At the meeting, councilors unanimously finalized passage of an ordinance amendment regulating building design standards and updates to the utility permits ordinance.
In 2024, then-Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2) introduced an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan encouraging new housing to reflect the character and aesthetic of Providence’s neighborhoods. The ordinance passed tonight, introduced by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), codifies that vision into law by establishing design standards for new residential construction.
The new exterior standards include requirements for primary entrances that are visible from the public right-of-way, limits on the elevation of front entrances, pressure-treated wood to be finished rather than left exposed, screening beneath porches, stairs, and landings, and architectural features such as windows, porches, and entrances to prevent blank building facades. These provisions are intended to ensure new development enhances—rather than disrupts—the communities it joins, without increasing construction costs or delaying project timelines. Through these standards, the Council intends for new housing developments to help positively shape the landscape of Providence’s neighborhoods for years to come.
“I am pleased to have sponsored this important legislation that establishes practical and predictable development rules. Providence wants and needs new development, especially new housing, to meet the needs of current and future residents. It is essential, reasonable, and responsible to ensure that new development fits within our existing neighborhoods and complements the built environment that residents care deeply about. Scale, massing, and architectural details matter—they shape how buildings relate to the street, to nearby homes and businesses, and the overall character of our neighborhood,” said Councilwoman Ryan. “These new design standards will improve design quality without increasing construction costs or extending review timelines while supporting housing production that maintains the character of our neighborhoods.”
The updates to the utility permits ordinance address common complaints from residents about the serious obstacles presented by unexpected utility work in their neighborhoods. The ordinance now requires that any utility company receiving a permit to alter, install, or upgrade equipment on public or private property notify nearby property owners with a detailed schedule of when the work will be happening, a plan for how the utility company will coordinate to avoid unnecessary disturbances to Providence residences, and plans for daily clean-up, equipment storage, and full restoration of sidewalks and streets. In order to ensure compliance with the ordinance, failure to submit plans before non-emergency work starts—or deviation from the plans—may result in fines of up to $500 per day.
“Too often, neighbors report no notice before their streets are opened – blocking them in their driveways making them late for work, leaving tools on their yards, leaving the roads in disrepair for sometimes months at a time,” said Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3), who introduced the ordinance. “Taxpayers of the city own these streets. And while utilities provide services, many are large, out-of-state corporations that make big profits off of expanding their infrastructure. Our neighbors and their property deserve respect.”
In light of the historic snowfall in recent weeks, councilors took multiple actions to support the Providence community.
Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) introduced a resolution requesting the mayor research the use of a publicly accessible tracking system for snow removal vehicles. This measure aims to increase the transparency of clean-up operations during and after snowfall. Councilors referred the resolution to the Committee on Public Works.
Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6) introduced a resolution in support of Rhode Island Senate Bill 2264, which would fund and equip warming and cooling centers during extreme heat and cold spells, along with an accompanying ordinance that matches the state bill at the city level. Both the resolution and the ordinance were referred to the Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education.
Through an invocation and a resolution, councilors honored the lives of Irina Kozav, Stanislaw Kozav, and Ryan Boisvert, whose deaths were all attributed to the freezing cold temperatures that hit the city in late January.
Scientists agree that extreme weather like Rhode Island has seen this winter is a hallmark of climate change, which poses an ongoing and serious threat to human health and the environment. In response, Rhode Island legislators have introduced House Bill 7183 and Senate Bill 2260 to establish a statewide energy efficiency benchmarking program. Councilor AnderBois introduced a resolution in support of the bills, which was referred to the Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency.
The next regular city council meeting will take place on March 19, 2026.
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, Press Release, Rachel Miller, Sue AnderBois
Tonight, the Providence City Council unanimously passed proposed changes to the immigration sections of the Community-Police Relations Act and passed a citywide ban on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers by the year 2033 with a vote of 9-3-1-1.
Councilors passed into law a series of amendments to the immigration section of the Community Police Relations Act (CPRA) that were introduced by Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6). After extensive research and support from local and national experts, the amendments focus on five key areas: further limiting PPD officers from voluntarily helping federal immigration enforcement; clarifying prohibited collaboration without a signed judicial warrant; establishing protected spaces; limiting collection and disclosure of sensitive personal data; and giving the community the tools they need to hold the city accountable.
“Providence thrives when every resident can live without fear,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “With Donald Trump’s cruel targeting of immigrant communities, that sense of safety feels out of reach for too many of our undocumented neighbors. What we can control, as a city, is how our police interact with federal agents operating outside of the bounds of due process—and with these amendments, we make clear: they will not. Providence Police will not be used as tools in Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda. And if violations occur, the community will have accountability and recourse. These reforms are about safety, dignity, and trust—and I’m grateful to every advocate, councilor, and community member who made them possible.”
With these protections now in place, councilors sent a clear message that the safety of our neighbors is the highest priority. Read more about the changes here, or view the amendments in full here.
In response to environmental and noise concerns, councilors passed into law an ordinance introduced by Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3) that bans the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Providence completely by 2033. Crafted with extensive vetting and stakeholder feedback, this policy reflects a commitment to addressing the polluting emissions from gas-powered leaf blowers improving the safety of residents and landscapers from dangerously loud sound levels, and the needs of small businesses.
“Our neighborhoods deserve a future without toxic gases and excessive noise. This policy is a win for the health and well-being of our environment and our neighbors, while mitigating impacts on small business” said Councilor Sue AnderBois, the ordinance’s lead sponsor and chair of the Special Committee on the Environment and Resiliency. “I am grateful for the thoughtful conversations with landscapers and concerned residents and the Administration who all helped shape this final legislation.”
A seasonal ban will limit use of this equipment by city departments and members of the public between October 1 and December 15, from 2030 through 2032. As of January 1, 2033, all use within the city limits would be permanently prohibited.
After hearing public comment in the Committee on Ordinances, the entertainment ordinance is being referred back to committee for further study.
Other notable items on tonight’s agenda 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. The item was referred to the HOPE Committee.
- 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 s referred to the Committee on Ordinances.
- Unanimous passage of 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 was referred to the Committee on Public Works.
- A resolution, introduced by Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14), requesting a review of curb cuts for city-created accessible street parking was referred to the Committee on Public Works.
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.
