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 | 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 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 | 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 1, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Housing, Juan M. Pichardo, Sue AnderBois
At tonight’s meeting, Providence City Council granted unanimous first passage of an ordinance which would 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, has exacerbated the affordability crisis for Providence renters, already the most-overburdened renters in the country.
“We hear it from constituents – Providence residents are demanding action from city leaders to address the outrageous and rising cost of housing in our city,” said President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo, chair of the HOPE committee which unanimously advanced the ordinance at their recent meeting. “This ban is a critical step that will position Providence as a national leader, as just the sixth city in the country to provide this protection to renters. This City Council is sending a message to the more than 60% of Providence residents who rent: we hear you and we are responding.”
This measure is part of a larger effort by the City Council to address the city’s housing crisis and, if granted second passage, would represent the second major housing-related regulation in as many months, following the passage of an ordinance on April 17th limiting the bulk purchase of residential properties through tax sales. In the coming weeks, Providence residents should expect to see additional measures the City Council intends to pursue this session to address the overwhelming and rapidly increasing costs of housing.
Councilors also passed a resolution urging changes to a pair of bills currently pending before the Rhode Island General Assembly: House Bill H5688 and it’s Senate companion, S0963. The bills would make changes to the state’s 8% tax treatment for low-income housing, known as “8-Law.” The resolution rejects two proposed subsections and urges amendments to another. The heavily-criticized subsections rejected in the Council resolution would apply a low-income tax treatment to commercial-to-residential conversion projects without any affordability requirements.
The resolution makes clear that City Council supports incentives for commercial-to-residential conversion but argues that using a low-income tax treatment to do so is clearly inappropriate. The bills as currently written would also allow for the continuation of existing 8-Law agreements regardless of whether they meet new affordability thresholds, thereby allowing developers who are currently misusing the low-income tax treatment on market-rate and luxury developments to continue doing so. The resolution also recommends an amendment to strengthen affordability requirements for all properties benefiting from the “8-Law” treatment.
House Bill 5688 and Senate Bill 0963 — dubbed the “8 Law reform bills” — claim to support low-income housing, but they do the opposite. They grant developers generational tax breaks, weaken affordability standards, override local control, and retroactively lock in tax deals for well-connected developers — all under the same law that was supposed to protect low-income residents.This is a betrayal of the law’s original purpose. These bills should be rejected.
Finally, councilors unanimously passed a resolution honoring the life and legacy of the late Dominick Ruggerio, former President of the Rhode Island Senate, who passed away last month.
Additional Meeting Highlights:
- Introduction and passage of a resolution by Deputy Majority Whip Sue AnderBois (Ward 3) in support of Rhode Island House Bill 6206, which would incentivize recycling by offering refunds for bottles and cans deposited at authorized sites.
- Introduction and passage of a resolution by Deputy Majority Whip AnderBois in support of two pending state bills, H5195 and S0104, which would establish a fund to award grants for the creation of compost systems at the municipal level.
- Introduction and passage of two resolutions by President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9) condemning reckless cuts by the Trump administration to the federal Departments of Veterans Affairs and Education. The resolutions were referred to the HOPE Committee.
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El Concejo Aprueba por Primera vez a la Prohibición de Algoritmos de Alquiler, Honra a Ruggerio
En la reunión de esta noche, el Concejo Municipal de Providence otorgó por unanimidad la primera aprobació de una ordenanza que prohibiría 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 propietarios corporativos para subir las rentas, ha empeorado la crisis de viviendas caras para los inquilinos de Providence, que ya son los más sobrecargados del país.
“Lo escuchamos cada día de constituyentes—los residentes de Providence exigen acción de parte de los lideres de la ciudad para abordar el exorbitante y creciente costo de la vivienda en nuestra ciudad,” dijo el presidente pro tempore Juan M. Pichardo, presidente del Comité HOPE que aprobó por unanimidad la ordenanza en su reciente reunión. “Esta prohibición es un paso crucial que establecerá a Providence como un líder nacional, siendo apenas la sexta ciudad en el país en brindar esta protección a los inquilinos. Este Concejo está enviando un mensaje a más del 60% de los residentes de Providence que son inquilinos: los escuchamos y estamos respondiendo.”
Esta medida forma parte de un esfuerzo mayor del Concejo para abordar la crisis de vivienda de la ciudad y, si es aprobada por segunda vez, representaría la segunda regulación importante relacionada con la vivienda en los últimos dos meses, tras la aprobación de una ordenanza el 17 de abril que limita la compra masiva de viviendas a través ventas de impuestos. En las próximas semanas, los residentes de Providence verán medidas adicionales que el Concejo quiere implementar en esta sesión para abordar los abrumadores y rápidamente aumentando costos de la vivienda.
Los concejales también aprobaron una resolución que insta a cambios en un par de proyectos de ley actualmente pendientes ante la Asamblea General de Rhode Island: el Proyecto de Ley de la Cámara de Representantes H5688 y su compañero del Senado, el S0963. Los proyectos de ley modificarían la exención fiscal estatal del 8% para viviendas para personas de bajos ingresos, conocido como la “Ley 8”. La resolución rechaza dos subsecciones propuestas e insta a modificar otra. Las subsecciones fuertemente criticadas rechazadas en la resolución del Concejo aplicarían una exención fiscal para viviendas para personas de bajos ingresos a proyectos de conversión de propiedades comerciales a viviendas sin requisitos de unidades asequibles.
La resolución deja claro que el Concejo apoya los incentivos para la conversión de propiedades comerciales a viviendas, pero sostiene que utilizar una exención fiscal para viviendas para personas de bajos ingresos es claramente inapropiado. Los proyectos de ley, tal como esta escrita actualmente, también permitiría la continuación de los acuerdos de la Ley 8 existentes, independientemente de que cumplan o no con los nuevos umbrales de asequibilidad, lo que permitiría a los desarrolladores que actualmente abusan de la exención fiscal para viviendas para personas de bajos ingresos en viviendas de lujo y a precio de mercado seguir haciéndolo. La resolución también recomienda una enmienda para reforzar los requisitos de asequibilidad para todas las propiedades que se benefician del régimen de la Ley 8.
“No se trata solo de expandir las viviendas asequibles, sino de garantizar que los desarrolladores paguen lo que les corresponde y que se respete el espíritu de la ley,” declaró el concejal Justin Roias, patrocinador de la resolución. “Se trata de exigir que la inversión en nuestra ciudad realmente beneficie a quienes consideran Providence su hogar. No deberíamos incentivar proyectos de desarrollo y conversión sin requisitos de asequibilidad, ni utilizar una exención fiscal para viviendas para personas de bajos ingresos para lograrlo.”
Finalmente, los concejales aprobaron por unanimidad una resolución que honra la vida y el legado del difunto Dominick Ruggerio, expresidente del Senado de Rhode Island, quien falleció el mes pasado.
Puntos destacados adicionales de la reunión:
- Presentación y aprobación de una resolución por la Diputada Jefa de la Mayoría Sue AnderBois (Distrito 3), en apoyo del Proyecto de Ley 6206 de la Cámara de Representantes de Rhode Island, que incentivaría el reciclaje ofreciendo reembolsos por botellas y latas depositadas en sitios autorizados.
- Presentación y aprobación de una resolución por la Diputada Jefa de la Mayoría AnderBois, en apoyo de dos proyectos de ley estatales pendientes, H5195 y S0104, que establecerían un fondo para otorgar subvenciones para la creación de sistemas de compostaje a nivel municipal.
- Presentación de dos resoluciones por parte del Presidente Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Distrito 9), que condenan los recortes imprudentes de la administración Trump a los departamentos federales de Asuntos de Veteranos y Educación. Las resoluciones fueron referidas al Comité HOPE.
by Council Staff | Apr 3, 2025 | Add Council Logo, Housing, Juan M. Pichardo, Mary Kay Harris, Miguel Sanchez, Rachel Miller, Sue AnderBois
At tonight’s Providence City Council meeting, councilors voted for the second and final time on an ordinance providing additional protections for our city’s unhoused community. Following the far-right U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024 decision in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, which Council previously condemned via resolution, municipalities are now able to impose fines on people who sleep or camp on public property. Tonight’s ordinance, introduced by Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6), prohibits the City of Providence from imposing such fines and urges compassionate solutions to our city’s homelessness crisis.
“Our city’s unhoused community members are fighting for their lives. We should be doing everything we can to keep them safe, to get them housed, and to do it with dignity,” said Majority Whip Sanchez. “But when we fail to do that – we absolutely cannot then fine them money they don’t have as punishment for our own inaction. This ordinance commits the city to the bare minimum of basic compassion over misguided cruelty.”
Also at tonight’s meeting, Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13) introduced a resolution, co-sponsored by Deputy Majority Whip Sue AnderBois (Ward 3), which would endorse and urge passage of Rhode Island Senate Bill 2025 S-0492 and its House counterpart 2025 H-5375, allowing municipalities to enact ordinances permitting renters to request no-cost lead service line replacements. This measure ensures that renters, who make up 60% of Providence residents, are able to benefit from a program administered by Providence Water that replaces lead pipes free of charge to residents. The resolution was passed on the floor.
Council also approved a resolution introduced by Council President Miller and President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9) to support passage of Rhode Island House Bill 2025 H-5836, which would require Rhode Island high schools to implement mandatory “Ethnic Studies” curriculum examining the experiences of racialized communities in Rhode Island and the United States. Among other provisions, the bill would create a year-long Ethnic Studies course and make it a requirement for graduation. Council President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo spoke on the floor in favor of the resolution, which was also passed on the floor.
Additional Highlights
- Council President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo and Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11) introduced an ordinance that outlines preliminary Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding placements. Nonprofit organizations and community centers who serve Providence’s diverse constituents will benefit from the $5 million of federal funding. The budget was referred to the Committee on Urban Redevelopment, Renewal, & Planning.
- Council voted for the first time on an ordinance introduced by Council President Miller which would allow the Providence Municipal Court to directly manage appeals of fines and fees relating to building and home alarms, which are currently handled by the Rhode Island District Court.
El Concejo Aprueba una Ordenanza para Proteger a Nuestros Vecinos sin Hogar
En la reunión del Concejo de Providence de esta noche, los concejales votaron por segunda y última vez sobre una ordenanza que otorga protecciones adicionales a la comunidad sin hogar de nuestra ciudad. Tras la decisión de la Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos de extrema derecha de 2024 en el caso City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, que el Concejo condeno previamente a través de una resolución, los municipios ahora pueden imponer multas a quienes duerman o acampen en propiedad pública. La ordenanza que fue aprobada de esta noche, presentada por el jefe de la mayoría Miguel Sánchez (Distrito 6), prohíbe a la Ciudad de Providence imponer dichas multas e insta soluciones compasivas a la crisis de personas sin hogar en nuestra ciudad.
“Las personas sin hogar en nuestra ciudad están luchando por sus vidas. Deberíamos hacer todo lo posible para mantenerlas seguras, conseguirles un hogar, y hacerlo con dignidad,” dijo el jefe de la mayoría Sanchez. “Pero cuando no lo hacemos, no podemos imponerles multas que no pueden pagar como castigo por nuestra inacción. Esta ordenanza compromete a la ciudad a un mínimo de compasión básica en vez de la crueldad injustificada.”
También en la reunión de esta noche, la presidenta del Concejo Rachel Miller (Distrito 13) presentó una resolución, copatrocinada por la vicejefa de la mayoria Sue AnderBois (Distrito 3), que respaldaría e instaría a la aprobación del Proyecto de Ley del Senado de Rhode Island 2025 S-0492 y su contraparte en la Cámara de Representantes 2025 H-5375. Estos proyectos permiten a los municipios establecer ordenanzas que permitan a los inquilinos solicitar el reemplazo gratuito de las líneas de servicio de plomo. Esta medida garantiza que los inquilinos, que representan el 60% de los residentes de Providence, puedan beneficiarse de un programa administrado por Providence Water que reemplaza las líneas de plomo sin costo. La resolución fue aprobada en el pleno.
El Concejo aprobó una resolución presentada por la presidenta del Concejo Miller y el presidente pro tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Distrito 9), para apoyar la aprobación de 2025 H-5836, un proyecto de ley que exigiría que las escuelas secundarias de Rhode Island implementaran un currículo obligatorio de “Estudios Étnicos” que estudie las experiencias de las comunidades racializadas en Rhode Island y Estados Unidos. Entre otros requisitos, el proyecto de ley crearía un curso anual de Estudios Étnicos y lo convertiría en un requisito para graduarse. El presidente pro tempore del Concejo Juan M. Pichardo, habló en el pleno a favor de la resolución, que también fue aprobada en el pleno.
Aspectos Destacados Adicionales
- El presidente pro tempore del Concejo Juan M. Pichardo y la diputada líder de la mayoría Mary Kay Harris (Distrito 11) presentaron una ordenanza que describe la asignación preliminar de fondos de la Subvención en Bloque para el Desarrollo Comunitario (CDBG, por sus siglas en ingles). Las organizaciones sin fines de lucro y los centros comunitarios que sirven a la diversa población de Providence se beneficiarán de los $5 millones de fondos federales. El presupuesto se remitió al Comité de Reurbanización, Renovación y Planificación Urbana.
- El Concejo votó por primera vez sobre una ordenanza presentada por la presidenta del Concejo Miller, que permitiría al Tribunal Municipal de Providence gestionar directamente las apelaciones de multas y tarifas relacionadas con alarmas de edificios y viviendas, que actualmente son manejadas por el Tribunal de Distrito de Rhode Island.
