Recent News
Council Begins Hearings on City’s Comprehensive Plan
The Council kicks off its review of the charter-mandated Comprehensive Plan which will shape the city’s future Providence, RI – At tonight’s Ordinance Committee meeting, the Council began vetting the proposed Comprehensive Plan, a crucial, once per decade urban...
Cannabis Zoning Ordinance Moves Out of Ordinance Committee with a Recommendation to Pass
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...
City Council Hires Communications Director, Press Secretary
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...
Council Holds Last Meeting before Legislative Break and Hears Update on PILOT Negotiations with Lifespan
Providence, RI — Tonight, Council held the last meeting before the summer legislative break, with the next full Council meeting scheduled for September 19. Although there will likely not be any Council or Committee meetings next month, Councilors will be easy to find...
Councilors Receive PVD Comprehensive Plan, Honor a Servicemember with Judge Caprio, and Highlight the Accomplishments of a Popular North End Business
Providence, RI — In a process that began in 2022, the Planning Department and City Plan Commission (CPC) have been working to update the Comprehensive Plan, the urban planning policy document that guides growth and development in the city. The Comp Plan will impact...
Statement from Elected Legislators on Fire at RI Recycled Metals
As a large fire burns at Rhode Island Recycled Metals, Councilman Pedro Espinal, Senator Tiara Mack, and Representative Jose Batista released the following joint statement: “As the elected legislators who represent this area, we are furious at yet another...
City Council Rejects Lease Proposal of a Public Elementary School Building to Charter Schools
Providence, RI – City Councilors rejected a proposal from Mayor Brett Smiley for the city to lease Carl G. Lauro Elementary School to two charter schools. The proposal for a $1 per year 30-year plus lease to Achievement First Rhode Island, Inc. and Excel Academy Rhode...
City Council Finance Committee Passes $598 Million FY 2025 Budget
Focused investments in housing, public safety, climate change, and the most significant increase in funding for Providence Public Schools in at least 15 years Providence, RI—Tonight, the Providence City Council Finance Committee passed the city’s $598 million FY 2025...
Councilors to Secure an Additional $2.5 Million to Support Providence Public Schools in the FY ’25 City Budget
Providence—City Council President Rachel Miller and Finance Chairwoman Helen Anthony announce an agreement with Mayor Brett Smiley to secure an additional $2.5 million for Providence Public Schools in the city’s FY 2025 budget, beginning July 1. This would bring the...
