Recent News
Council President on Levy: Providence Needs New Revenue
Following a multi-year dispute over how to fund the Providence Public Schools while they are under state control, the City of Providence now faces a significant budget gap. In November 2024, the city signed a settlement agreement with the Rhode Island Department of...
Councilors, Mayor Enter Twinning Agreement with Athlone, Ireland
Friday, March 7, 2025 Yesterday, Providence City Council participated in a signing ceremony at City Hall which formalized a new Twinning Partnership between the City of Providence and the Municipal District of Athlone, Ireland. Ward 5 Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan and...
Council Takes First Vote on Zoning Ordinance Updates and Littering Fines, Passes Resolutions in Support of State Legislation
Thursday, March 6, 2025 At tonight’s Providence City Council meeting, councilors granted first passage to phase one of the amended zoning ordinance, which was updated in the Committee on Ordinances in accordance with the 2024 Comprehensive Plan. Upon second passage,...
Council Passes Resolution Endorsing State Special Commission Recommendations for Providence Public Schools
Thursday, February 20, 2025 At tonight’s Providence City Council meeting, Councilors passed a resolution, introduced by President Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo, Councilwoman Helen Anthony, and Councilor Sue AnderBois, in support of recommendations made by the State...
Providence City Council and Special Commission on Veterans Affairs Seek Property Tax Exemption for Providence Veterans, Elect Joseph Iannucci Vice Chair
Thursday, February 13, 2025 This week, the Special Commission on Veterans Affairs met to discuss a bill currently pending before the Rhode Island General Assembly which would allow the Providence City Council to set and adjust property tax exemptions for the city’s...
Council President Rachel Miller Responds to RIDE “Path to Local Control” Announcement
Monday, February 10, 2025 This afternoon, state officials invited the media—but not elected city leaders—to an impromptu announcement of what they call a “Path to Local Control” framework. In response, Providence City Council President Rachel Miller released the...
Council Confirms Providence School Board Appointments, Hybrid Board Sworn In
Providence, RI – At tonight’s meeting, Providence City Council approved Mayor Brett Smiley’s five school board appointments: Melissa Hughes (Region 1), Anjel Newmann (Region 2), Jenny Mercado (Region 3), Night Jean Muhingabo (Region 4), and Steven Williamson (Region...
Council Receives School Board Appointments, Refers to Committee for Vetting
Providence, RI – At tonight’s meeting, Providence City Council received Mayor Brett Smiley’s five Providence School Board appointments: Melissa Hughes (Region 1), Anjel Newmann (Region 2), Jenny Mercado (Region 3), Night Jean Muhingabo (Region 4), and Steven...
Council Approves Resolution Calling on Governor McKee to Declare Homelessness a Public Health State of Emergency
At tonight’s meeting, Providence City Councilors approved a resolution calling on Governor Dan McKee to take immediate action and address the homelessness crisis by declaring a public health state of emergency. The resolution, introduced by Councilor Justin Roias,...
