Recent News
Councilman Steps Down from Finance Committee
Providence, RI – Council Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9) has decided to step down from the Finance Committee, effective immediately. “I hold a deep respect for our institution and ultimately believe that, at this time, I can best assist the committee’s work in...
Council Approves New 25 Year Lease Agreement for Public Charter School
Providence, RI – Councilors, on a vote of 8 to 5, approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Brett Smiley to enter into a new 25-year lease agreement between the city and Achievement First Rhode Island, a public charter school based at the former Charles N. Fortes...
City Council Approves Final Passage of Providence’s $583 Million FY 2024 Budget
Providence, RI – The Providence City Council approved the FINAL passage of the city’s $583 million FY 2024 budget tonight by a vote of to . The budget, which takes effect on July 1, modifies residential and commercial property tax rates, helps owner-occupied...
City Councilors Approve Providence’s $583 Million FY 2024 Budget
City Councilors Approve Providence’s $583 Million FY 2024 Budget Providence, RI – The Providence City Council, with President Rachel Miller presiding, approved first passage of the city’s $583 million FY 2024 budget by a vote of 12 to 1. The budget modifies...
Council Hires Education Consultant, Honors Pride Month, and Supports Non-Binary Gender Community
Education Consultant Providence, RI - Councilors approved a resolution authorizing City Council President Rachel Miller to hire Steve Smith of Steve Smith Consulting, LLC, to provide education policy advice and guidance as the Providence Public School system...
City Council Finance Committee Approves Providence’s FY 2024 Budget
Providence, RI – Tonight, following a second public hearing, the Providence City Council Finance Committee approved an amended $583 million FY 2024 city budget by a vote of three to zero. The budget proposal modifies residential and commercial...
City Council President Presents Overview of Changes to FY 2024 Budget and Asks for Finance Committee Support
The budget proposal modifies residential and commercial property tax rates, helps owner-occupied residents, and asks Mayor Smiley to negotiate strong PILOT agreements with tax-exempt institutions to enable significant investments in improving quality of life issues...
Statement by Councilman Juan M. Pichardo Regarding a Campaign Finance Audit
I want to address the findings of an audit conducted by the Rhode Island Board of Elections on my campaign account and take full responsibility for the errors identified in my campaign finance reports. I deeply regret any inconvenience or disappointment caused to my...
Councilors Approve $5.75 Million in Community Funds for Immediate Neighborhood Needs
Providence, RI – Tonight, City Councilors passed an ordinance enabling $5.755 million in federal community development block grant funding (CDGB) to have an immediate impact on Providence’s neighborhoods. The funding helps support community centers and public service...