Recent News
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...
Councilwoman Shelley Peterson Responds to Providence Preservation Society’s 2025 Most Endangered Places List
Today, the Providence Preservation Society (PPS) released their 2025 Most Endangered Places List, with a specific focus on the neighborhoods abutting Providence College: Elmhurst, Smith Hill, and Wanskuck. PPS research found that 260 parcels of land around the campus...
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,...
Providence City Councilors Open Council Chamber for Overnight Warmth During Polar Vortex
Tuesday, January 7, 2024 Councilors Sanchez and Roias are Calling for a Public Health State of Emergency As frigid temperatures sweep across Rhode Island, Providence City Councilors Justin Roias and Miguel Sanchez will open the City Council Chamber tonight at 7 pm to...
Council President Rachel Miller and Majority Leader Pedro Espinal Release Statement on Fire at the Port of Providence
On Friday, a tank with 3,000 gallons of corn oil caught fire at the Port of Providence. In response, Council President Rachel Miller and Majority Leader Pedro Espinal released the following statement: "We're grateful to the firefighters from Providence, East...
Providence Secures Environmental Justice Win: Court Upholds Ban on Bulk Liquid Propane Storage
In a decisive win for South Providence residents, the Rhode Island Superior Court has upheld the city’s zoning ordinance as amended in 2022. The ordinance bans the bulk storage of liquid propane gas (LPG) anywhere in the city of Providence, part of the city’s...
Council Holds Last Meeting of the Calendar Year, Votes on ARPA Reallocations
Tonight, Providence City Council held the final scheduled meeting of the calendar year. Councilors granted final passage to three ordinances that reallocate American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to meet the city’s school funding obligations and prevent cuts to...
