Recent News
Council to Reschedule Override Vote on Mayor’s Veto of Low-Income Housing Ordinance
Providence, RI – Tonight, City Councilors voted to table an override vote on Mayor Brett Smiley’s veto of the recently passed 8 law Ordinance. The ordinance, which the Council overwhelmingly approved in April, defines low-income housing, clarifies how tax incentives...
Statement from Council President Rachel Miller on Mayor Smiley’s Veto of the 8 Law Ordinance
“Today, Mayor Brett Smiley vetoed the 8 Law Ordinance, which the Council passed last week overwhelmingly on a vote of 13 to 2. We have a housing crisis in our city, with outrageous rents Providence residents can’t afford. The Council acted on an ordinance that...
New 8 Law Ordinance Becomes City Law – Incentivizing Low-Income Housing Development
Providence, RI – As rents skyrocket in the city, Councilors have prioritized efforts on the development of affordable housing and passed, for a final time on a vote of 13 to 2, an ordinance that defines ‘low-income’ housing and clarifies how tax incentives will be...
Statement from Councilman Pedro Espinal on the Allens Avenue Fire
“The fire that burned last night and into the early morning hours off Allens Avenue sent thick black smoke throughout the surrounding neighborhoods in South Providence and contaminated water runoff into the Providence River,” said Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10)....
Council President Introduces New 8 Law Ordinance to Incentivize Low-Income Housing Development
Providence, RI – In an ongoing effort to incentivize the development of affordable housing, the Council President introduced an ordinance to define ‘low-income’ housing and clarify how tax incentives will be applied. This law, commonly known as 8 Law, considers rental...
Council Takes Steps to Limit Weight on City Roads Affected by Washington Bridge Detours
Providence, RI – A newly introduced law limits the weight of heavy trucks traveling on city streets surrounding Washington Bridge detours. The ordinance amendment aims to prevent cut-throughs and damage to East Side roads caused by heavy truck traffic. The ordinance...
Statement from Council President Rachel Miller on the Edward Bannister Plaque Theft
"It is with profound sadness and outrage that I, on behalf of the Providence City Council, address the recent disappearance of the bronze plaque from the gravestone of the revered African American painter, Edward Bannister, located in the North Burial Ground, a...
Council Sets Energy Efficiency Timeline Requiring All City-Owned Buildings Go Carbon Neutral by 2040
Providence, RI - Councilors unanimously took a significant leap toward creating a cleaner and healthier environment in the capital city by passing a law that commits to carbon neutrality in all city-owned buildings (including schools) by 2040. What is carbon...
Public Hearings Announced to Set City Boundaries for 5 Elected School Board Regions
In 2022, Providence voters approved a ballot question to create a partially elected, partially appointed school board. What voters approved Hybrid school board with 10 total members 5 elected board members from 5 equal regions of the city (North, South, East, West,...
