Recent News
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...
City Council Proposes Halting Providence Investments in Israel Bonds over Alleged War Crimes and Human Rights Violations
Providence, RI – Tonight, Providence City Councilors heard an ordinance that would divest city funds from Israel sovereign bonds and prevent future investments in sovereign bonds of governments accused of war crimes and human rights violations. The move makes...
Council Introduces a Newly Revised Law to Protect Affordable Housing in the City
Providence, RI - A revised and strengthened 8 Law ordinance was introduced at tonight’s Council meeting (off docket). The new ordinance was crafted after significant input and lengthy discussions with community partners, who are out in Providence’s neighborhoods...
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...
