Recent News
Councilor Roias Opposes City’s Eviction of Charles Street Encampment
"I disagree with the City’s decision today to evict residents of the Charles Street encampment without ensuring they have alternative places to go," said Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 4). "The lack of available shelter contributes to the growth of encampments across...
City Council Hires Law Firm to Legally Challenge Agreement that Lowered Tax Rates for Downtown Developer
Providence, RI – During a special meeting Tuesday night, City Councilors passed a resolution hiring a Providence law firm to take legal action against an agreement that allowed 10 downtown buildings controlled by Arnold “Buff” Chace and affiliates to pay significantly...
Council Bans the Future Building of Self-Storage Facilities and Moves One Step Closer to Acting Against an Agreement that Lowered Tax Rates for a Developer
Self-Storage Facilities Providence, RI – At Thursday’s City Council meeting, Councilors passed a zoning ordinance amendment for a second and final time that prohibits the future development of self-storage facilities in the city. The ordinance amendment was heard in...
Statement from Council President Rachel Miller on the Future of the Cranston Street Armory
"As the city councilor representing the Armory property, I am committed to helping repurpose this historic building for the betterment of our residents and city in a manner that respects the many years of neighborhood input. There is a future for the Armory, and I...
Finance Committee Approves to Act on an Agreement That Lowered Tax Rates for Developer
Providence, RI – Tonight, Providence City Council Finance Committee voted to pursue action against an agreement that allowed 10 downtown buildings controlled by Arnold Buff Chace and affiliates to pay significantly lower property taxes to the city in the amount of...
Councilors Call for More Accountability on School Closures and Honor Former Police Officers
Press Release July 6, 2023 Meetings on Public School Closures Providence, RI - At tonight's City Council meeting, councilors referred a resolution to the ordinance committee calling on the Rhode Island Department of Education and the Providence Public School District...
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...
