Ward 15
All Members
Councilman Oscar Vargas
Councilman Oscar O. Vargas was elected to City Council in the summer of 2021. He represents Ward 15, which includes the parts of Silver Lake, Olneyville, Manton, and Valley neighborhoods. Councilman Vargas is the Chairman of the Committee on Public Works and a member of the Committee on Ordinances. He is also a member of the Water Supply Board.
As a resident of Providence for more than 20 years, Councilman Vargas has had the opportunity to experience firsthand the issues Ward 15 faces.
Born in Zacapa, Guatemala, Councilman Vargas immigrated to Providence, Rhode Island, in 1989. He attended Central High School, and after graduation, he worked at the Citizens Bank Corporation Office. Councilman Vargas has also worked as a jeweler; a year later, he opened his jewelry shop. In 2016 he received an auto mechanic certificate from MTTI.
Ward 15: Olneyville, Silver Lake, Valley
Recent News
Council President Matos Statement on Arrests Made in Relation to Murder of Jorge L. Gonzalez Colon
“I am saddened to hear that two young people have been charged in connection with the July 1 murder of Jorge L. Gonzalez Colon in the Silver Lake neighborhood. This tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the important conversations taking place in the City of...
Joint Statement from City Councilors Matos, Correia, Ryan, Narducci, Harris, Castillo, Taylor, Kerwin, Espinal, and Goncalves regarding Acts of Intimidation at Councilman Igliozzi’s Home
We as elected leaders of our community stand against acts of violence and vandalism against our colleagues, their families, and our neighbors. We condemn the actions that transpired at Councilman Igliozzi's home over the weekend and hope that whoever is responsible is...
Councilman John Goncalves Introduced a Resolution Asking the City of Providence to Recognize Nelson Mandela International Day
Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) and Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) introduced a resolution at last night’s City Council Meeting calling on the City of Providence to recognize July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day. The resolution was co-sponsored by...
City Councilors Call on the City of Providence to Transform into an Anti-Racist Institution
By investing and supporting in structures, programs, and policies that align with the Just Providence Framework and the City’s Climate Justice Plan Councilwomen Helen Anthony (Ward 2) and Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), along with co-sponsors Councilors Rachel Miller (Ward...
Council President Matos Calls on the Department of Planning and Development Promulgate Rules Regarding Administrative Tax Stabilization Agreements
Providence City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), and co-sponsors Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Majority Whip John J. Igliozzi, Esq. (Ward 7), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Councilor David A. Salvatore (Ward 14), and Councilman John...
City Council President Sabina Matos Calls on City Departments to Create Security Deposit Assistance Program
Tonight City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) along with co-sponsor Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) will be introducing a resolution at the City Council meeting calling on the Department of Planning and Development and the Department of Inspection and...
