Ward 15
All MembersCouncilman 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 Sabina Matos Celebrates Joslin Street Playground
City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) was joined by Superintendent of Providence Parks Wendy Nilsson, and William D’Abate Elementary School Principal Brent Kerman for the ribbon-cutting in celebration of recent upgrades and improvements to the Joslin Street...

Statement from Council President Sabina Matos Regarding RIDE’s Reconstitution Order
Today Commissioner Infante-Green issued her reconstitution order of the Providence Public Schools. I believe that this is a necessary step, and although I have concerns that the state is taking control of more than half of the City’s budget, I remain committed and...

City Council to Hold Special Meeting Regarding Providence City Schools
Providence City Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15) announced today that she is convening the City Council for a meeting to discuss the status of the Providence City Schools this coming Wednesday at 5:00 PM. “We all must play our part to rebuild our school...

Statement from Council President Sabina Matos
I have learned that Councilman Luis A. Aponte has entered into a plea agreement and will resign as a member of the Providence City Council, a post he held for more than two decades. As public servants, we are held to a higher standard and Councilman Aponte's...

Statement from City Council President and the Council Leadership Team
Statement from City Council President Sabina Matos and the City Council Leadership Team Regarding the States' Takeover of the Providence City School District: In the aftermath of the Providence Public School District Community Forums and on the eve of a state takeover...

Councilwoman Miller and Colleagues Call for a 1-Year Moratorium on Any New Late-Night Liquor or Entertainment Licences’
Ward 13 Councilwoman, Rachel Miller, introduced an ordinance tonight that calls for a one-year moratorium on any new late-night (2:00 AM) operating, liquor or entertainment licenses in the Federal Hill Neighborhood. She was joined by co-sponsors Council President...