by Council Staff | Nov 20, 2025 | Add Council Logo
Providence, RI – At tonight’s regular City Council meeting, the body unveiled a series of technologies to improve accessibility in the chamber. Six monitors have been installed throughout the room: two on the walls flanking the Council President’s dais, two on rolling carts just inside the banisters, and two mounted in the gallery. The monitors display livestreamed video of the councilor speaking, along with live-captioned transcription. An electronic voting system now records votes, which are then displayed on the monitors in real time.
This modernization is part of a larger effort to respond to community concerns about sound and acoustics in the chamber. There have been considerable improvements in the past year, in addition to the new visuals. Two large rugs have been added for sound dampening, longer microphones now better capture councilors’ remarks when they stand, improved audio connections are available for TV reporters, and a contracted sound evaluation led to new speakers being installed and existing speakers being repositioned.
“Fixing problems that have existed since 1878 is no small task, but this Council doesn’t shy away from hard work,” said Chief of Staff June Rose. “For generations, residents have struggled to fully hear or follow what happens in this chamber. Thanks to this Council’s deep commitment to transparency and accessibility, we’re changing that. Better sound, clearer visuals, and real-time captions make the chamber more welcoming, allowing people to participate more fully in the work of their government.”
In response to concerns regarding the enforcement of the noise ordinance, councilors approved a resolution, introduced by Council President Rachel Miller, establishing a working group to review how ordinances related to nightlife are enforced. The working group’s members will be Council President Miller, Councilor Justin Roias, representatives from city departments, and appointees from the council and the mayor’s administration. Together, the working group will review the city’s current enforcement practices of nightlife regulations and share their findings and recommendations in a written report by April 1, 2026.
“I’m looking forward to bringing together a working group with a broad range of perspectives to review nightlife enforcement practices,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “As the Creative Capital, Providence is home to a vibrant nightlife landscape, with vast cultural and economic contributions to our city. City government can support that vibrancy, while finding the appropriate balance that considers daily quality of life for city residents. Our nightlife environment can be fostered to support economic and quality of life well-being that is greater than the sum of its parts, creating new opportunities for artists and occasions for residents and visitors to connect meaningfully.”
At this point Council no longer had quorum and adjourned the meeting.
by Council Staff | Nov 19, 2025 | Add Council Logo
Tomorrow, November 20 at 6 p.m., Providence City Council will convene for a full meeting in the Council Chamber on the third floor of City Hall. Press and the public are invited to attend.
After being voted out of the Committee on Finance with a recommendation to pass earlier this month, councilors will vote on the City’s lease of the WaterFire Arts Center back to WaterFire Providence and an ordinance supporting the Mile of History project, which authorizes financing to restore sidewalks along and adjacent to Benefit Street.
Councilors will also vote on a resolution, introduced by Council President Rachel Miller, establishing a working group to review how ordinances related to nightlife are enforced and offer recommendations.
At Thursday’s meeting, City Council members will also debut a host of upgrades to the Council Chamber to make meetings more transparent and accessible.
by Council Staff | Nov 6, 2025 | Add Council Logo
Tonight, the Providence City Council unanimously passed proposed changes to the immigration sections of the Community-Police Relations Act and passed a citywide ban on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers by the year 2033 with a vote of 9-3-1-1.
Councilors passed into law a series of amendments to the immigration section of the Community Police Relations Act (CPRA) that were introduced by Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6). After extensive research and support from local and national experts, the amendments focus on five key areas: further limiting PPD officers from voluntarily helping federal immigration enforcement; clarifying prohibited collaboration without a signed judicial warrant; establishing protected spaces; limiting collection and disclosure of sensitive personal data; and giving the community the tools they need to hold the city accountable.
“Providence thrives when every resident can live without fear,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “With Donald Trump’s cruel targeting of immigrant communities, that sense of safety feels out of reach for too many of our undocumented neighbors. What we can control, as a city, is how our police interact with federal agents operating outside of the bounds of due process—and with these amendments, we make clear: they will not. Providence Police will not be used as tools in Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda. And if violations occur, the community will have accountability and recourse. These reforms are about safety, dignity, and trust—and I’m grateful to every advocate, councilor, and community member who made them possible.”
With these protections now in place, councilors sent a clear message that the safety of our neighbors is the highest priority. Read more about the changes here, or view the amendments in full here.
In response to environmental and noise concerns, councilors passed into law an ordinance introduced by Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3) that bans the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Providence completely by 2033. Crafted with extensive vetting and stakeholder feedback, this policy reflects a commitment to addressing the polluting emissions from gas-powered leaf blowers improving the safety of residents and landscapers from dangerously loud sound levels, and the needs of small businesses.
“Our neighborhoods deserve a future without toxic gases and excessive noise. This policy is a win for the health and well-being of our environment and our neighbors, while mitigating impacts on small business” said Councilor Sue AnderBois, the ordinance’s lead sponsor and chair of the Special Committee on the Environment and Resiliency. “I am grateful for the thoughtful conversations with landscapers and concerned residents and the Administration who all helped shape this final legislation.”
A seasonal ban will limit use of this equipment by city departments and members of the public between October 1 and December 15, from 2030 through 2032. As of January 1, 2033, all use within the city limits would be permanently prohibited.
After hearing public comment in the Committee on Ordinances, the entertainment ordinance is being referred back to committee for further study.
Other notable items on tonight’s agenda include:
- An ordinance introduced by President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9) mandating that property owners be alerted when deeds are altered in light of scams seen nationally. The item was referred to the HOPE Committee.
- An ordinance amendment, introduced by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), that updates design standards for new developments guided by the Comprehensive Plan and input from an ad hoc design review committee s referred to the Committee on Ordinances.
- Unanimous passage of a resolution introduced by Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11) honoring community leader Eugenio Fernandez for his service to healthcare in Providence.
- A resolution introduced by Councilman Oscar Vargas (Ward 15) requesting improved access to overnight parking passes was referred to the Committee on Public Works.
- A resolution, introduced by Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14), requesting a review of curb cuts for city-created accessible street parking was referred to the Committee on Public Works.
by Council Staff | Nov 6, 2025 | Add Council Logo
Today, November 6 at 6PM, Providence City Council will convene for a full meeting in the Council Chamber on the third floor of City Hall. Press and the public are invited to attend.
Councilors will consider second and final passage of amendments to the immigration section of the Community Police Relations Act (CPRA), which prioritize the safety of Providence residents and further prohibit voluntary collaboration between Providence Police and federal immigration authorities. Read the full draft of the proposed changes here.
After being voted out of the Committee on Ordinances with a recommendation to pass on Monday, councilors will vote for the first time on proposed updates to the city’s entertainment regulations to expand opportunities for local artists, businesses, and neighborhoods. The updates ensure the law fairly reflects the current needs and realities of Providence’s vibrant entertainment landscape for the shared benefit of businesses, residents, and the city. The amendments were described in a press release on Monday, which can be found here.
In response to environmental and noise concerns, councilors will also consider second passage of an ordinance, introduced by Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3), banning the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Providence. City departments would eliminate their usage by 2028, with a total ban within city limits by 2033.
Immediately after the council meeting, President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo will host a Veterans’ Day event featuring a speaking program and local resources available to veterans.
Other notable items being introduced on Thursday include:
- An ordinance introduced by President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9) mandating that property owners be alerted when deeds are altered in light of scams seen nationally.
- An ordinance amendment, introduced by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), that updates design standards for new developments guided by the Comprehensive Plan and input from an ad hoc design review committee.
- A resolution introduced by Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11) honoring community leader Eugenio Fernandez for his service to healthcare in Providence.
- A resolution introduced by Councilman Oscar Vargas (Ward 15) requesting improved access to overnight parking passes.
- A resolution introduced by Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14) requesting a review of curb cuts for city-created accessible street parking.
by Council Staff | Nov 5, 2025 | Add Council Logo
Last night, the Providence City Council Committee on Finance voted to advance the City’s lease of the WaterFire Arts Center back to WaterFire Providence. This follows council approval of the $3.75 million purchase of the building. The conditional deal requires WaterFire to produce eight full lightings and five partial lightings annually (a three-lighting increase over this year’s schedule), with the Arts Center maintained at WaterFire’s expense and the City retaining the right to reclaim the property if necessary. The purchase is intended to provide an immediate infusion of capital to stabilize the organization (which, by design, remains free to the public and cannot rely on admissions revenue), while protecting a cultural asset from the market pressures of a changing landscape for nonprofit and arts organizations.
“This vote is about protecting the heartbeat of Providence, a cultural event that has become synonymous with the city itself,” said Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan. “WaterFire is more than a world-renowned art installation, it’s an engine of economic activity, drawing in about $162 million of economic stimulus to Rhode Island annually. This agreement is a smart, forward-looking decision that will pay dividends for Providence residents, businesses, and visitors for years to come.”
WaterFire draws roughly a million visitors a year, generating significant downtown foot traffic that supports restaurants, hotels, and small businesses. Beyond the lightings themselves, the organization hosts workforce and artist programs such as ArtLab@WaterFire, houses local groups like the Wilbury Theatre Group, and provides a marketplace for countless local vendors. Under the new leadership of Mark Allan and a reconstructed board, the organization is in a strong position to chart a sustainable path forward with the right support from the City of Providence.
The Committee also voted to advance an ordinance supporting the Mile of History project by authorizing financing to restore sidewalks along and adjacent to Benefit Street, known as one of Providence’s most historic corridors. Studies have found that nearly 40% of the street is considered difficult to traverse, with over 300 feet of sidewalks impassable.
“This project preserves Benefit Street’s historic character while making it safe, inviting, and accessible to everyone,” said Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan. “It will repair cracked sidewalks and missing bricks, restore historic tree wells, and add ADA accommodations on a stretch of road that attracts 300,000 tourists every year. It’s an important, underinvested-in part of our economy, supporting our museums, shops, restaurants, and more. The committee’s vote shows our commitment to fiscal responsibility, preservation, and accessibility, and I hope the full council will follow suit.”
The project would be financed through a loan from the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank’s municipal road and bridge revolving fund, which was first pursued by a local community group, the Mile of History Association. The program provides a discount on loan interest equivalent to 1/3 of the municipal borrowing rate, allowing the City to finance the repairs on more favorable terms than comparable sidewalk projects. This would save the City an estimated $1.94 million in debt service over the twenty-year term of the obligation compared to financing the project through the Capital Improvement Plan, which preserves assets for other essential community projects.
Both matters now move to the full council, where they will be heard with the committee’s recommendation to approve at the regular council meeting on November 20.
by Council Staff | Nov 4, 2025 | Add Council Logo
Tonight, the Providence City Council Committee on Ordinances approved proposed updates to the city’s entertainment regulations to expand opportunities for local businesses, artists, and neighborhoods to thrive. The updates ensure the law reflects the current needs and realities of Providence’s vibrant entertainment landscape so that businesses, residents, and the city have transparent and fair rules to follow. The amendments were advanced to the full city council with a recommendation to pass.
Informed by extensive engagement with stakeholders over a year and a half, the amendments clarify and expand the definition of incidental entertainment, improve regulation of entertainment activities and events, and continue to require compliance with the city’s noise ordinance.
“Providence’s food, beverage, music, and hospitality landscapes have evolved, but the rules have not kept pace, creating confusion for business owners and frustrations for residents,” said Council President Rachel Miller, “Taken together, these changes add structure and predictability for everyone and provide a balanced solution that supports local artists and establishments while maintaining calm and quiet at a reasonable hour for our neighborhoods. We are the Creative Capital – our nightlife should have a chance to flourish, to support musicians, create more access to live music, and opportunities to connect with one another in our neighborhoods throughout the city, while respecting residents living alongside commercial corridors.”
The amendments expand what’s allowed under the category of “incidental entertainment,” which is meant to account for entertainment that isn’t the main event (e.g. no tickets are sold). This could be a jazz brunch, or a small band playing mood-setting music meant to accompany dinner or a glass of wine. The amendments lift the restrictions on dancing or having multiple band members and allow for instruments to be plugged into speakers. Through these updates, establishments that incorporate music as part of the ambiance will be brought into compliance.
The amendments also introduce more straightforward regulations and management mechanisms. Indoor music has a firm end time of 9 PM on weeknights and 11 PM on weekends while outdoor music must cease by 9 PM on any night. Another proposed amendment addresses temporary entertainment events. Events like these will now require a temporary entertainment license from the Board of Licenses, rather than a temporary use permit from the Department of Inspections and Standards. Temporary entertainment licenses will be issued a maximum of nine times per year per license holder.
The city’s noise ordinance will be in full effect for these and all occasions. Music heard beyond the walls of the establishment or at excessive levels (10 decibels above ambient noise and/or outside of 200 feet from the source) is out of compliance with the noise ordinance and should face enforcement action.
by Council Staff | Oct 28, 2025 | Add Council Logo
As the demolition of Gilbert Stuart Middle School continues, Council President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo issued the following statement:
In recent months, I have maintained active oversight of the Gilbert Stuart School demolition and reconstruction project, focusing on environmental safety, air quality, and public transparency. I’ve been particularly concerned about dust exposure and limited communication of environmental testing data, which is why I formally requested that Mayor Smiley’s Administration provide detailed documentation of environmental controls, soil testing, and compliance with state environmental standards on August 20. On September 4, I introduced a City Council resolution calling for a temporary pause in demolition until full environmental documentation and monitoring data were made available to the community. I then convened a HOPE Committee meeting on September 17, bringing in Mayor Smiley’s Administration and PPSD officials, to discuss the project’s environmental protocols and documentation. The Administration has since provided formal documentation related to demolition and abatement, including the asbestos plan, demolition schedule, and haul route communications. However there has been limited documentation of air quality and soil testing, despite repeated requests for many weeks.
While environmental teams have implemented dust suppression measures, the recent breakdown of the pump feeding the primary misting nozzles—a key dust-control device—exposes an unacceptable risk to public health. I visited the site this week and saw firsthand inadequate usage of water hoses. I learned that the work was continuing despite the breakdown of the water misting pump. The reliance on a single vulnerable system is insufficient. I remain concerned about the inadequacy of real-time communication and accountability mechanisms. I am calling on the Administration to immediately share air- and soil-quality data publicly, enact stronger verification of environmental monitoring, and establish clear notification protocols if dust or particulate levels exceed safe thresholds. I want to be clear that only official environmental reports and not informal verbal or email updates should serve as the basis for assuring the public that conditions are safe. We need to go above and beyond basic safety protocols to protect our community, ensuring that the operational convenience of the contractor does not supersede the health and safety of the neighborhood.
The community expects and deserves constant vigilance, which is why my focus remains on ensuring consistent environmental oversight as demolition proceeds. Before continuing any further with the demolition, the Administration needs to give the community meaningful assurances that their environmental concerns are being taken seriously and addressed. Through continued City Council and School Building Committee review, as well as interagency coordination, I’m seeking to guarantee that the City’s construction and environmental management practices protect residents, schoolchildren, and workers—establishing a clear precedent for environmental diligence across all future school projects.
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El Presidente Pro Tempore del Concejo Muncipal Juan M. Pichardo Publica una Declaración Sobre Gilbert Stuart
Mientras continúa la demolición de la escuela secundaria Gilbert Stuart, el Presidente Pro Tempore del Concejo Municipal Juan M. Pichardo publicó la siguiente declaración:
En los últimos meses, he supervisado cercanamente el proyecto de demolición y reconstrucción de la Escuela Gilbert Stuart, enfocado en la seguridad ambiental, la calidad del aire y la transparencia pública. Me ha preocupado especialmente la exposición al polvo y la limitada comunicación de los datos de las pruebas ambientales, por lo que el 20 de agosto solicité formalmente a la Administración del Alcalde Smiley que proporcionara documentación detallada sobre los controles ambientales, las pruebas de suelo y el cumplimiento de las normas ambientales estatales. El 4 de septiembre, presenté una resolución del Concejo Municipal solicitando una pausa temporal en la demolición hasta que la documentación ambiental completa y los datos de monitoreo estuvieran disponibles para la comunidad. Después alojé una reunión del Comité HOPE el 17 de septiembre, con la participación de la Administración del Alcalde Smiley y funcionarios del PPSD, para discutir los protocolos y la documentación ambiental del proyecto. Desde entonces, la Administración ha proporcionado documentación formal relacionada con la demolición y la eliminación de asbesto, incluyendo el plan de demolición, el cronograma de demolición y las comunicaciones sobre las rutas de transporte. Sin embargo, la documentación sobre la calidad del aire y las pruebas de suelo ha sido limitada, a pesar de las reiteradas solicitudes durante varias semanas.
Mientras los equipos ambientales han implementado medidas de supresión de polvo, la reciente avería de la bomba que alimenta las boquillas de nebulización primarias (un dispositivo clave para el control del polvo) expone un riesgo inaceptable para la salud pública. Visité el sitio esta semana y presencié de primera mano el uso inadecuado de las mangueras de agua. Me enteré de que el trabajo continuaba a pesar de la avería de la bomba de nebulización. Depender de un solo sistema vulnerable es insuficiente. Sigo preocupado por la insuficiencia de los mecanismos de comunicación y rendición de cuentas en tiempo real. Exhorto a la Administración a compartir de inmediato los datos sobre la calidad del aire y el suelo, a implementar una verificación más rigurosa del monitoreo ambiental y a establecer protocolos de notificación claros si los niveles de polvo o partículas superan los límites de seguridad. Quiero dejar claro que solo los informes ambientales oficiales, y no las actualizaciones informales verbales o por correo electrónico, deben servir como base para garantizar al público que las condiciones son seguras. Necesitamos ir más allá de los protocolos básicos de seguridad para proteger a nuestra comunidad, garantizando que la conveniencia operativa del contratista no prevalezca sobre la salud y la seguridad del vecindario.
La comunidad espera y merece una vigilancia constante, por lo que mi enfoque sigue siendo asegurar una supervisión ambiental constante durante la demolición. Antes de continuar con la demolición, la Administración debe brindar a la comunidad garantías significativas de que sus preocupaciones ambientales se toman en serio y se atienden. Mediante la revisión continua del Concejo Municipal y el Comité de Construcción Escolar, así como la coordinación interinstitucional, busco garantizar que las prácticas de construcción y gestión ambiental de la Ciudad protejan a los residentes, los estudiantes y los trabajadores, sentando un precedente claro de diligencia ambiental en todos los proyectos escolares futuros.
by Council Staff | Oct 16, 2025 | Add Council Logo
At tonight’s meeting of the Providence City Council, councilors granted first passage unanimously with a vote of 13-0-0 to proposed changes to the immigration sections of the Community-Police Relations Act. The changes aim to better protect Providence residents by allowing the law to function as intended and strengthening accountability measures. The amendments now require one more passage through the full council, with a vote scheduled for November 6. The council also passed a resolution and made a significant announcement relative to virtual court hearings.
“In Providence, we take pride in being a welcoming city where every neighbor deserves to feel safe,” said Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6), the prime sponsor of the amendments. “Across the country, we’ve seen federal immigration agents bring chaos and trauma into local communities. These amendments make clear that here in Providence, our police will not be part of that harm. Our immigrant neighbors are the backbone of this city, and they deserve safety, dignity, and accountability.”
On Monday, October 6, the City Council’s Committee on Ordinances recommended the CPRA amendments. Following that meeting, the Council office communicated the changes as follows, in five major categories:
Expanding types of prohibited contact between PPD and federal immigration authorities, including ICE
By broadening the legal definition of federal immigration enforcement agencies to include any federal entity tasked with carrying out such activities, the prohibition on cooperation by PPD will include agencies not normally tasked with immigration who have recently been deputized by the Trump administration in order to expand capacity and meet their stated goal of 3,000 arrests per day. The list of prohibited activities will be expanded to include identification verification and translation services, further limiting interactions between municipal and federal law enforcement that could be exploited to harm Providence residents.
The changes would prohibit the Police Department from exercising authority under 287(g) or 103(a)(10) of the Immigration and National Act, which allows municipal law enforcement agencies to be formally deputized and authorized to conduct federal immigration enforcement.
Clarifying prohibited collaboration with federal authorities without a signed judicial warrant
Under the proposed changes, Providence Police will continue to comply with all federally required and lawfully directed actions, as they always have – as long as those directives are accompanied by a valid, signed, criminal judicial warrant. The proposed CPRA changes prohibit police involvement based on civil immigration warrants, an intimidation tool used by federal immigration authorities that carries no legal requirement for compliance by local law enforcement. The amended ordinance clearly lists what exactly is prohibited, including but not limited to:
- Providing information to ICE about arrestees that is not available to the public
- Using any city money, personnel, or resources to assist in the investigation, interrogation, detention, detection, or arrest of anyone for immigration enforcement
- Establishing traffic perimeters or otherwise controlling public areas to assist immigration enforcement
The amendments also allow for student IDs or any other valid photo IDs to be used as acceptable forms of identification.
Establishing protected spaces within the city
The changes expand the CPRA’s definition of “schools” to include charter schools, city-run preschool and early-learning programs, and daycare and after-school facilities. The ordinance then requires those schools, as well as the courts and non-public parts of the public department, to deny access to their premises if immigration enforcement requests entry without presenting a valid judicial warrant. Defining these protected spaces allows families, and especially youth, to have more confidence about their safety while at school or accessing city services. Providence Police, courthouses, prisons, and jails would also be required to designate a person who can independently verify judicial warrants that are presented by federal authorities.
Limiting collection and disclosure of sensitive personal data
To meet their presidentially directed quotas of resident arrests, federal immigration authorities have been demanding more frequent and more specific private personal data from municipal law enforcement. To limit the harm disclosing this data would cause to Providence communities, the proposed changes would prohibit Providence police from collecting demographic data, such as race or ethnicity, via city-operated surveillance technologies such as Flock cameras and services such as the Real Time Crime Center. They would then require that all current and future partner agencies accessing city-owned data agree via formal written agreement to all of the restrictions set forth in the ordinance, including not sharing any data with federal immigration enforcement absent a judicial warrant.
Allowing organizations to hold the city accountable by suing after alleged violations
The proposed changes establish organizational standing in the private right of action. This would allow certain types of non-government organizations, such as civil rights, human rights, and youth organizations, to file civil action against the city, the department, or an officer if they allege CPRA violations by Providence Police. By intentionally broadening the city’s accountability in cases of alleged violation, councilors are sending a clear message that every Providence resident deserves to have their rights protected – and that violations must be accompanied by consequences.
Read the full draft of the proposed changes here.
At the October 6 committee meeting, community members repeatedly requested accommodations for remote court hearings, reflecting concerns in a widely circulated change.org petition. Responding to these concerns, councilors unanimously approved a resolution introduced by Council President Rachel Miller calling on state courts to provide these accommodations. This follows reports of increased ICE presence and detentions in and around state and federal courthouses. Along with the non-binding resolution, the Council President announced that the Providence Municipal Court and Probate Court, which fall under the oversight of the city council, will offer the same accommodation for virtual hearings by request beginning November 1.
“Residents must be able to attend court appointments without fear,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “Providence will lead by example—offering accommodations for remote hearings beginning November 1st at municipal court and probate court so that court remains accessible and safe. I urge our state partners to do the same, especially at the Garrahy Judicial Complex.”
Other notable items from tonight’s agenda include:
- Introduction of a resolution authorizing Mayor Smiley to enter into a lease with WaterFire Providence for the WaterFire Arts Center at 475 Valley Street. The resolution was referred to the Finance Committee.
- Unanimous passage of a resolution introduced by Council President Rachel Miller celebrating Italian Heritage Month.
- Unanimous passage of a resolution introduced by President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9) honoring the Indigenous peoples of Providence and Rhode Island.
by Council Staff | Oct 6, 2025 | Add Council Logo
Tonight, the Providence City Council Committee on Ordinances approved an ordinance amending Section 18 ½ – 4 of the city’s Code of Ordinances, the Community-Police Relations Act (CPRA), to strengthen protections for city residents. The proposed changes better protect Providence residents by expanding prohibitions on participation by Providence Police Department (PPD) personnel in federal immigration enforcement activities. The amendments were advanced to the full city council with a recommendation to pass.
The proposed changes come as Providence residents demand greater accountability following several concerning incidents this summer involving the Police Department. In one such incident, PPD officers were found to have provided “operationally significant” assistance to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel performing a raid in the city as part of President Trump’s dangerous nationwide crackdown on undocumented Americans.
After deep research and community engagement, councilors proposed these amendments to ensure that Providence remains a city where all residents can live and thrive without fear.
The proposed changes fall into five major categories:
Expanding types of prohibited contact between PPD and federal immigration authorities, including ICE
By broadening the legal definition of federal immigration enforcement agencies to include any federal entity tasked with carrying out such activities, the prohibition on cooperation by PPD will include agencies not normally tasked with immigration who have recently been deputized by the Trump administration in order to expand capacity and meet their stated goal of 3,000 arrests per day. The list of prohibited activities will be expanded to include identification verification and translation services, further limiting interactions between municipal and federal law enforcement that could be exploited to harm Providence residents.
The changes would prohibit the Police Department from exercising authority under 287(g) or 103(a)(10) of the Immigration and National Act, which allows municipal law enforcement agencies to be formally deputized and authorized to conduct federal immigration enforcement.
Clarifying prohibited collaboration with federal authorities without a signed judicial warrant
Under the proposed changes, Providence Police will continue to comply with all federally required and lawfully directed actions, as they always have – as long as those directives are accompanied by a valid, signed, criminal judicial warrant. The proposed CPRA changes prohibit police involvement based on civil immigration warrants, an intimidation tool used by federal immigration authorities that carries no legal requirement for compliance by local law enforcement. The amended ordinance clearly lists what exactly is prohibited, including but not limited to:
- Providing information to ICE about arrestees that is not available to the public
- Using any city money, personnel, or resources to assist in the investigation, interrogation, detention, detection, or arrest of anyone for immigration enforcement
- Establishing traffic perimeters or otherwise controlling public areas to assist immigration enforcement
The amendments also allow for student IDs or any other valid photo IDs to be used as acceptable forms of identification.
Establishing protected spaces within the city
The changes expand the CPRA’s definition of “schools” to include charter schools, city-run preschool and early-learning programs, and daycare and after-school facilities. The ordinance then requires those schools, as well as the courts and non-public parts of the public department, to deny access to their premises if immigration enforcement requests entry without presenting a valid judicial warrant. Defining these protected spaces allows families, and especially youth, to have more confidence about their safety while at school or accessing city services. Providence Police, courthouses, prisons, and jails would also be required to designate a person who can independently verify judicial warrants that are presented by federal authorities.
Limiting collection and disclosure of sensitive personal data
To meet their presidentially directed quotas of resident arrests, federal immigration authorities have been demanding more frequent and more specific private personal data from municipal law enforcement. To limit the harm disclosing this data would cause to Providence communities, the proposed changes would prohibit Providence police from collecting demographic data, such as race or ethnicity, via city-operated surveillance technologies such as Flock cameras and services such as the Real Time Crime Center. They would then require that all current and future partner agencies accessing city-owned data agree via formal written agreement to all of the restrictions set forth in the ordinance, including not sharing any data with federal immigration enforcement absent a judicial warrant.
Allowing organizations to hold the city accountable by suing after alleged violations
The proposed changes establish organizational standing in the private right of action. This would allow certain types of non-government organizations, such as civil rights, human rights, and youth organizations, to file civil action against the city, the department, or an officer if they allege CPRA violations by Providence Police. By intentionally broadening the city’s accountability in cases of alleged violation, councilors are sending a clear message that every Providence resident deserves to have their rights protected – and that violations must be accompanied by consequences.
Read the full draft of the proposed changes here.
The amendments will now be presented to the full council at the next regularly scheduled city council meeting on Thursday, October 16 for the first of two required passages, along with the committee’s recommendation to pass.
by Council Staff | Oct 2, 2025 | Add Council Logo
At tonight’s meeting of the Providence City Council, councilors granted first passage to an ordinance introduced by Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3) which would ban the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in the city of Providence by 2033. Councilors also granted second passage to an ordinance approving the financing of $5.5 million for the purchase and distribution of new solid waste and recycling carts citywide.
If granted second and final passage, the ban on gas-powered leaf blowers would phase out the use of the devices beginning in 2028, with a full prohibition taking effect in 2033. In addition to contributing to noise pollution in neighborhoods across the city by operating at dangerously loud sound levels, gas-powered leaf blowers produce toxic gases like nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide that pollute our air and contribute to the growing climate crisis.
“This ordinance is a common-sense commitment to keeping our air clean, clear, and safe for all – while also addressing a loud and disruptive public nuisance,” said Councilor AnderBois, the ordinance’s lead sponsor and chair of the Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency. “I am also grateful to the many landscapers who met with me and helped me amend this to mitigate effects on our small business owners. It’s proof that we can improve quality-of-life, build environmental resilience, and take into account the needs of small businesses all at the same time. We don’t need to choose between what’s best for our neighbors and what’s best for the environment.
Last week, the ordinance was passed unanimously by the Special Committee. If passed by the council a second time, the initial phase of the ban would permit use only between October 1 and December 15, from 2028 through 2033, with city departments eliminating their use altogether in 2028. As of January 1, 2033, all use within the city limits would be permanently prohibited.
“I’m proud to have been a strong co-sponsor of this legislation, which builds on a previous ordinance and protects workers from toxic fumes, environmental hazards and dangerous noise while also improving quality of life for our constituents,” said Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1). “This marks real progress toward healthier working conditions and a cleaner, quieter, more livable community.”
Final passage was granted to an ordinance financing the citywide replacement of all public trash and recycling carts. The new bins will save taxpayer money over the long term by dramatically reducing the time and resources currently devoted to repair and replacement of the existing aging fleet, while improving public health and safety by reducing overflow and recycling contamination.
Also at tonight’s meeting, councilors passed two resolutions approved earlier this week by the Committee on Finance. The first resolution supports the Providence Public School District’s Stage II application for $79.5 million spent, 91% of which is eligible for reimbursement, to upgrade school infrastructure and support teaching and learning excellence, student and staff wellbeing, resource management, and family and community engagement. These funds will address urgent needs at: Feinstein Elementary, George J. West Elementary, Leviton Dual Language, Reservoir Avenue Elementary, Robert L. Bailey Elementary, Veazie Street Elementary, Young and Woods Elementary, Webster Avenue Elementary, Esek Hopkins Middle, Nathan Bishop Middle, Central High, Classical High, Dr. Jorge Alvarez High, E-Cubed Academy, Hope High, Juanita Sanchez Complex, and Providence Career and Technical Academy.
The second resolution authorizes the Providence Public Building Authority to issue bonds to buy the Doorley Municipal Building at 444 Westminster Street and the WaterFire Arts Center at 475 Valley Street. Purchase of the Doorley Building will free up at least $1.4 million in rental payments through 2036, and projections show that the city stands to save $7.6 million over the term of the lease. Acquiring this building, which currently houses 10 city departments, is a meaningful step in centralizing municipal functions and services.
The WaterFire Arts Center, an institution at the heart of the city’s arts and culture, will be purchased for $3.75 million and leased back to the organization. This investment stabilizes WaterFire’s financial health and ensures the continued vitality of Providence’s arts economy.
Following passage of these items, Finance Committee Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) emphasized the importance of council investment in Providence schools and public spaces. “These strategic, financially sound agreements promise to deliver stability to our schools, critical city operations and arts programming that residents and staff depend on,” said Chairwoman Ryan.
Finally, councilors voted to confirm Sean Holley as the city’s next Director of the Department of Recreation, effective immediately.
Following the conclusion of the regularly scheduled public meeting, councilors entered into executive session for a discussion with the receivers of the Providence Place Mall to hear an update on the mall’s sale and future plans.
