Ward 5
All MembersCouncilwoman
Jo-Ann Ryan
Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan represents the neighborhoods of Elmhurst, Mount Pleasant, and the western edge of Manton. She has been a Council member since 2015 and currently serves as Chairwoman of the Finance Committee. Ryan is also Chairwoman of the city’s Housing Crisis Task Force and Chair of the Special Committee on Municipal Operations and Oversight. Additionally, she sits on the Rules Committee and is one of two Council-elected members of the Water Supply Board.
Ward 5: Elmhurst, Mount Pleasant, Manton
Ward 5 is home to the Elmhurst neighborhood, Manton and Mt. Pleasant neighborhoods. This largely residential area is home to LaSalle Academy and Providence College. In Ward 5 you will find many wide, tree lined streets square properties due to the later development of the area compared to the rest of the City. Until the early twentieth century, Ward 5 was comprised mainly of farm land and vacation homes.
Recent News

Statement from Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan Regarding Illegal ATVs in Providence
Statement from Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan Regarding Illegal ATVs in Providence "I was pleased to learn that the Department of Public Safety and the Mayor’s administration today announced plans to proactively enforce the ATV laws that the City Council has enacted. As we...





City Council Holds First 2022 Meeting
City Council Holds First 2022 Meeting • Council President John Igliozzi issues unprecedented address and calls for an independent audit to oversee the disbursement of $124 million in federal relief funds • Council calls on RI DOT to reduce the speed limit on Allens...





City Council reacts to Providence’s 23rd homicide of the year on Huxley Avenue
The City Council promised to give Providence Police the tools they need to help solve the city’s 23rd homicide of 2021, following a deadly shooting Saturday night on Huxley Avenue, in the Elmhurst neighborhood. “I am troubled to hear of, yet another young life taken...



Retired Providence Fire Chief George Farrell Honored by City Council for His Work as Chairman of the Rhode Island Honor Flights Club
At tonight’s City Council meeting Finance Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan sponsored a resolution, passed by the full City Council, honoring Retired Providence Fire Chief George Farrell for his work as Chairman of the Rhode Island Honor Flights Club. Mr. Farrell and his family...





Council Finance Committee Votes to Continue Police Department Community Relations Position Due to Unresolved Questions Regarding Hiring Process
The Council’s Committee on Finance voted unanimously tonight to continue the ongoing discussion regarding the process involved in hiring of the Community Relations and Diversion Services Administrator (originally posted as a Police Major position) in the police...





Finance Committee Approves New PERA Director for Full Vote by City Council
Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) and the members of the Committee on Finance voted unanimously tonight to approve the recommendation of Ferenc Karoly for the position of Executive Director of the Providence External Review Authority (PERA). The matter will next be...