Ward 8
All MembersCouncilman James Taylor
Councilman James Taylor represents Ward 8 which includes the Elmwood, South Elmwood, Reservoir Triangle, and the West End neighborhoods. Councilman Taylor served on the Providence Fire Department from 1989 to 2016. He is the City Council’s Majority Leader, as well as the Founder and Chair of the Special Committee on Public Safety. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Rules Committee and is a member of the Committee on Finance.
Ward 8: Elmwood, South Elmwood, Reservoir Triangle & West End
Recent News
City Council Approves the Refunding of Bonds Giving a $1.3 Million Boost to the City’s Pension System
Tonight, the City Council voted to approve the refunding of the City's bond portfolio. The refunding of bonds is much like the refinancing of homes, providing efficiency and better interest rates, which yield savings. "I want to thank the Committee on Finance, our...
City Councilors Ask for Federal and State Help to Fight Hunger
Tonight, Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), and Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) were lead sponsors of a resolution addressing the Rhode Island Community Food Banks’...
City Council President Sabina Matos, Chief Judge Frank Caprio, and Mayor Jorge O. Elorza Announce Amnesty Program for Non-Moving and Environmental Violations in the City of Providence
Today, City Council President Sabina Matos, Chief Judge Frank Caprio of the Providence Municipal Court, and Mayor Jorge O. Elorza announced an amnesty program of all non-moving and environmental violations in the City of Providence until January 31, 2021. “Due to the...
City Council Urges Governor to Assist Restaurants Seeking Liquor License Renewals
This evening, the Providence City Council passed a resolution requesting that the State of Rhode Island take an active role in easing the liquor license renewal process for Rhode Island restaurants. This is another step the Providence City Council is taking to...
Councilwoman Carmen Castillo Calls for the Creation of a Special Commission on ATV and Recreational Vehicle Enforcement
Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9) introduced a resolution at tonight's City Council meeting calling for the formation of a Special Commission on All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Recreational Vehicle Enforcement. Off-road vehicles are currently banned from operating...
Providence City Council Says “Yes” to the Hospitality Worker Comeback Legislation
The Hospitality Worker Comeback Legislation Ensures that Hospitality Workers Laid Off Due to the Pandemic Can Return to Their Jobs and Their Livelihoods Tonight the City Council passed the “Hospitality Worker Comeback” legislation which was introduced by City Council...