Ward 9
All Members
Councilor Juan M. Pichardo
Councilor Juan M. Pichardo represents Ward 9, which includes the Elmwood, South Elmwood, and Roger Williams Park neighborhoods. Pichardo currently serves as the President Pro Tempore and is the Chair of the Committee on Ward Boundaries, Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education (HOPE) and the Special Commission on Veterans Affairs. He is also the Vice-Chair of the Committee on Claims and Pending Suits, the Committee on Urban Redevelopment, Renewal and Planning and a member of the Rules Committee. Pichardo is also a member of the Providence Water Supply Board and the Providence Board of Parks Commissioners.
He served as a state senator from 2003 until 2017. He served as a member of the RI Air National Guard from 1988 until 2010, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant.
He was born in Santiago and raised in the city of Jicome, Valverde, Dominican Republic until the age of 9. He attended public school P.S 115 in New York City, Providence’s Gilbert Stuart Middle School and Mount Pleasant High. He is a graduate of Community College of RI, Rhode Island College, the Providence Civic Entrepreneur initiative, and Leadership RI. Pichardo is the co-founder of Quisqueya in Action and The RI Latino PAC. He is married to Janet and is the father of three children and three grandchildren.
Ward 9: Elmwood & South Elmwood
Recent News
Council Passes Cannabis Zoning Ordinance and Approves Resolution Condemning Anti-Haitian Rhetoric
Providence, RI – At tonight’s meeting, Council finalized passage of the Cannabis Zoning ordinance, which lays the groundwork for well-regulated and inclusive cannabis retail in Providence. The ordinance updates municipal zoning code to comply with the 2022 Rhode...
Pedro Espinal Named City Council Majority Leader, Sue AnderBois Deputy Whip
The restructured leadership team will help advance efforts to address key Council priorities Providence, RI – Councilman Pedro Espinal has been elected by a majority of his colleagues on City Council to serve as Majority Leader. In this role, Majority Leader Espinal...
City Council Rejects Lease Proposal of a Public Elementary School Building to Charter Schools
Providence, RI – City Councilors rejected a proposal from Mayor Brett Smiley for the city to lease Carl G. Lauro Elementary School to two charter schools. The proposal for a $1 per year 30-year plus lease to Achievement First Rhode Island, Inc. and Excel Academy Rhode...
Council Introduces a Newly Revised Law to Protect Affordable Housing in the City
Providence, RI - A revised and strengthened 8 Law ordinance was introduced at tonight’s Council meeting (off docket). The new ordinance was crafted after significant input and lengthy discussions with community partners, who are out in Providence’s neighborhoods...
Councilors Support Affordable Housing and Funding for Critical Transportation Services
Affordable Housing Trust Fund Providence, RI - Housing access and affordability are priorities for the Providence City Council. As part of this agenda, an ordinance amendment was introduced at tonight's council meeting that will expand affordable housing opportunities...
