Member Highlight
Deputy Majority Leader
Mary Kay Harris - Ward 11
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Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris has represented Ward 11 since 2014. Ward 11 includes the West End neighborhood and the Upper South Providence Neighborhood; where Councilwoman Harris has lived for 30 years.
Councilwoman Harris was born in Shelby, North Carolina, but grew up and spent most of her life in Providence. She devoted 15 years to working as the Lead Community Organizer for Direct Action for Rights and Equality (DARE).
As an active community member, Deputy Majority Leader Harris has also worked with the Providence Youth Student Movement, the Rhode Island People’s Assembly, the Rosa Parks Human Rights Committee and the Women of All Colors Assembly. She was also the recipient of the 2001 Ministers’ Alliance of RI Martin Luther King Jr. Direct Action Award and the 2012 Jobs with Justice Solidarity Award.
With four grown children, eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren, Councilwoman Harris plays a central role both in her family and her community. She serves as the Vice Chairwoman to both the Committee on Urban Redevelopment, Renewal and Planning and the Committee on Public Works.
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Meet Your City Councilor
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Providence is separated into 15 distinct Wards, each a unique and dynamic community. We believe that access to your Councilor is paramount.
By clicking on the link below you will be able to learn more about your Councilor, and have the opportunity to send them an email to share your thoughts or concerns.
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The month of June was spent celebrating everything that makes us proud to be from Providence. PVD Fest, LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, Kid's Fun Day and many other City events displayed the diverse, welcoming and thriving culture that the City of Providence has to offer.
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The City of Providence Came to life for a fun filled weekend at PVD Fest. From live music, to art, to delicious food, the City of Providence was filled with family friendly fun and members of the City Council did not hesitate to join in on the festivities!
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Council President Sabina Matos and Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia announcing the official kick-off of PVD Fest
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Councilwoman Kat Kerwin during a live radio interview for the Bartholomewtown Podcast
Listen to the podcast
here
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Council President Sabina Matos being interviewed for the Bartholomewtown Podcast
Listen to the podcast
here
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On May 31, Council President Sabina Matos joined Mayor Elorza and State Treasurer Seth Magaziner to raise the Pride Flag which flew over City Hall for the month of June. Representatives from the many different groups within the LGBTQIA+ communities held flags that defined the various groups celebrating Pride.
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Uniting the Community
Against Hate
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On June 2, Council President Sabina Matos, Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia, Councilwoman Kat Kerwin joined Mayor Jorge Elorza and
Rhode Island Pride
President Joe Lazzerinni who came together to stand up and speak out against a hateful tweet by a local Bishop of the Catholic Church.
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Rhode Island Pride Parade
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On June 15, members of the City Council participated in the Rhode Island Pride Parade along with friends, family and staff. Councilors rode a rainbow decorated float and threw candy and confetti to the many Rhode Islanders who came to show their pride and support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
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On June 22, Councilman Igliozzi hosted his annual Kid's Fun Day along with Senator Frank Ciccone and Representative Mario Mendez. Families enjoyed food, face painting, bouncy houses, pony rides and more! Kid's Fun Day has been Councilman Igliozzi's tradition for nearly 20 years.
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Having fun with Paws, the Pawsox Mascot
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Councilman John Igliozzi and
Senator Frank Ciccone
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Kids taking a train ride around the Silver Lake Community Center
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Grilling up burgers and hot dogs for the many families who came to enjoy the beautiful day
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This month, students of all ages across the City celebrated graduations; from kindergarten, to high school to college. The City Council extends congratulations to all 2019 grads and wishes them luck on their future endeavors!
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Classical High School Graduates on June 10
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Roger Williams Day Care Center Kindergarten Graduation on June 13
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Celebrating Class of 2019 Valedictorians and Salutatorians at City Hall with President Pro Tempore Michael Correia and Mayor Elorza on June 18.
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Councilman Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. at the Esek Hopkins Middle School 8
th
grade graduation.
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On June 7, Councilors joined members of Providence's Portuguese community to raise the Portuguese Flag at City Hall in celebration of Day of Portugal.
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Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune ran and spoke at the AIDS Walk for Life on June 1. This walk advocates for AIDS awareness and aims to end stigma surrounding the disease.
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NAACP Providence Annual Freedom Fund Breakfast
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On June 1, Council President Matos, Councilwoman Anthony, Councilman Aponte, Councilman Salvatore and Councilwoman Kerwin attended the Annual NAACP Providence Freedom Fund Breakfast, where
Juneteenth
RI were honored for their work in the community.
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On June 14, Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia attended the Annual Flag Day Celebration at George J. West Elementary School. Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the United States Flag on June 14, 1777.
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Street Dedication of Laura Rodriguez Way
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On June 22, Councilwoman Carmen Castillo was joined by Council President Sabina Matos, Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia and Councilman James Taylor along with United States Congressman David Ciciclline, State Senator Ana Quezada, Representative Grace Diaz, and State Treasurer Seth Magaziner for the dedication of Sumter St as Laura Rodriguez Way.
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Street Dedication of Prince Hall Way
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On June 29, Councilman Luis A. Aponte joined the Prince Hall Masons to celebrate the re-dedication of Eddy St to Prince Hall Way. The Prince Hall Masons are the oldest African-American Fraternal Institution.
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Councilwoman Kat Kerwin hosted a Smith Hill Block Party on June 27. Families from Ward 12 enjoyed music, dancing, food and a petting zoo!
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The Re-dedication and Ribbon Cutting of Two Important City Parks
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On June 18, 2019 Councilwoman Helen Anthony joined Mayor Jorge Elorza, former Councilman Sam Zurier, Superintendent of Parks Wendy Nilsson, and the College Hill Neighborhood Association to re-dedicate Prospect Terrace Park. This iconic park is home of the final resting place of Roger Williams, and provides stunning views of Providence.
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On June 21, 2019 Councilman James E. Taylor joined Mayor Jorge Elorza, Superintendent of Parks Wendy Nilsson for the ribbon cutting of
Mashapaug Park. The Park's Department and various community groups worked to create new trails, wildflower gardens, and installed benches for all to enjoy. Mausapaug Park is home to Mashapaug Pond, the largest fresh water lake in Providence. Come out for a visit!
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Celebrating Classical High
Purple Girls' Basketball Team
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Council President Sabina Matos, Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia and Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris introduced a resolution recognizing the Classical High School Purple Girl's Basketball Team in recognition of winning the Division II Girls' Credit Union Basketball Championship. The resolution was passed and co-sponsored by the full Council.
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City Council Passes Pride Resolution
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At the June 6, 2019 City Council meeting Council President Sabina Matos and Councilwoman Rachel M. Miller introduced a resolution welcoming the month of June as PRIDE month in Providence. The resolution was unanimously passed by the full council.
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City Council Urges State to Monitor Water Pollutant PFAS
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Providence City Council passed a resolution on June 7 in support of Rhode Island House Bill 6064, an act in support of safe drinking and surface waters. The resolution was introduced by Councilwoman Rachel M. Miller. House Bill 6064 will authorize the Department of Health, in consultation with the Water Resource Board, to adopt a rule for maximum contaminant levels of Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS), to protect the quality and safety of the public drinking water supply.
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Providence City Council Calls on State to Ban Assault Weapons
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City Council members passed three resolutions at the council meeting on June 7, urging the General Assembly to pass legislation banning assault weapons, banning high capacity magazines, and prohibiting concealed-carry weapons on school grounds. These resolutions were introduced by Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilman David A. Salvatore (Ward 14), Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), Councilwoman Rachel Miller (Ward 13), and Councilman Seth Yurdin (Ward 1).
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Committee on Ordinances Approves Affordable Housing Trust
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Council’s Committee on Ordinance voted to recommend for approval an
ordinance
which would authorize the appropriation of funds to the Providence Housing Trust. The ordinance will be sent to the full Council for vote and passage on July 8. The ordinance directs the City Tax Collector to transfer and deposit 10% of all funds collected annually by tax stabilization agreements from the current tax year going forward into the Affordable Housing Trust. The Trust will be managed by the Providence Redevelopment Agency, who will develop rules and regulations around the Trust’s implementation.
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Providence City Council Commemorates June 22, 2019 as
"World Refugee Day"
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City Council members passed a resolution commemorating June 22, 2019 as World Refugee Day, which acknowledges the courage, strength, and determination of women, men and children forced to flee their homes because of persecution or conflict. The resolution was co-sponsored by the full Council and recognizes the hundreds of cities and refugee camps around the world and commends The Refugee Dream Center based in Rhode Island for their work providing much needed services for refugees as they transition into American society.
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Council President Pro Tempore Correia Unveils New Public Safety Measures
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On June 17, Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia, Council President Sabina Matos, and members of the Providence Police Department unveiled the latest equipment to enhance public safety at a press conference yesterday. The department is now equipped with 12 new radar guns and 3 new speed sleds that will be deployed throughout the City.
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City Celebrates Success of Safe Stations
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Council President Sabina Matos, Mayor Jorge Elorza and Healthy Communities Director Ellen Cynar came together on June 17 to celebrate the 100th visit to Providence Safe Stations and the award of Providence State Opioid Response Funds.
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Council President Pro Tempore Correia Crushes Illegal ATV's
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On June 20, Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia joined Mayor Jorge Elorza and Public Safety Commissioner Steven Paré to authorize the destruction of 27 illegal recreational vehicles that had been confiscated by Providence Police.
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Councilors Celebrate Grand Opening of Urban Greens Co-Op
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On June 27, Council President Sabina Matos, Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris and Councilwoman Rachel Miller celebrated the grand opening of the new Urban Greens Co-Op. Urban Greens will bring fresh produce to the Providence, while supporting local farmers and growers.
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Upcoming Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Events
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If you want to find information about past, present and future meetings than the open meetings portal is a must. Using the below link you can access meeting minutes, agendas, documents, videos and other useful information at the click of a button.
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Providence City Council
council.providenceri.gov
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©Providence City Council 2019
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