April 2019| Issue 3
Member Highlight
Council Majority Leader
Jo-Ann Ryan - Ward 5
Council Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan has been representing Ward 5 in Providence since 2015. Leader Ryan has prioritized fiscal re sponsibility, economic development and tax reform in the City. She also works to improve the city through bettering public education; parks & recreation; and community engagement projects.

Leader Ryan has been active in many projects to improve the City, such as after school programs, park restorations, traffic control and supporting the arts in public schools. In addition to this, she has been instrumental in supporting new and existing businesses in Ward 5.

Meet Your City Councilor
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.
2019 City Property Revaluation
Deadline for Hearing Fast Approaches
The City of Providence announced on March 29, 2019 that the state-mandated full real estate property revaluation is complete and real estate property value assessment notices were mailed on April 15, 2019. At this time, the following 2018 real estate revaluation procedures have been executed:
 
Data Collection of Building Data, Building Permit Inspections, Review Analysis of Sales, Cost and Land Analysis, Income & Expense Review, Commercial Market Rate Analysis, and Table Calculations.
 
Providence property owners received notice advising them of the new appraised value of their real estate property prior to when the new value will officially be added to the tax roll.
 
 For further information on what to expect and how to request a review, visit the
Spring has sprung at City Hall! The month of April brought exciting community events like neighborhood Easter Egg Hunts, along with the introduction of notable ordinances, resolutions and proposals from the City Council. Councilors were busy engaging with constituents throughout the City as the snow melted and the new season arrived. Keep reading to catch up with your Councilor!
Providence Goes Green
Earth Day was celebrated on Monday, April 22, but councilors have been working diligently in support of environmental sustainability throughout the entire month. From planting trees and picking up trash, to passing environmentally conscious legislation, the City Council is dedicated to keeping the City of Providence clean and environmentally friendly.
Majority Leader Ryan's Plastic Bag Reduction Act Has Final Passage on Earth Day
On April 22, the City Council passed the Retail Plastic Bag Reduction Act which will now be sent to Mayor Jorge O. Elorza for his signature. Spearheaded by Leader Ryan, the ordinance requires that the City present a comprehensive implementation plan within 60 days of passage, along with quarterly progress reports from the City‘s Director of the Office of Sustainability, and will involve a host of community partners to help with education, outreach and implementation.
Earth Day Celebration and Mt. Pleasant Park and Fields Ribbon Cutting
On Saturday April 27, Majority Leader Ryan joined Mayor Elorza at the Mt. Pleasant Park and Fields ribbon cutting ceremony and Earth Day Celebration.

Mattie Smith Tot Lot Tree Planting
Deputy Majority Leader Harris celebrated Arbor Day on April 26, by planting 12 new trees at the Mattie Smith Tot Lot in Ward 11.
Neighborhood Clean Ups
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas Narducci Jr. hosted a Ward 4 clean-up at Prete-Metcalf Field on April 27, along with volunteers and members of the Department of Public Works.
Councilman Salvatore co-hosted a Ward 14 clean-up at Fargnoli Park with Friends of Fargnoli Park, Providence College FUSION, Boy Scout Troop 76 and the Providence Parks Department on April 27.
Council President Matos and President Pro Tempore Correia joined residents and the Parks Department on April 27, for a neighborhood cleanup at Riverside Park.
Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune was joined by volunteers from Ward Three including Lifespan employees, and the local alumni group of Binghamton University (Binghamton, NY) for a neighborhood clean up on April 28.
On April 28, Councilwoman Kerwin was joined by an army of volunteers, along with President Pro Tempore Correia to clean up the Smith Hill neighborhood.
City Council Swears in Iasha Hall
Iasha Hall Sworn in as Member of Juvenile Hearing Board

The City Council extends congratulations to Iasha Hall who was sworn in as a member of the Juvenile Hearing Board after the City Council meeting on Monday April 22, by Council President Matos. Iasha is a longtime community advocate and will be a great addition to this board.
Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunts
Throughout the month of April, City Councilors held Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunts in their respective wards. The Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunts were started by Council President Pro Tempore Correia and have become a tradition in many wards throughout the City.
Councilwoman LaFortune
Ward 3
Councilman Narducci
Ward 4
Council Majority Leader Ryan Ward 5
Council President
Pro Tempore Correia Ward 6
Councilman Taylor
Ward 8
Councilwoman Castillo
Ward 9
Council Deputy Majority Leader Harris Ward 11
Councilwoman Kerwin
Ward 12
Councilman Salvatore
Ward 14
Council President Matos
Ward 15
Celebrating the Joy of Reading
Schools throughout Providence spent the second week in April learning about the fun and importance of reading at all ages. Council Majority Leader Ryan and Councilman Salvatore visited schools within their wards to read to students and share the joy of reading with their youngest residents.
Councilman Salvatore with students at the Veazie Street School.
Council Majority Leader Ryan reading to first graders at Pleasant View Elementary School
New Beginnings for Providence Businesses
Majority Leader Ryan Attends Grand Re-Opening of 401 Nutrition
On Saturday, April 20, Council Majority Leader Ryan attended the grand re-opening of Providence's 401 Nutrition. The nutrition club aims to create a positive environment where residents can learn about ways to improve their health and nutrition.
Councilors Attend Bomes Theater Grand Re-Opening
On March 29, Council President Matos, Councilman Aponte and Councilwoman Castillo attended the grand re-opening ceremony of the newly renovated Bomes Theater. The historical landmark, previously in disrepair, has been restored as a beacon of pride in the City.
Street Renaming
H onoring the Legacy of
Mary C. Jones
On Friday, April 26, Councilwoman Kerwin gathered with community members at the Smith Hill Library to honor the life of Mary C. Jones, long time community advocate. A commemorative street sign was unveiled in her favor.
Arlan Way Unveiling
Councilman Taylor, Senator Ana Quezada, and members of the community unveiled Arlan Way on April 28. The street is named in honor of Steve and Ken Arlan who have been long time coaches and supporters of Elmwood Little League.
City Budget Proposal
On April 30, Mayor Elorza proposed his budget for the next fiscal year. Moving forward the City Council Committee on Finance will be closely reviewing the budget proposal before approval. The Council hopes to ensure the budget meets the best interests of the City's constituents and properly addresses concerns such as infrastructure and economic development.
In the News
Councilors Attend Congressman Cicilline Portrait Unveiling
On Sunday April 14, Councilors joined with members of the community to celebrate the unveiling of the official portrait of former Providence Mayor, Representative David Cicilline. Council President Matos gave remarks about Representative Cicilline's influential time as Mayor. The portrait will remain on display in City Hall.
Council President Pro Tempore Correia Secures Laser Speed Guns for Police Department
Council President Pro Tempore Correia secured 12 LIDAR laser speed guns for the Providence Police Department on April 9. The radar guns will be used to enforce traffic safety throughout the City.
Council President Matos Attends Achievement First Firefly Circle
On April 26, Council President Matos attended the Achievement First Firefly Circle with Solaris Mercedes. Solaris is in fourth grade and she is the Student Body President. The Council is proud to support young female leaders like Solaris in the City!
Councilwoman LaFortune Attends 2019 Y Heroes Celebration
On April 23, Councilwoman LaFortune attended the 2019 Y Heroes Gala to support the YMCA of Greater Providence’s mission of improving the health and well-being of children and families in our community.
Council President Matos Attends Gift of Education Gala
Council President Sabina Matos attended the Providence Promise Gala on March 28. This organization works with families to help reduce the financial burden of sending a child to college, trade school or technical school.

Council Deputy Majority Leader Harris Stands with Constituents Over Prospective Charter School
Residents of Providence's South Side have expressed concern about the opening of a charter school at the John Hope Settlement House. Deputy Majority Leader Harris organized a community meeting on Thursday, April 18 to discuss these concerns with residents, and plans to advocate for the inclusion and representation of community members as this issue moves forward.
Welcoming Angélica Infante-Green to Providence
On April 29, Council President Matos joined Principal Daniel Smith and the students of Harry Kizirian Elementary School, along with Providence Schools Superintendent Christopher Maher, and Providence School Board member Mark Santow in welcoming Rhode Island’s new Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green on her first day.
COUNCILWOMAN Documentary

Margo Guernsey's Debut Feature COUNCILWOMAN , based on the life of Providence Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), will have a New York City premiere at two different film festivals.

The first was the Havana NY Film Festival which ran from April 5-16, 2019 and the second is the Workers Unite Film Festival which will be running from May 10-22.
In Memoriam
The Providence City Council was saddened by the loss of two former Councilors this month. Our condolences are extended to the families of former Council President Robert Haxton and former Councilor Donald J. Lopes.
Upcoming Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Events
Open Meetings Portal
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.
Providence City Council
council.providenceri.gov
©Providence City Council 2019