June 2025 Council Newsletter

Councilors Announce Fairer Tax Rates, Citywide Immigration Rights Mailer

It has been another busy month for the Providence City Council as councilors worked to amend the mayor's budget proposal to deliver a more balanced tax structure and educate city residents about their constitutional rights. Read more below and, as always, follow us on social media to ensure you get the latest updates and information!

New tax and budget agreement evens out impact across property types, limiting impact on renters, and lowers levy increase to 5.85%.

Last week, Providence City Council President Rachel Miller and Finance Chairwoman Helen Anthony announced that they have reached an agreement with Mayor Brett Smiley on a revised Fiscal Year 2026 budget that corrects major inequities in the proposed tax structure, ensuring a fairer distribution of the city’s property tax collection.

The original proposal, introduced in April, would have had an uneven impact, raising some homeowners’ tax bills much more than others compared to last year—with 2–5 unit homes facing the steepest increases. Owner-occupied duplexes and triple-deckers, home to tens of thousands of residents, would have seen a 16% average increase in annual tax bills citywide while single-family properties would have seen a much smaller 4% average increase, and some large buildings and commercial properties were slated to receive tax cuts.

This uneven distribution would have overburdened working families by balancing the budget on the backs of “mom and pop” landlords and their tenants at a time when Providence is consistently ranked among the least-affordable cities in the country for renters.

Councilors pushed back—and secured a more balanced approach.

Under the negotiated agreement, councilors were able to dramatically reduce this burden. Now, both owner-occupied single-family homes and owner-occupied 2–5 unit homes will see equal, modest average increases of just 6%. The change from a 16% impact over last year’s tax bill to just a 6% increase will save these small landlords—and their tenants—over $400 on average compared to the original proposal.

By aligning the average tax bill increases for owner-occupied single-family and owner-occupied 2-5 unit properties, this budget will ensure that the collective responsibility of funding city schools, parks, essential services, and the city workforce is more evenly shared. In this amended budget, no one group is punished, nor favored over any other.

“This is a hard budget year. Revaluations are sky high, and Providence is making up for decades of underfunding schools in just one year,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “But that doesn’t mean working families should carry the burden. These revisions make the system fairer, protecting homeowners, renters, and small local landlords. By evening out the impact, we are preventing displacement and working to keep Providence affordable—for all of us.”

The final rates and negotiated budget keep the total property tax levy increase to just 5.85%, well below the 8% cap authorized by the state legislature. The budget reflects a shared commitment by the council and mayor to fund core services and public education while mitigating harm to those least able to absorb sharp increases.

Below are the final negotiated tax rates by class:

This year’s budget was especially challenging: a court-mandated increase in school funding, a state-mandated revaluation that dramatically raised property assessments, and rising costs across city operations. But councilors entered this difficult budget process determined to negotiate a budget that protects essential services and distributes tax impacts fairly. This goal was accomplished in the agreement secured today by councilors in negotiations with the mayor. 

In addition to correcting the tax rate inequities, councilors also successfully preserved the Sustainability Policy Associate position, which had been eliminated in the mayor’s proposed budget. Councilors heard from dozens of residents and environmental advocates who voiced concerns about the cut and the potential impact of downsizing the Sustainability Department on Providence’s efforts to address climate change. After hearing from constituents, councilors ensured the position was restored in the final agreement.

Finally, councilors heard significant concern about new fees on bulky trash pickup in the Waste Management contract. Responding to concerns that the $20-35 per-item collection fee on furniture and large appliances would lead to more illegal dumping and create public health and environmental hazards in already overburdened neighborhoods, councilors amended the budget to cover the fees. Because of this change, residents will not have to pay out of pocket when disposing of large items.

“We heard residents loud and clear: protect city services and limit the impact of increased taxes, especially on those who can least afford it,” said Finance Chairwoman Helen Anthony. “Our negotiated agreement with Mayor Smiley does just that.”

Tonight, June 30, at 5:30 PM, the Committee on Finance will hold a public hearing on the amended budget, the second public hearing in this year's budget process. Once the budget is advanced out of committee, it will require two passages by the full city council. The first passage is tentatively scheduled for July 7, with a second vote on July 14.

A "Know Your Rights" card in English and Spanish was sent to

more than 62,000 households

Also last week, in direct response to the brutal and unconstitutional enforcement tactics currently being undertaken by the far-right federal administration, Council President Miller announced that a “Know Your Rights” mail piece was sent to every household in the city with instruction in both English and Spanish about how to respond to immigration enforcement officials. By taking this unprecedented action to protect our immigrant communities, councilors are sending a clear message: every Providence resident has a right to lead a dignified life free from state-sponsored intimidation and terrorization.

“The Providence City Council is partnering with organizations that represent our diverse community to promote safety and inclusion in the face of fear and uncertainty that pervades our city’s immigrant communities due to the reckless cruelty of the Trump administration,” said Council President Miller. “For nearly 400 years, immigrants have been and continue to be vital to Providence. The council stands together to say immigrants are welcome here and to encourage every member of our community to educate themselves about their constitutional rights and where to find help if they need it.”

The two-sided, 6×11 jumbo postcard was created by the city council in partnership with several local immigrant rights, labor, and advocacy organizations, including:

• Progreso Latino
• Olneyville Neighborhood Association
• New Bridges for Haitian Success (NB4HS)
• Providence Youth Student Movement (PRSYM)
• Unite Here Local 26 Providence
• SEIU 1199 RI
• Rhode Island AFL-CIO
• Alliance of RI Southeast Asians (ARISE)
• Alliance to Mobilize Our Resistance (AMOR)
• Guatemalan Center
• Latino Policy Institute
• International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT)
• Quisqueya en Acción
• Center for Justice
• Parents Leading for Educational Equity (PLEE)

The card consists of two sections – in the top section, residents are advised of their constitutional rights with actions to take if an ICE agent comes to their door, for example not to open the door unless officers present a valid warrant signed by a judge. The lower portion of the card can be cut from the whole, kept in a wallet, and presented to immigration enforcement officers when no valid judicial warrant is displayed.

The card also lists no-cost legal assistance helplines, including a 24/7 helpline operated by Dorcas International, supported in part by council-allocated funds, as well as the bilingual Deportation Defense Line of Rhode Island, which alerts trained responders to suspected ICE presence in local communities.

Finally, residents are advised of the free municipal ID cards available to all Providence residents through the “IDPVD” program. More information on this program can be found at www.providenceri.gov/idpvd.

“Providence is a city of immigrants in a nation of immigrants,” said Council President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo. “Nothing is more fundamental to the American experience than the right to live here peacefully and prosperously, regardless of country of origin or documentation status. This mailer will help remind our residents of those rights and of the resources available to our immigrant communities.”

Council in the News

Councilors in the Community

Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11) was joined by Majority Leader Pedro J. Espinal, Congressman Magaziner, and other state, local, and community leaders for a groundbreaking ceremony at the new Health & Housing Apartments at 371 Pine Street in Ward 11. The new, 35-unit development is part of a larger project by Crossroads Rhode Island to create more safe, affordable, permanent supportive apartments for formerly homeless adults in Providence.

Councilors attended the annual awards event of the Housing Network of Rhode Island to receive the Housing Innovation Award in recognition of the great strides Providence City Council has made this term to address the city's housing crisis. Thank you to HNRI and all of this year's awardees for the incredible work you all do to support our city's residents. While we celebrate the progress made, there is still much work to be done. Stay tuned!

Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) and councilors celebrated Mount Pleasant High School's basketball team for winning the 2025 State Championship! Every season, student athletes have fun together as a team and make their city proud with their hard work. Congratulations to Coach Zac Pinto and the Mt. Pleasant Kilties!

Councilman Oscar Vargas (Ward 15) hosted a free collection and disposal event for mattresses, box springs, and electronic waste. Thanks to our partners from DPW for coming out to assist. Keeping our streets and neighborhoods clean is a collective responsibility, and councilor-hosted events like this one make it easer than ever.

Councilwoman Ana Vargas (Ward 7) and the community turned out for a ribbon-cutting of the brand new playground at Neutaconkanut Park! This beautifully reimagined playground is already providing safe, accessible fun for kids of all ages, and just in time for summer. Thanks to our dedicated partners at the Parks Department for all they do for our neighborhoods!

With a little help from Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3), champion of public transportation, RIPTA and Miriam Hospital have launched an exciting new partnership! Through the Wave to Work program, Miriam Hospital employees are now encouraged to use RIPTA to get to work instead of driving.

Council President Rachel Miller, councilors, and Mayor Smiley raised the Pride flag at City Hall to help celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community that helps make our city vibrant and strong!

Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3) helped welcome Empire Guitars to North Main Street in the heart of Ward 3! Offering a range of beautiful guitars and equipment, we're excited for this new addition to the community.

The Special Commission on Veterans Affairs and President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo, the commission's chair, hosted the city's second annual Flag Retirement Ceremony as part of Flag Day celebrations at the Providence Public Safety Complex. Thank you to the city Department of Public Property and to all who came out to share in the dignified decommissioning of our city's aging American flags.

Council President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9) helped announce that the Community Summer Meals Program will provide free, healthy meals to our city's youth at 32 neighborhood parks all summer long. To learn more about the program, click here.

Congratulations to this year's graduating City Year Corps Members! Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 4), a City Year alumnus himself, honored the graduates and their incredible contributions to our city over the past year. Thank you all for your service!

Councilors joined thousands of PVD residents downtown for the annual Rhode Island Pride parade in downtown Providence! And as always, the city delivered.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year one of the very best yet, and special shoutout to our friends at SIEU 1199 NE who turned out in force to march and draw attention to the ongoing struggle of Butler Hospital workers currently striking for better conditions and livable wages!

Neighborhood Improvements

Providence School Building Projects

• The Vartan Gregorian Elementary School auditorium will get lighting upgrades to enhance this gathering space.
• Hope High School's restrooms were renovated and the basketball court is being evaluated for potential improvements including resurfacing and drainage fixes.
• The playground at Webster Avenue Elementary School will be enhanced for students to enjoy for years to come.
• Major construction projects at Kizarian School, Spaziano Middle School, and Fogarty are ongoing. Keep an eye out for updates on these and other buildings.

Facility Upgrades Across the City

• DaVinci Center (Ward 4 - $459K): Roof replacement, HVAC system repairs, and ADA upgrades.
• John Hope Settlement House (Ward 11 - $200K): Kitchen, flooring, and security fencing upgrades.
• Manton Bend Community Garden (Ward 6 - $15K): Garden bed replacements, new growing plots, and accessibility improvements.

July Events Calendar

Do you need help in the neighborhood? Use the city's PVD 311 system as a link to city departments and services. Report issues with:



• animals
• business concerns
• garbage
• health and safety
• housing and building
• lights, signage and traffic signals
• parks
• quality of life
• streets and sidewalks
• tax services
• trees and overgrowth
• vehicles and parking



Log on HERE to report.

You can also call to connect by dialing 3-1-1 or 401-421-2489, M-F from 8:30AM to 4:30PM, or download “PVD311” on your smartphone for 24/7 access.

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