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Policies that Prioritize Providence Residents
Providence City Councilors were hard at work this month before the August recess. Read below for more detail about recent wins for Providence residents and, as always, follow us on social media to ensure you get the latest updates and information!
Improvements to North Main Street
Councilors unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the expenditure of more than $5 million in recently awarded state and federal funds for urgently needed repairs and updates along the North Main Street corridor. With the authorization of these funds, the city council’s North Main Street Task Force, under the leadership of Chairwoman Sue AnderBois (Ward 3), has achieved a major milestone along the path to a safer, more equitable, and prosperous future for one of our city’s busiest streets.
Stronger Oversight of the Providence Police Department
Council President Miller introduced two ordinances which would amend the chapter of the city’s Code of Ordinances governing the Providence Police Department (PPD). These proposals follow two recent high-profile violations of PPD policy by police officers.
The first of these proposed ordinances would make several reforms to the Providence External Review Authority (PERA), a body tasked with oversight of PPD including review of potential violations by PPD personal of department policy. Among other reforms, the changes would expand PERA’s purview to include the police academy, establish an early warning system to detect officers in need of counseling or retraining, and empower PERA to audit internal affairs investigations.
A second proposed ordinance introduced by Council President Miller require timely notification of individuals entered by PPD personnel into the so-called “gang database” maintained by the department. This would be significant for the constitutional rights of Providence residents, who deserve to know when they have been specifically identified as gang-affiliated by police. Both proposed police-related ordinances were referred to the Committee on Ordinances.
City Budget and Tax Bills
As Providence residents receive and pay their first quarter tax bills, we know there are lots of questions. Here is some helpful information to help you navigate it all:
Property Tax Basics:
- Property tax bills are based on the assessed value of land and buildings as of December 31 of the previous year.
- The City uses different tax rates based on how the property is classified (e.g., owner-occupied, rental, commercial).
- The total annual tax amount is divided into four equal quarterly payments, each with its own due date.
2025 Tax Bill Timeline: The following key dates apply to the current billing cycle:
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7/15 – In-person payments begin
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7/17 – Tax bills available online
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7/18 – Tax bills sent to print
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7/21 – Tax bills begin arriving in mailboxes
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7/24 – First quarter due date (published)
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8/20 – Grace period due date (final day to pay Q1 without penalty)
Important Reminder: Even if a constituent is disputing their bill or assessment, they should still pay the first quarter installment to remain current. If printing or mailing is delayed, the grace period may be revised, however, this timeline reflects prior years’ schedules.
Late Payment Policy:
- The missed installment becomes immediately due.
- A 12% annual interest penalty begins accruing on the unpaid balance as of July 1, until payment is made.
Appealing a Property Tax Assessment:
Residents can appeal their assessment if:
- The property is overvalued (assessed above fair market value),
- The property is disproportionately assessed,
- The property is misclassified (e.g., commercial vs. residential),
- The property should be tax-exempt, or
- The condition of the property has changed significantly since the last assessment.
Appeal Deadlines:
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To the Tax Assessor: Within 90 days of the first payment’s due date.
- To the Local Tax Board of Review:
- Within 30 days of the assessor’s decision, OR
- Within 90 days after 45 days if no decision is issued.
Available Tax Exemptions:
- Owner-Occupied (Homestead)
- Senior Citizen
- Veteran
- Blind/Disabled
- Religious or Nonprofit Exemptions
To Apply:
- Contact the Tax Assessor’s Office at 401-680-5229.
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Visit: www.providenceri.gov/assessor
- Submit documentation (proof of age, disability, residency, etc.).
- Applications are generally due by March 15.
Helpful Links for Residents:
Contact Information:
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