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October 2025 Council Newsletter | | |
Policies that Prioritize Providence Residents
As autumn colors made their way into our neighborhoods, Providence City Councilors were hard at work on behalf of our neighbors across the city. Read below for more details about recent wins for Providence residents and, as always, follow us on social media to ensure you get the latest updates and information!
| | This month, councilors voted unanimously to advance proposed changes to the immigration sections of the Community-Police Relations Act. The changes, which fall into five major categories, collectively aim to better protect Providence residents by allowing the law to function as intended and strengthening accountability measures. The categories are listed below: | | | | |
Expanding types of prohibited contact between PPD and federal immigration authorities, including ICE.
By broadening the legal definition of federal immigration enforcement agencies to include any federal entity tasked with carrying out such activities, the prohibition on cooperation by PPD will include agencies not normally tasked with immigration who have recently been deputized by the Trump administration. The list of prohibited activities will be expanded to include identification verification and translation services, further limiting interactions between municipal and federal law enforcement that could be exploited to harm Providence residents.
The changes would prohibit the Police Department from exercising authority under 287(g) or 103(a)(10) of the Immigration and National Act, which allows municipal law enforcement agencies to be formally deputized and authorized to conduct federal immigration enforcement.
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Clarifying prohibited collaboration with federal authorities without a signed judicial warrant
Under the proposed changes, Providence Police will continue to comply with all federally required and lawfully directed actions, as they always have – as long as those directives are accompanied by a valid, signed, criminal judicial warrant. The proposed CPRA changes prohibit police involvement based on civil immigration warrants, an intimidation tool used by federal immigration authorities that carries no legal requirement for compliance by local law enforcement.
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Establishing protected spaces within the city
The changes expand the CPRA’s definition of “schools” to include charter schools, city-run preschool and early-learning programs, and daycare and after-school facilities. The ordinance then requires those schools, as well as the courts and non-public parts of the public department, to deny access to their premises if immigration enforcement requests entry without presenting a valid judicial warrant. Defining these protected spaces allows families, and especially youth, to have more confidence about their safety while at school or accessing city services. Providence Police, courthouses, prisons, and jails would also be required to designate a person who can independently verify judicial warrants that are presented by federal authorities.
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Limiting collection and disclosure of sensitive personal data
To meet their presidentially directed quotas of resident arrests, federal immigration authorities have been demanding more frequent and more specific private personal data from municipal law enforcement. To limit the harm disclosing this data would cause to Providence communities, the proposed changes would prohibit Providence police from collecting demographic data, such as race or ethnicity, via city-operated surveillance technologies such as Flock cameras and services such as the Real Time Crime Center. They would then require that all current and future partner agencies accessing city-owned data agree via formal written agreement to all of the restrictions set forth in the ordinance, including not sharing any data with federal immigration enforcement absent a judicial warrant..
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Allowing organizations to hold the city accountable by suing after alleged violations
The proposed changes establish organizational standing in the private right of action. This would allow certain types of non-government organizations, such as civil rights, human rights, and youth organizations, to file civil action against the city, the department, or an officer if they allege CPRA violations by Providence Police. By intentionally broadening the city’s accountability in cases of alleged violation, councilors are sending a clear message that every Providence resident deserves to have their rights protected – and that violations must be accompanied by consequences.
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Read the full draft of the proposed changes here.
The amendments now require one more passage through the full council, with a vote scheduled for Thursday, November 6.
| | | | At the October 6 committee meeting, community members repeatedly requested accommodations for remote court hearings, reflecting concerns in a widely circulated change.org petition. Responding to these concerns, councilors unanimously approved a resolution introduced by Council President Rachel Miller calling on state courts to provide these accommodations. This follows reports of increased ICE presence and detentions in and around state and federal courthouses. Along with the non-binding resolution, the Council President announced that the Providence Municipal Court and Probate Court, which fall under the oversight of the city council, will offer the same accommodation for virtual hearings by request beginning November 1. | | | | |
Councilors also granted first passage to an ordinance introduced by Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3) which would ban the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in the city of Providence by 2033. In addition to contributing to noise pollution in neighborhoods across the city by operating at dangerously loud sound levels, gas-powered leaf blowers produce toxic gases like nitrous oxide and carbon monoxide that pollute our air and contribute to the growing climate crisis.
If passed by the council a second time, the initial phase of the ban would permit use only between October 1 and December 15, from 2028 through 2033, with city departments eliminating their use altogether in 2028. As of January 1, 2033, all use within the city limits would be permanently prohibited.
| | | | As stewards of the city's finances, councilors carefully vetted and authorized a range of strategic investments in public schools, city services, and the arts economy. Councilors passed a resolution supporting the Providence Public School District’s Stage II application for $79.5 million, 91% of which is eligible for reimbursement. These funds will fund infrastructure upgrades, support teaching and learning excellence, student and staff wellbeing, resource management, and family and community engagement at schools across the city. | | | | |
Councilors also passed a resolution authorizing the Providence Public Building Authority to issue bonds to buy two buildings. Purchase of the Doorley Municipal Building (444 Westminster Street) saves the city $7.6 million over the term of the lease, and as the home of 10 city departments, this a meaningful step in centralizing municipal functions and services.
The WaterFire Arts Center, an institution at the heart of the city’s arts and culture, will be purchased for $3.75 million and leased back to the organization. This investment stabilizes WaterFire’s financial health and ensures the continued vitality of Providence’s arts economy.
| | | | In an investment in public health and safety, councilors passed an ordinance, introduced by Councilman James Taylor (Ward 8), that approved the financing of $5.5 million to purchase new trash and recycling bins across the city. Replacing bins citywide with new, more modern, and larger receptacles reduces overflow and minimizes costly recycling contamination. The new bins will also save personnel hours and resources currently being spent on repair and replacement of the current, aging bins, saving the city money over the longer term and ensuring smoother curbside pick-up across all 15 wards. The idea for this ordinance was first proposed by the Special Commission on Waste Management chaired by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5). | | |
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Providence Council passes amendment strengthening Community-Police Relations Act – WJAR 10
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“What we’re seeing across the country is absolutely horrific,” [Councilor Miguel] Sanchez said. "We are going [to] do what we can to protect and advocate and continue making this a safe city for all."
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“Removing the ability of organizations to sue individual officers for violations to the CPRA," said [Council President Rachel] Miller in an interview with NBC10. "If an individual experiences a loss of rights, they still maintain that right as it was passed originally."
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Newest Sustainability Commission Member Gives Back to City That Helped Her During COVID – Providence Eye
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At her first meeting since her appointment in July by City Council President Rachel Miller, Sumner was a few minutes late trying to find the conference room tucked out of sight. On City Hall’s third floor, the Commission assumed its role as a community advisory board to Providence’s sustainability and climate initiatives. Members of the commission are appointed by environmental justice and youth organizations, the Environmental Council of Rhode Island, the mayor and the city council.
| | Councilors in the Community | | Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6) joined Young Voices to applaud young advocates at their Emerging Brilliance event. With the help of these powerful agents of change, and other partners, we’re making Providence better for everyone! | | Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) held her annual October Fun Fest, complete with pumpkin painting, outdoor games, and live music! A perfect event to celebrate the early days of fall with neighbors. | | In Ward 11, Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris honored Miss Barbara Thurman, a dedicated community leader and prominent figure in Wiggins Village for nearly 60 years. Miss Barbara has touched many Providence residents' lives, and the event showed it. Her lasting legacy will now be imprinted on the community with a new street sign. | | Council President Rachel Miller and Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 4) stood with Providence Community Health Center caregivers as they demanded safer working conditions. Across industries, this council will continue to support workers asking for respect, fair wages, and safe workplaces. | | Councilors Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9), Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), John Goncalves (Ward 1), and Oscar Vargas celebrated Crossroads' unveiling of the new Summer Street Apartments — providing 176 permanent apartments for formerly unhoused adults. Join us in applauding this win for affordable housing in Providence! | | Councilman Oscar Vargas (Ward 15) met with the Department of Public Works (DPW) at the Union Ave bridge, the site of a pedestrian fatality early in the month. Councilman Vargas will work with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and DPW to make the Union Ave and Route 10 on- and off-ramp safer. | | At their Patio Grand Opening, Council President Rachel Miller celebrated United Way of Rhode Island (UWRI)’s dedicated efforts to connecting Rhode Islanders to housing, health care, and workforce support. City Council stands behind UWRI as a trusted hub for communities throughout Providence! | | |
Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) joined city officials and school leaders to break ground on the new renovations at Mount Pleasant High School.
After three years of community engagement and a thorough design process, construction is set to begin. The design preserves the building’s rich history while modernizing its facilities to provide the highest-quality learning environment for Providence students.
| “This campus and city will not be blackmailed into complying with threats to our independence and integrity,” said Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3) at a Brown University rally. She joined students, faculty, and alumni to celebrate President Paxson’s defense of the institution’s core values against Trump’s latest attacks on immigrants and academic freedom. | Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3) joined State Representative Rebecca Kislak and the Miriam Hospital community to celebrate the groundbreaking of their new, updated facility in Ward 3. As an essential part of the community's healthcare network and neighborhood, we know their improved facilities will positively impact the community at large. | | Council President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9) was at Beautiful Beginnings, a daycare center in the heart of the Elmwood neighborhood, to celebrate an investment of almost $2 million towards early learning and pre-K programs citywide. These funds support building renovations, increased capacity, improved access to training, and so much more. | | Council President Rachel Miller joined R.I. environmental experts, City of Providence leaders, and our federal delegation to celebrate SNEP’s $3.2 million in grant funding and technical assistance for local organizations. With the invaluable support, advocacy, and expertise of these leaders, Providence is getting urgently needed funding to tackle stormwater and sewer management projects. | | Neighborhood Improvements | | |
Thanks to the collaborative vision and investments of Council President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9), Majority Leader Pedro J. Espinal (Ward 10), and Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), there's a lot to celebrate on Broad Street! In partnership with Trinity Square Together and the Providence Neighborhood Planting Program, beautiful hanging planters were installed, clean-up efforts are ongoing, and trees were planted along the major street. Listen to reflections from Councilors Pichardo, Espinal, and Harris in this video and stay tuned as new projects unfold!
In Ward 9, Council President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo has closely monitored and tirelessly advocated for the community's well-being as the demolition of Gilbert Stuart Middle School continues. He released a statement expressing concerns about environmental conditions and potential public health risks, and calling for increased transparency. As school construction projects unfold citywide, City Council members will continue to advocate for you.
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Ward 15 Mattress Drive with Councilman Oscar Vargas
8AM at 133 Delaine Street
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Algonquin Way Street Dedication with Council President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo
10AM at 809 Broad Street
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Ward 15 Block Community Meeting with Councilman Oscar Vargas
5PM at Donigian Park
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Committee on Ordinances Meeting
5:30PM in Council Chamber, 3rd floor of City Hall
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Ward 3 Community Meeting with Councilor Sue AnderBois
6PM at Hope High School
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Ward 5 Community Meeting with Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan
6:30PM at the Mt. Pleasant Library
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North Main Street Task Force Meeting
5:30PM in Room 305, 3rd floor of City Hall
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City Council Meeting
6PM in the City Council Chamber, 3rd floor of City Hall
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Veterans Day Celebration
7:15PM in the City Council Chamber, 3rd floor of City Hall
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Ward 4 Community Meeting with Councilor Justin Roias
6PM at the DaVinci Center
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Veterans Day is a City Holiday
City buildings will be closed.
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Committee on Ordinances Public Hearing
6PM in the City Council Chamber, 3rd floor of City Hall
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Ward 6 Community Meeting with Councilor Miguel Sanchez
6PM at George J. West Elementary
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Ward 12 Community Meeting with Councilwoman Althea Graves
6PM at Smith Hill Library
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City Council Meeting
6PM in the City Council Chamber, 3rd floor of City Hall
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Ward 7 Thanksgiving Celebration Hosted by Councilwoman Ana Vargas
6PM at Igliozzi Recreation Center
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Ward 12 Turkey Drive Hosted by Councilwoman Althea Graves
9AM at Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church
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Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency Meeting
5:30PM in Room 305, 3rd floor of City Hall
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Ward 1 Community Meeting with Councilman John Goncalves
6PM
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Thanksgiving Day is a City Holiday
City buildings will be closed.
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The Day After Thanksgiving is a City Holiday
City buildings will be closed.
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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 online at providenceri.gov/pvd311.
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Providence City Council is the legislative body for Rhode Island's creative capital, serving each of the city's distinct and vibrant neighborhoods. Each Council member advocates for their neighborhood and acts as a liaison between residents and the various departments and services our city offers.
To find your Council member, click here.
Already know your Council member? Learn more about their work here.
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