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Supporting the Unhoused Community
In the freezing temperatures of early January, Councilors Miguel Sanchez
and Justin Roias led an emergency effort to open the Council Chamber overnight as a sanctuary from the cold for our unhoused neighbors. Since the first night at the Council Chamber, City Council and the Mayor’s administration have partnered to open the DaVinci Center on our coldest nights, staffed by the heroes at Better Lives Rhode Island. Council then approved a resolution calling on Governor McKee to declare homelessness a public health state of emergency, so that our communities and municipalities can do everything we can to protect people from the cold.
Tax Abatement for Affordable Housing
A resolution, presented by Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris and vetted by the Committee on Finance, will grant tax abatement for Joseph Caffey Apartments. This affordable housing project provides 54 units dedicated to support low- to moderate-income households.
Protections for Undocumented Immigrants
In response to Donald Trump’s anti-immigration sentiments and actions, Providence City Council is exploring ways to protect undocumented residents and their families. City Councilors are deeply concerned about potential mass detentions, mass deportations, and attempts to misuse local law enforcement under the new presidential administration. Council is considering all possible pathways to offer support—including legislative, financial, and educational. More updates to come as Council takes action, and in the meantime, please reach out to the City Council office if you need immediate support.
Providence School Board Appointments Move Out of Committee
The Committee on Finance carefully vetted Mayor Brett Smiley’s five appointments to the Providence School Board: Melissa Hughes (Region 1), Anjel Newmann (Region 2), Jenny Mercado (Region 3), Night Jean Muhingabo (Region 4), and Steven Williamson (Region 5). The five appointments were voted out of committee with a recommendation to approve and will receive a final vote at the February 6 Council Meeting. Following the meeting, the appointees will be sworn in at a ceremony in the Council Chamber alongside the elected School Board members.
Temporary Parking during Citywide Parking Bans
When citywide parking bans go into effect, many residents struggle to find off-street parking. Councilor Justin Roias introduced an ordinance to require at least one designated temporary parking area per ward for use during parking bans. The ordinance was referred to the Ordinance Committee.
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