October 2024 Council Newsletter

The start of fall came with festive community events, legislation that puts residents first, and new initiatives to address the city's waste concerns. Read about the highlights from October below and make sure you don’t miss anything in November by following us at @pvdcitycouncil on Instagram, X, and Facebook and @providencecitycouncil on YouTube. 

Taking Steps Toward Waste Management Reform

Led by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), the recently concluded Special Commission on Waste Management has evaluated the city’s waste management practices and identified opportunities for improvement. The Council approved the Commission’s final report, which provides recommendations for action steps. The report findings provide a framework for future City initiatives that will help improve waste diversion, while reducing costs and improving overall efficacy. 

“Through collaboration with the Administration and the Council, we’ve produced a comprehensive set of recommendations to reduce the tonnage sent to landfills," said Special Commission Chair Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5). These recommendations include expanded composting drop-off sites, a new Request-For-Proposal (RFP) for hauling services, and new education programs to improve recycling rates.”  

Council Passed Cannabis Zoning Ordinance

Council finalized passage of the Cannabis Zoning ordinance, which lays the groundwork for well-regulated and inclusive cannabis retail in Providence.  

The ordinance updates municipal zoning code to comply with the 2022 Rhode Island Cannabis Act, which split Rhode Island into six geographic zones and allows up to four retail-only licensed cannabis establishments in each zone. Providence shares a zone with Central Falls, Johnston, North Providence, and Lincoln. Council’s ordinance positions Providence to have up to four licensed cannabis retailers open in designated areas of the city. 

Community input has been crucial during Council’s review of the Cannabis Zoning ordinance. The vetting process has included three public hearings, a community meeting, and a positive recommendation from the City Planning Commission, which also took public comment. Based on community requests, the ordinance also includes clear safety measures for cannabis retailers, including strict signage guidelines and a required buffer of at least 500 feet from schools. Additionally, prospective retailers must alert neighbors within 200 feet of a potential establishment. 

“The Council has embraced a fair and forward-thinking approach to cannabis zoning,” said Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13). “Informed by feedback from residents, we’ve crafted and passed an ordinance that expands opportunity for communities harmed by the failed War on Drugs, promotes economic development, and prioritizes the safety of our neighborhoods.”  

Councilors Introduced Resolution Supporting Conditional Increased Funds for PPSD

During the City’s FY 2025 budget process in June, the City Council fought hard for an additional $2.5 million for PPSD on top of the Mayor’s proposed $3 million increase, resulting in a $5.5 million boost for the district – the largest increase in at least 15 years. This funding increase was both historic and proportionally larger than the state’s own increase for PPSD, underscoring our commitment to supporting our students, teachers, and families.

Despite these efforts, on October 9, PPSD notified the Mayor with only 24 hours’ notice of a $10.9 million budget gap, indicating potential cuts to vital programs, including all winter and spring sports and some bus passes. We have identified and offered an immediate $2.5 million to PPSD, contingent upon agreeing to a third-party audit of their finances. This amount aligns precisely with the cost of the sports and transportation cuts that PPSD initially proposed, offering an opportunity to avoid these cuts while we continue exploring further funding solutions.

However, on October 23, PPSD declined this offer and added further conditions, stating they would proceed with the previously communicated cuts. Council leadership repeatedly approached the discussion in good faith with the priority of protecting our students, as seen in Council President Rachel Miller's letter on October 25. This $2.5 million allocation is not a full solution, but it is a significant measure to prevent the immediate impact of cuts to bus passes and sports programs.

"We cannot solve decades of underinvestment in public education overnight, but the City Council is moving with urgency,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “That's why we increased school funding this year by $5.5 million—a historically large single year increase. And that's why we've identified $2.5 million in immediately available funds and offered it to the district, under the conditions that they undergo an independent review of their budgeting practices so we can be confident that every dollar benefits students and families, and that they use this money to reverse their threatened cuts. This is one-time federal funding that will expire if we don't allocate it immediately. We are calling on the district to accept the funding under these simple conditions, and reverse cuts that are going to harm our city's children."

The $2.5M available right now is one-time federal funding that will expire if not allocated immediately. The district must respond by Thursday, November 7th at 4:30pm, when the Committee on Finance will meet, to reverse this refusal. The refusal to accept these funds, and instead choose cuts over accountability, is deeply concerning.

Council Approves Transformative Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan

City Council’s Committee on Ordinances approved the Comprehensive Plan, the city’s ten-year roadmap for land use and growth, with a series of transformative amendments from Councilors. This was the fifth Council-hosted public hearing on the Comp Plan. The approved amendments tackle key policy areas, including housing affordability, environmental justice, preserving neighborhood character, increasing sustainable infrastructure, and uplifting our most vulnerable communities. Crafted with input from community members, the amended Comp Plan demonstrates the Council’s commitment to chart a visionary people-first course for growth and development.

The steps taken build on previously approved amendments, including Councilor Justin Roias’ strikethrough of language seemingly endorsing the relocation of the RIPTA bus hub, and Councilman John Goncalves’ prohibition of new gas station development. New language to the gas station prohibition was added, providing an exception if land is unsuitable for residential development. A subsequent Zoning Ordinance will formally enact many of these amendments, providing necessary, effective, and long-term solutions for the people of Providence.

The amended version of the Comp Plan will go to the full Council for first passage at the November 7th regular Council meeting. Key amendments with quotes from lead Councilors can be found below, with additions highlighted. You can view the full redlined, amended Comprehensive Plan here.

Resolution Rallying Voters to Support Affordable Housing on November Ballot

Providence continues to feel the impact of a dire housing crisis and on November 5, voters will be asked to support a state-wide bond to help address it. The $120 million bond presented on ballot Question 3 is aimed at increasing housing supply across Rhode Island. Councilors overwhelmingly approved a resolution introduced by Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), urging residents to vote “yes” to advance housing development for residents at all income levels. 

Councilors in the Community

Council in the News

November Events Calendar

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