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December 2025 Council Newsletter | | |
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On Saturday, December 13th, Providence was rocked by a horrific mass shooting at Brown University. In the middle of holiday celebrations, the entire city was plunged into collective grief over the loss of two students' lives, as well as our sense of safety. Our hearts are with the victims, their families, friends, classmates, and all who are carrying fear, shock, and sorrow in the wake of this senseless tragedy.
We have been deeply moved by the outpouring of community support, as local businesses, nonprofits, faith leaders, and neighbors have opened their doors to provide food, comfort, and trauma-informed care. We are extraordinarily grateful to Colonel Oscar Perez, every member of the Providence Police Department, Mayor Brett Smiley, and every local, state, federal agency that supported Providence and the investigation. We also want to express immeasurable gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Rhode Island Hospital who have provided extraordinary aid to those injured.
We on the City Council are here for you. All 15 city councilors are close with their communities. Many of you know your councilor personally, and we know you will lean on them for what you need. Your physical and emotional well-being is the highest priority for each and every member, and you have our commitment to support you as fully as possible during this difficult time. In the days to come, we encourage every Providence resident to reach out to us and one another. We will mourn together, and we will heal together.
As 2025 comes to an end, we reflect on the past year with gratitude for the support and engagement of residents across Providence. Read about some key events of the year below and continue to stay informed in the new year by following us at @pvdcitycouncil on Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.
| | Policies that Prioritize Providence Residents | |
Throughout 2025, Providence City Council has tirelessly advocated for public schools, housing affordability, public safety, sustainable and resilient neighborhoods, and other issues that matter to Providence residents. Under the leadership of Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13), we have crafted legislation that prioritizes our communities at every turn. These are just some of our legislative highlights from this year.
January – Support for Unhoused Neighbors
In the freezing temperatures of early January, Councilors Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6)
and Justin Roias (Ward 4) led an emergency effort to open the Council Chamber overnight as a sanctuary from the cold for our unhoused neighbors. The City Council and the Mayor's administration then 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 to empower communities and municipalities to do everything we can to protect people from the cold.
February – Tax Relief for Providence Veterans
Under the leadership of President Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo (Ward 9), Council passed a resolution in support of H3507, which allowed the City of Providence to set and adjust its own property tax exemptions for the city’s veterans. This allowed the city to deliver relief for those who've served our country.
March – Support for Workers Rights
In solidarity with workers' efforts to unionize, Council President Miller introduced resolutions in support of unionizing educators at Highlander Charter Elementary School and unionizing workers at Paul Cuffee Upper and Lower Schools. Councilors unanimously approved both measures, the latest of 14 total union support resolutions passed this term. For more information about Council's support for workers' rights, read our blog post "Council Shows Up for Unionizing Workers."
April – Defending the Rights of Unhoused Neighbors
In response to the Supreme Court’s decision in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, municipalities are now able to impose fines on people who sleep or camp on public property. Councilors passed an ordinance, introduced by Councilor Sanchez, that prohibits the City of Providence from imposing such fines and urges compassionate solutions to our city’s homelessness crisis.
May – Rental Algorithm Ban
Councilors know Providence is home to the most-overburdened renters in the country, and they need urgent protections to address the housing crisis. That's why on May 15th, they passed an ordinance that bans the use of price-fixing rental algorithms.
With this protection, Providence became the sixth city in the country to ban these algorithms and stop harmful pricing patterns that drastically increase rents. City Council will continue to take real, meaningful action to make Providence's housing market more stable for the 60% of residents who rent.
June – Balanced Budget, Citywide Know Your Rights Mailer
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. Thanks to the leadership and advocacy of councilors, the revised Fiscal Year 2026 budget corrects major inequities in the proposed tax structure, ensuring a fairer distribution of the city’s property tax collection.
Councilors dramatically reduced the burden on working families by balancing the tax rates for owner-occupied homes and triple-deckers, home to tens of thousands of residents. Tax rates for owner-occupied single-family homes and owner-occupied 2–5 unit homes saw equal, modest average increases of just 6%. This adjustment saved small landlords—and their tenants—over $400 on average compared to the original proposal. The final budget ensured that the responsibility of funding city schools, parks, essential services, and the city workforce is more evenly shared.
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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. 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.
In direct response to the brutal and unconstitutional immigration enforcement tactics currently being undertaken by the far-right federal administration, Council President Miller announced that a “Know Your Rights” card was sent to every household in the city with instructions in both English and Spanish about how to respond to immigration enforcement officials. With this unprecedented action to protect our immigrant communities, councilors are sending a clear message: every Providence resident has a right to lead a safe, dignified life.
July – North Main Street Safety Upgrades
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 Councilor and Chairperson Sue AnderBois (Ward 3), achieved a major milestone in making one of our city's busiest streets safer.
August – Dropping of Unjust Noise Fines, Vacant Ward 2 Seat
Throughout Butler Hospital workers' three-month strike, Council President Miller and council members marched the picket line, passed a resolution in support of the workers, and repeatedly condemned the City’s issuance of punitive fines. Following sustained pressure from Council leadership, the City of Providence ultimately dropped all $500 noise citations levied against striking workers—a clear win for workers’ rights and free expression in Providence.
Also in August, Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2) announced that she would resign from office effective September 1st to devote more time to her health. Councilors officially received her resignation letter at the first September meeting of the City Council and, by resolution, declared the seat vacant and directed the Board of Canvassers to schedule a special election.
September – Housing Crisis Task Force Report
The Providence City Council Housing Crisis Task Force (HCTF) approved a report making recommendations for legislative action to address our city’s housing crisis. In the report, the Task Force, chaired by Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), presents a legislative blueprint for urgently-needed housing reforms and recommends a number of specific policy goals to the City Council, including rent stabilization, inclusionary zoning, taxing vacant properties, creation of a municipal public developer for social housing, and expansion of the city’s emergency shelter capacity.
The proposals laid out in the HCTF report represent a natural next step following this council’s efforts over the past two years to provide relief to the city’s overburdened housing market. The recommendations made in the HCTF report will build upon this progress to ensure Providence remains a place where its residents can afford to live and thrive.
October – Remote Hearings, New Trash and Recycling Bins
At the October 6 committee meeting, community members repeatedly requested accommodations for remote court hearings, reflecting concerns in a widely circulated change.org petition. This follows reports of increased ICE presence and detentions in and around state and federal courthouses. Responding to these concerns, councilors unanimously approved a resolution introduced by Council President Miller calling on state courts to provide these accommodations. 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.
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 idea for this ordinance was first proposed by the Special Commission on Waste Management chaired by Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5).
November – Community-Police Relations Act, Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ban, New Technology in the Council Chamber, New Working Group
Councilors voted unanimously to pass into law a series of amendments to the immigration section of the Community Police Relations Act (CPRA) that were introduced by Councilor Sanchez. After extensive research and support from local and national experts, the amendments focus on five key areas: further limiting Providence Police Department officers from voluntarily helping federal immigration enforcement; clarifying prohibited collaboration without a signed judicial warrant; establishing protected spaces; limiting collection and disclosure of sensitive personal data; and giving the community the tools they need to hold the city accountable.
With these protections now in place, councilors sent a clear message that the safety of our neighbors is the highest priority. Read more about the immigration and policing reforms or view the amendments in full.
In response to environmental and noise concerns, councilors passed into law an ordinance introduced by Councilor AnderBois that bans the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Providence completely by 2033. A seasonal ban will limit use of this equipment by city departments and members of the public between October 1 and December 15, from 2030 through 2032. As of January 1, 2033, all use within the city limits would be permanently prohibited.
Councilors also approved a resolution, introduced by Council President Miller, establishing a working group to review how ordinances related to nightlife are enforced. The working group’s members will be Council President Miller, Councilor Roias, representatives from city departments, and appointees from the council and the mayor’s administration. Together, the working group will review the city’s current enforcement practices of nightlife regulations, specifically the noise ordinance, and share their findings and recommendations in a written report by April 1, 2026.
City Council members also unveiled a series of technologies to improve accessibility in the chamber. Six monitors have been installed throughout the room. The monitors display live-streamed video of the councilor speaking, along with live-captioned transcription. An electronic voting system now records votes, which are then displayed on the monitors in real time.
This modernization is part of a larger effort to respond to community concerns about sound and acoustics in the chamber. There have been considerable improvements in the past year, in addition to the new visuals. Two large rugs have been added for sound dampening, longer microphones now better capture councilors’ remarks when they stand, improved audio connections are available for TV reporters, and a contracted sound evaluation led to new speakers being installed and existing speakers being repositioned.
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Council members were front and center in the news for their tireless work to build a more fair and prosperous city. Here are some of our favorite stories from this past year.
“If Not for This, I’d Be Freezing to Death”: The Fight in Providence to Open a Temporary Shelter – The Nation
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Piece by piece, win by win, [Councilor Justin] Roias said he hopes Providence can become a beacon to advocates across the country. “The political establishment might wag their finger. They might clutch their pearls,” Roias said. “But if your government says no, you are tasked with the very real responsibility of keeping people alive. So you have to think, what do you have at your disposal to protect people?"
Long-awaited ECHO Village shelter set to open this week in Providence – The Public's Radio
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Providence City Council President Rachel Miller celebrated the “house warming” for ECHO Village, while calling attention to other measures she said would help to curb the housing crisis and help people avoid falling into homelessness.
New bill could expand tax exemptions for Providence veterans – Brown Daily Herald
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The Special Commission on Veterans Affairs — which is chaired by Councilor Juan Pichardo and includes several other government officials — hopes the bill will “lessen the tax burden for those who have honorably served their country in the armed forces,” according to a press release about the measure.
Providence will ban fines for homeless encampments on public property – Boston Globe
- As some communities take advantage of a US Supreme Court decision last year that allowed municipalities to crack down on homeless encampments, Providence is moving in the other direction.
- [The ordinance] blocks the city from issuing fines and penalties, which only became legal last June.
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"[Fines are] not the solution to the homeless crisis,” Councilor Miguel Sanchez said in a phone interview with the Globe. “Housing is the only solution.”
Providence bans rent-setting algorithms amid affordability crisis – WPRI
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The ordinance, introduced by Council President Rachel Miller, claims these programs have distorted markets, contributing to double-digit rent increases, while simultaneously raising vacancy and eviction rates.
- “It’s no secret that large, corporate landlords – the kind of that have been gobbling up properties in our city for years – will use every available tool to minimize competition and maximize profits,” Miller said.
Providence City Council passes ordinance to limit bulk purchases of property tax liens – Providence Business News
- The City Council...unanimously approved a new ordinance limited registered buyers to 10 property titles per tax sale.
All Providence households to receive ‘Know Your Rights’ mailer for ICE interactions – Boston Globe
The Providence City Council has passed 14 pro-union resolutions. What's behind the push? – Providence Journal
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The current Providence City Council has taken an active pro-local labor union stance this term, passing 14 resolutions so far supporting local unions in their push for better wages and working conditions.
City leaders in the spotlight: What to know about Providence City Council President Rachel Miller – Providence Journal
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Today, [Council President] Miller credits much of her political drive to the movements she joined early in her career and the understanding she gained that standing up for individual rights is intertwined with the fight to expand everyone’s rights.
How do you make a road less deadly? Providence hopes North Main redesign will pave the way. – Providence Journal
- The state is poised to allow the city to lead a $5 million redesign project to turn what is essentially a highway with a 25 mph speed limit sign into something that won't leave multiple pedestrians dead each year.
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City Councilor Sue AnderBois took on the issue, creating a task force that wrangled the 10 different agencies that each have some level of control over the thoroughfare, with a great deal of success.
Rent stabilization? More homes? Report outlines how Providence can stem housing crisis. – Providence Journal
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The report recommends both immediate and long-term measures to strengthen housing security, while underscoring the urgency of the crisis. Nearly half of Providence renters and over a third of homeowners are housing-cost burdened, meaning they devote more than 30% of their income to housing.
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“We can no longer continue to kick the can down the road. This has been years and years of neglect of housing and neglect of thinking about housing,” said Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris, who chaired the task force.
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“This council will be prioritizing consideration of the recommendations contained in this report – many of which we have already begun to address, with more to come,” [Council President Rachel] Miller said in a statement. "Our city’s residents, and our renters in particular, have been demanding relief. Now we have our playbook, and we are ready to act.”
Providence City Council urges remote RI court hearings amid ICE enforcement at courthouses – The Providence Journal
- Recognizing that Providence is a "city of immigrants," the City Council passed a resolution Oct. 16 on a 13-0 vote calling for the use of remote court hearings to allow people to get due process and their day in court without the threat of being detained by ICE.
Rhode Island courts to explore remote hearings after ‘egregious’ ICE incident – Ocean State Media
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“ICE is coming to court houses to pick people up because they know they have to come to court, right?” Providence City Council President Rachel Miller, who spoke at the rally, said in an interview. “And so by letting people engage the legal system in a virtual way, it eliminates that danger.”
Providence City Council passes restrictions on police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement – The Brown Daily Herald
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“Providence thrives when every resident can live without fear,” Council President Rachel Miller wrote in an email to The Herald. “With Donald Trump’s cruel targeting of immigrant communities, that sense of safety feels out of reach for too many of our undocumented neighbors.”
| | Councilors in the Community | | Providence City Council is finishing 2025 proud to have engaged with our neighbors across all 15 wards. We organized 102 community meetings that kept you informed, attended dozens of ribbon-cutting events to celebrate new schools and housing developments, and hosted events to celebrate holidays together. These are some highlights from our community engagement this year. | | As the White House changed hands on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Councilor AnderBois spoke to a crowd at the State House about Council's commitment to our people and planet. The fight for climate justice is a fight for human dignity and we'll keep protecting the most vulnerable among us. | | | Councilwoman Althea Graves (Ward 12) was joined by council members to usher in Black History Month with the annual MLK Awards and Hall of Fame Induction followed by a Black History Month Celebration. | City Council unanimously approved five appointees to the Providence School Board. Following the meeting, Council hosted a swearing-in ceremony for the appointed and elected members who together make up the new hybrid board. | | | Providence City Councilwomen hosted an International Women's Day celebration that uplifted inspiring leaders. As business owners, activists, educators, and more, women are creating community and pushing for progress. | Councilwoman Ryan joined Mayor Brett Smiley and officials from the Municipal District of Athlone, Ireland for the formal signing of a Twinning Partnership, the European term for "sister cities." | | | Councilman Taylor celebrated a championship win with the 2025 West End Recreation 11-12 year old boys team. | Councilor AnderBois hosted a joint town hall on housing with Rhode Island House Speaker Joe Shekarchi. | President Pro Tempore Pichardo celebrated Earth Day with students at Lillian Feinstein Elementary. | | | Councilors held a Latino Town Hall to talk about property taxes and the budget process as a whole. | Councilwoman Ana Vargas (Ward 7) joined city and state officials to sign a beam for the new Spaziano Middle School building! | Council President Miller joined striking Butler Hospital workers seeking a fair contract with Care New England. Butler Hospital workers ended their strike, the longest hospital strike in Rhode Island history, by ratifying a new four-year contract. The agreement includes wage increases, with no employee earning less than $20 an hour by the contract's end. | Majority Leader Pedro J. Espinal (Ward 10) and President Pro Tempore Pichardo stood alongside Council President Miller and members of the Special Commission on Veterans Affairs to honor the sacrifice of Corporal Albert P. Cahill, a Providence resident who gave his life in World War I over a hundred years ago. | | |
Councilwoman Harris was joined by Majority Leader Espinal, Congressman Seth 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 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. | 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 easier than ever. | 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 a special shoutout to our friends at SIEU 1199 NE who turned out to draw attention to Butler Hospital workers striking for better conditions and livable wages! | | | |
Council President Miller joined neighbors, Parks officials, and partner organizations Central Providence Unidos and One Neighborhood Builders to celebrate the opening of two brand new eco-friendly restrooms at Merino Park! These state-of-the-art facilities are the culmination of a two-year participatory budgeting process driven by the local community. | A job well done! Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14) is all smiles at the General Street Park ribbon cutting, celebrating recent renovations and updates. Check out the newly-improved greenspace in the Wanskuck neighborhood. | |
President Pro Tempore Pichardo appeared on Spanish-language radio stations 102.1 FM PODER 1110 and Latina 100.3 FM to discuss the latest news:
- The Special Commission on Veterans' Affairs (CEVA) expanded property tax exemptions for veterans and the elderly or disabled.
- The "Know Your Rights" information card, mailed by the City Council to all city residents, ensures that our residents are informed about their constitutional protections.
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Council President Pro Tempore Pichardo and Councilman Vargas joined Majority Leader Espinal and city officials for the ribbon-cutting of the new Department of Public Works headquarters at 75 Chapman Ave in Ward 10! DPW staff do incredible work around the clock, often unseen, to keep our city safe, clean, and open for business. | Obadiah Park in the heart of Ward 5 got some amazing upgrades, including a splash pad, concession stand, and a renovated field! Councilwoman Ryan was joined by Council President Pro Tempore and Parks Commissioner Pichardo, the Providence Parks Department, Mayor Smiley, and the community to celebrate this new and improved local resource. | Councilor Sanchez joined the Manton Heights community to celebrate big investments with local officials and Boston Celtics' own Jayson Tatum and Coach Joe Mazzulla! Thanks to the hard work of the Providence Housing Authority and partners at the Shamrock Foundation and Amica, Manton Heights families will soon have on-site access to high-quality care and education for children under 5. | Majority Leader Espinal was joined by councilors and community members to unveil Cedric Huntley Way. As a husband, father, community leader, small business owner, civil servant, advocate for nonviolence, and champion for our city’s youth, Cedric Huntley set a high bar. | Councilor AnderBois celebrated the life and legacy of Danny Lopes with a ceremonial street dedication on Camp Street. | Council President Miller joined Carl G. Lauro’s family and community members to unveil honorary signage on Kenyon Street. From coaching the Central High wrestling team to serving as a teacher and administrator in the Providence School District, Lauro dedicated nearly 44 years to the community. With this street designation, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. | | | |
Nothing brings the city together like PVDFest! Council members were thrilled to celebrate the creative force that makes our city great. Neighbors came together to enjoy brand new murals, captivating live music, and delicious food. Thank you to everyone who helped make this wonderful event possible! | Good music, good weather, and good company! A perfect celebration for a Southside legend, Dell Padgett (1936–2024). A father, friend, and giant in Rhode Island’s Black history, Padgett was part of the 1950s R&B doo-wop group The Castaleers. Councilwoman Harris read aloud a resolution honoring Padgett’s legacy. At the event, friends, family, and organizers unveiled a new honorary street sign in his name. | Councilwoman Harris joined city and state officials to celebrate the groundbreaking of an $8.7 million renovation project to create a Community Learning Center at Davey Lopes Rec Center. Everybody wins when we invest in our community's young people and the public spaces where they play, work, and grow! | Majority Leader Espinal and Council President Pro Tempore and Parks Commissioner Pichardo celebrated the completion of a substantial renovation of beloved Richardson Park in Ward 10 – including a new splashpad, new playground equipment, and more. | Councilman Vargas and President Pro Tempore Pichardo were joined by city leaders, community members, partners from My Homecourt, along with friends, family and former teammates of Jimmy Ahern himself for the opening of the newly renovated James Ahern Park basketball court. The space also features a new splashpad, playground, new and improved futsal field, and more – all capped off with a beautiful mural by artist Trenton Doyle Hancock. | | | |
In Ward 11, Councilwoman 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 Miller and Councilor Roias 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. | President Pro Tempore Pichardo, Councilwoman Harris, Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1), and Councilman Vargas celebrated Crossroads' unveiling of the new Summer Street Apartments — providing 176 permanent apartments for formerly unhoused adults. | Councilman Vargas 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. | Councilwoman Ryan 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 students. | Council President Pro Tempore Pichardo 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 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. | | | |
For the third year in a row, President Pro Tempore and Chairman of the Special Committee on Veterans Affairs Pichardo organized a tribute to the veterans who selflessly served our country. Councilors and honorary guests joined for a heartfelt collection of remarks, awarding of citations, and a show of support. Following the ceremony, guests were encouraged to peruse historical artifacts about Providence's veteran history—an exhibit created by City Archivist Caleb Horton. | Councilor AnderBois and Councilwoman Vargas joined the Trinity Rep community, members of the public, and elected officials to celebrate the start of the historic building’s renovation and addition that prioritizes educational programming, ADA accessibility, and a reduced carbon footprint. With these renovations, Trinity Rep will soon be an even better steward of the arts and resource for the public! | Council members joined Providence Public School District representatives, Mayor Smiley, and Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green to break ground on Asa Messer Elementary on Westminster Street. Council President Miller, President Pro Tempore Pichardo, and Councilman Vargas commemorated this exciting milestone. | Councilwoman Harris joined Mayor Smiley and WinnDevelopment for a tour of the newly renovated Lockwood Plaza Apartments. This $29.3 million project preserved and updated 17 townhouse-style buildings as part of a deal that also extended affordability guarantees for 40 years. | Council President Miller joined activists calling on Rhode Island Superior courts to make virtual court hearings accessible. | | | |
Council President Miller joined Mayor Brett Smiley, Providence Fire Chief Derek Silva, and Providence firefighters in announcing the addition of Rescue 8 and Rescue 9 to the fleet to address the increase in 911 calls over the last decade. | | | | Neighborhood Improvements |
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2025 saw the Councilors engage in more projects in their wards than it would be possible to include in one newsletter. Some of the year's highlights included:
Ward 1: “Welcome to Fox Point” Neighborhood Entrance Signage
Led by the vision of Councilman Goncalves, a new Fox Point neighborhood gateway sign has been installed at Gano Street on RIDOT property, strengthening neighborhood identity and welcoming visitors to the East Side. The project is part of a broader effort led by Councilman Goncalves to define the ward’s distinct identity and enhance arrival experience.
Ward 2: Hope High School Basketball Court Improvements
Providence is moving forward with major upgrades to the Hope High School basketball courts, including a full resurfacing with improved drainage and the installation of brand-new hoops to enhance play quality and safety. Councilwoman Anthony’s project also includes exploring the addition of new seating—either benches or bleachers—to better support spectators and community use, as well as an ADA accessible entrance. In the midst of construction, the project Is trending towards completion In Spring 2026. Once complete, the revitalized courts will offer a modern, accessible, and welcoming recreational space for students and neighborhood residents alike. This project Is trending towards completion in 2026.
Ward 3: North Main St. Corridor Lighting Enhancements
Spearheaded by the work of Councilor and Chairperson AnderBois and the North Main Street Task Force, the City delivered a transformational lighting upgrade along the corridor this year. In addition to installing 32 new decorative pedestrian-scale lights in the University Market Place median, the project added more than 40 new cobra-head and utility-pole streetlights extending from the North Burial Ground to the Pawtucket line. Crews also restored service to several long-dark poles, improving visibility and safety at key crossings like Branch Avenue and Rochambeau. These upgrades were paired with strengthened electrical infrastructure that will support future streetscape, mobility, and safety enhancements along North Main Street.
Ward 4: DaVinci Center
The DaVinci Center is currently going through key facility upgrades supported by Councilor Roias. Thus far the center has completed a full roof replacement with asbestos abatement, improving the building’s health and long-term durability. Interior upgrades are now underway, including fresh wall painting and the installation of new HVAC units to enhance comfort and energy efficiency. A new keyless entry system is also being implemented to modernize security and support safer access for staff and visitors. Together, these improvements are strengthening the facility for expanded community use and programming.
Ward 5: Conley Stadium
The Conley Stadium Parking Lot Improvement project was completed, delivering upgraded drainage, erosion control, and resurfaced parking areas to better support school and community events. Site Tech Corporation led construction, which followed a design phase managed by Pare Corporation and coordinated with PPSD and City departments. In addition to enhancing the main lot, the project expanded to include the rear service area based on community needs identified by Councilwoman Ryan. These improvements strengthen accessibility, safety, and operations at one of Providence’s most active athletic facilities.
Ward 6: George J West Playground
The George J. West Park improvement project will undergo construction to modernize the playground and upgrade park infrastructure, including drainage, fencing, shaded seating, and ADA-accessible equipment. The park will now have improved access from George J. West Elementary to better support students and families, and a new composite playground structure has been approved with installation planned in an upcoming construction phase. These enhancements, realized through the efforts of Councilor Sanchez, will create a safer, more engaging recreational space for the surrounding community. This project is trending toward completion in 2026.
Ward 7: Silver Lake Banner Project
The now-completed Silver Lake Gateway Banner Project is enhancing the identity and streetscape of the Silver Lake neighborhood in Councilwoman Vargas’ ward with the installation of 24 new vertical street banners. Spanning a stretch of Pocasset Avenue—from Plainfield Street to Alto Street—the project brings a vibrant, welcoming visual identity to one of the community’s key corridors, strengthening neighborhood pride and creating a more inviting gateway into Silver Lake.
Ward 8: Mansion Park Pickleball Improvements
Surface repairs and safety upgrades are underway at Conlan Jr. Park’s pickleball courts to improve play quality and enhance the overall user experience. These improvements complement the recently installed multi-use game area, also delivered under the leadership of Councilman Taylor, which has brought new recreational opportunities to the neighborhood. Together, these upgrades represent a continued investment in creating safe, modern, and accessible outdoor spaces for families, seniors, and players of all ages in the community.
Ward 9: Tim O’Neill Field
Thanks to President Pro Tempore Pichardo’s endeavors, O’Neill Field now has new lighting as part of a full lighting upgrade. Pichardo also advocated for fresh paint for the bathroom building, all aimed at improving safety, play quality, and the overall experience for athletes and visitors. With the Parks light installs in the parking lot as well, the visibility of this baseball field has been greatly enhanced.
Ward 10: Richardson Park
Majority Leader Espinal supported the recent installation of a new playground, splash pad, and upgraded amenities at Richardson Park. This renovation transforms the park into a vibrant destination for families, children, and visitors — enhancing recreational spaces and neighborhood life.
Ward 11: Lockwood Plaza Affordable Housing Preservation
With the leadership and support of City Councilwoman and Urban Redevelopment, Renewal, and Planning Chairwoman Harris, the City of Providence celebrated the completion of a $29.3 million preservation and modernization of 108 affordable homes at Lockwood Plaza Apartments, securing their affordability for the next 40 years. The 14-month renovation—funded through the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, CDBG resources, RIHousing, and private financing—upgraded interiors, replaced failing windows and exterior staircases, restored building exteriors, enhanced landscaping, and repaved the property, all while residents remained in place. This project reflects a strong partnership among the City, WinnDevelopment, and key housing stakeholders, and continues Providence’s commitment to protecting long-standing affordable housing for families and seniors, a major priority for Councilwoman Harris.
Ward 12: Father Lennon Park Upgrades
Father Lennon Park's Splash Pad’s construction is underway, thanks to Councilwoman Graves, bringing much-needed summer relief to Ward 12. Designed with accessibility in mind, this project will provide a safe, refreshing space for families to cool off during the hottest days of the year. Once complete, the splash pad will enhance the park’s role as a vital neighborhood gathering place and offer a welcoming outdoor option for residents of all ages. Construction is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026.
Ward 13: Improvements to Zuccolo Recreation Center and Spruce Street
Under Council President Miller’s direction, the Zuccolo Recreation Center underwent major facility upgrades, including a refinished gym floor and a full roof replacement .
Council President Miller also oversaw roadway improvements on Spruce Street between Dean and Acorn. Utility coordination ensured the road base was properly restored prior to paving, protecting the long-term quality of the investment. These upgrades, along with sidewalk repairs on Spruce, enhance accessibility for residents and the many visitors who frequent the neighborhood.
Ward 14: Fargnoli Park Improvements
With input from the Elmhurst Little League Councilwoman Peterson secured funding so that Fargnoli Park could receive a major spectator experience upgrade with the installation of new aluminum bleachers. The bleachers offer improved seating for families and fans, making the park more comfortable and welcoming during games and community events.
Ward 15: Futsal Court Upgrades at Donigian Park & Joslin Playground
In collaboration with the Parks Department, Councilman Vargas supported the installation of new, upgraded turf for the futsal courts at Donigian Park and Joslin Playground. These improvements replace worn and damaged surfaces with a more durable, long-lasting material designed to withstand heavy community use. The enhanced courts will provide safer, higher-quality play spaces for youth, families, and athletes.
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New Year's Day is a City Holiday
City buildings will be closed and the trash pickup schedule is delayed by one day.
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Ward 15 Community Meeting with Councilman Oscar Vargas
5:30 p.m. at Webster Avenue Elementary School, 191 Webster Avenue
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Ward 5 Community Meeting with Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan
6:30 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Library, 315 Academy Avenue
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City Council Meeting
6 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, 3rd floor of City Hall
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Ward 4 Community Meeting with Councilor Justin Roias
6 p.m. at the Da Vinci Center, 470 Charles Street
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Ward 6 Community Meeting with Councilor Miguel Sanchez
6 p.m. at George J. West Elementary School, 145 Beaufort Street
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Martin Luther King Day is a City holiday
City buildings will be closed and the trash pickup schedule is delayed by one day
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City Council Meeting
6 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, 3rd floor of City Hall
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Ward 1 Community Meeting with Councilman John Goncalves
6PM via Zoom (register here)
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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.
Find your Councilor and learn more about their work.
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