Throughout 2024, the Council has kept a close eye on the state of public schools, housing stock, public safety, sustainability efforts and other key issues that affect Providence residents. Under the leadership of Council President Rachel Miller, we have crafted legislation that prioritizes our communities at every turn. These are just some of our legislative highlights from this year.
January – Supporting Multi-Modal Transit
Public transportation plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change and connecting our city’s neighborhoods. Council members unanimously passed a resolution in support of state leaders investing $110 million into the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) that would help provide affordable transportation options for many Providence residents.
Later in the year, the Council continued to support multi-modal transit options. When RIPTA announced it would relocate its bus hub from Kennedy Plaza, Council passed a resolution supporting bus commuters whose everyday lives would be affected by this move. The Council moved quickly to stop the proposed removal of the South Water Street bike lane, and continue to advocate for sustainable, multimodal transportation in our city.
February – Prioritizing Safer Infrastructure
Dedicated to creating safer streets across Providence, the Council unanimously passed the Vision Zero resolution, setting a goal to end all injuries and deaths due to traffic accidents by 2030. There are dangerous roads and intersections across our city and Council members are working tirelessly to make them safer for pedestrians, drivers, bike riders, and everyone who use them. The Council also made history when they unanimously approved a resolution authorizing Project Weber/RENEW to open and operate an Overdose Prevention Center.
March – Protecting our Environment
In a decisive step towards creating a more sustainable future, the Council passed an ordinance that commits city-owned buildings to be carbon neutral by 2040. Setting clear goals for energy efficiency and sustainable practices, Providence leads by example by minimizing our environmental impact and supporting the workforce building a new energy economy.
April – Incentivizing Affordable Housing Development
The Council President introduced an ordinance to close a loophole that allows ultra-wealthy developers to take advantage of a tax treatment, known as 8 Law, which is intended for law income housing. While the mayor vetoed the ordinance, the fight to close this egregious loophole and make for-profit developers pay their fair share will continue in the new year. With a proposed tax increase looming and major revenue questions in next year’s budget following the recent court settlement, it has never been more important to make sure tax treatments like 8 Law are used as they’re intended.
May – Determining School Board Regions with the Community
After 60 years of an all-appointed school board, the Providence City Council played a pivotal role in creating five elected seats. With input from the community, we proposed and approved five school board regions that thoughtfully reflects Providence’s distinct neighborhoods.
The Council approved an ordinance ensuring that Affordable Housing Trust Fund money specifically targets housing for low- and moderate-income households. This law also ensures that any housing projects that receive funding from the Providence Housing Trust remain affordable for at least 30 years.
Furthering its commitment to Providence’s local talent, the Council passed an ordinance requiring hiring managers interview at least one qualified graduate of Providence public schools for any open city jobs, if they apply. This policy recognizes that responsive, effective city government is shaped with the knowledge of Providence's neighborhoods, challenges, and opportunities.
June – Council Approved the City’s $599 Million Budget for FY 2025
Informed by residents who spoke out at public hearings and the measured leadership of the Finance Committee, the Council passed the city’s $599 million budget for the 2025 fiscal year. The budget features investments in housing, public safety, climate change, and the most significant increase in funding for Providence Public Schools in at least 15 years.
Council also created the Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education (HOPE) to propose policy solutions that improve access to quality education, social services, economic opportunities, and other quality-of-life issues for Providence residents. This new committee will continue to be instrumental in developing pathways for prosperity through comprehensive strategies and community engagement efforts.
July – Demolition Regulations Strengthened
In an effort to ensure neighbors are informed of demolition and construction plans, Council approved an ordinance that establishes more oversight from the Historic District Commission. This strengthened law helps preserve the historic buildings that shape Providence’s vibrant neighborhoods.
August – Recess
We took a much-needed break! City Council takes a ‘recess’ for the month of August, allowing Councilors to recharge with their families before returning for a legislative sprint in the fall. Meanwhile, our staff stays hard at work, using the month of August to focus on policy research and long-term planning.
September – Cannabis Zoning
Council finalized passage of the Cannabis Zoning ordinance, which positions Providence to capture up to four retail-only licenses allowed in its zone (which also includes Central Falls, Johnston, North Providence, and Lincoln). Informed by feedback from residents, this ordinance expands opportunity for communities harmed by the failed War on Drugs, promotes economic development, and prioritizes the safety of our neighborhoods.
October – Reforming the City’s Waste Management, Amending the Comprehensive Plan
After thoroughly evaluating the city’s waste management practices, the Council unanimously approved the Special Commission on Waste Management’s report that provides a framework for initiatives to improve waste diversion, reduce costs and create more efficient, reliable waste management systems for our residents.
The Council received the proposed Comprehensive Plan from the Mayor, a roadmap designed to guide the city’s growth, resilience and prosperity over the next decade. We held 5 public hearings and introduced an amendments package that included visionary changes that set Providence on a path for sustainable growth. Among others, the amendments include:
- inclusionary zoning and anti-displacement measures
- prohibiting new gas stations in land suitable for housing development
- opposing relocating the RIPTA bus hub to somewhere inconvenient for riders
- reducing or eliminating parking minimums
- banning heavy polluters from the Port of Providence
- moving to zero carbon emissions and investing in climate solutions
- establishing a committee for neighborhood design standards
- taking a compassionate and humane approach to homelessness
November – Council Passed the Comprehensive Plan, Laying the Foundation for Sustainable Growth and Development in Providence
Council passed the Comprehensive Plan, reflecting years of collaboration with neighbors, businesses and civic leaders and underscoring the City’s commitment to preserving its unique character while addressing critical challenges such as housing, climate change and economic development. The process included community meetings across all 15 wards, five public hearings held by Council Committee on Ordinances, and over 200 letters of testimony from residents.
Following months of negotiations, the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), Providence Public School District (PPSD), and City of Providence reached a settlement. Over four fiscal years, the city will provide PPSD millions in additional municipal funding in support of critical student services and programs.
Council appointed six passionate advocates to serve on the Juvenile Hearing Board. Under the purview of City Council, the Juvenile Hearing Board is a diversionary program helping keep Providence youth out of the criminal justice system by offering restorative justice practices as a meaningful alternative.
December – HOPE Committee Discussed the Future of Public Schools
The Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education (HOPE) met with Senator Sam Zurier and Commissioners Susan Lusi and Steve Smith to discuss the future of our public schools. Clearly defined goals create potential for student success and accountable systems: investing in support for teachers, increasing accountability for educators and administrators, fostering collaboration among all stakeholders. Return to local control is a priority for Council and we will continue to prepare our city for this shift.
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