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June 2024 Council Newsletter

Welcome to summer, Providence! Your City Councilors are working hard and getting out in the community despite the heat and humidity. Read more below to catch up on June happenings and learn about what's coming up in July.

Council Approves the City's $599 Million FY 2025 Budget

 

During the last week of June, councilors passed the city’s $599 million budget for the 2025 fiscal year. The budget featured focused investments in housing, public safety, climate change, and, without raising property taxes, the most significant increase in funding for Providence Public Schools in at least 15 years. In the mayor’s proposed budget, education funding increased by $3 million. The city council successfully negotiated an additional $2.5 million, bringing the total increase to $5.5 million. 


Over the course of eight weeks, the Finance Committee, chaired by Councilwoman Helen Anthony (Ward 2), held two public hearings and met 15 times to thoroughly vet expenditures and requests first proposed by Mayor Brett Smiley. 

 

“I am proud that the City Council passed an FY 2025 budget that supports students and teachers with a $5.5 million increase for public schools — a historic funding increase,” said Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13). “This budget exemplifies Council’s investment in the well-being of Providence residents and our young people.” 


FY 2025 Amended Budget highlights include 

  • $5.5 million in additional funding to Providence Public Schools, which now totals $135.5 million, the largest increase in at least 15 years 
  • Funding for a new police academy to begin approximately in May 2025 
  • Investments to address climate change, including $136,000 for a new sewer team to rapidly clear storm drains during flash floods 

 

Highlights of Council-Led Initiatives 

  • Providence Public Schools to receive $2.5 million in added funds to the mayor’s proposal of $3 million ($135.5 million in total) 
  • Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council grant for $125,000 to aid in the creation of safe green spaces and accessible transportation routes 
  • Municipal Court additions to include a bilingual clerk and public defender to address criminal justice inequality 

 

Property Taxes 

The budget does not increase property taxes. However, the homestead exemption (for residents living in their homes) has been eliminated for a new owner-occupied property tax rate. 

  • Owner-occupied tax rate $10.46 per $1,000 
  • Non owner-occupied tax rate remains $18.35 per $1,000 
  • Commercial property tax remains $35.10 per $1,000 

 

HOPE Committee to Address Quality of Life Issues for Residents  


Councilors approved a resolution to create a new committee to propose policy solutions to improve access to quality education, social services, economic opportunities, and other quality-of-life issues for Providence residents. The Special Committee on Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Education (HOPE) will be instrumental in developing pathways for prosperity through comprehensive strategies and community engagement efforts. The Special Committee on HOPE will be comprised of Councilman Juan Pichardo (Ward 9), Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 5), Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6), Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14), Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3).

Trash Commission


A resolution approved by the Council establishes a special seven-member commission to study Providence’s Waste Management Services. The commission will conduct a comprehensive review of WMS costs, opportunities, and best practices with the goal of crafting the city's next trash hauling request for proposal (RFP). Commissioners will look at strategies for reducing overall costs, reducing waste, and improving recycling rates.

 

Proposed members appointed by the Council President include:

Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan

Councilman Pedro Espinal

Courtney Hawkins, Chief Operating Officer

Shomari Husband, Treasurer

Patricia Coyne Fague, Director Department of Public Works

Sheila Dormody, Director of Policy & Resiliency

Samantha Burnett, City Council Constituent Services 

Councilors Propose Halting Providence Investments in Israel Bonds over Alleged War Crimes and Human Rights Violations


Earlier last month, councilors heard an ordinance that would divest city funds from Israel sovereign bonds and prevent future investments in sovereign bonds of governments accused of war crimes and human rights violations. The move makes Providence’s City Council one of the first city governments in the country to consider such action. Since October 2023, it’s estimated more than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, including over 15,000 children. According to the ordinance sponsored by Council President Rachel Miller, Councilor Justin Roias, and Councilor Miguel Sanchez, “City investments are a reflection of our values, and the Providence City Council has an ethical and financial responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are not invested in war crimes and human rights violations.”

 

There is precedence for the Council to take action. In 2006, the Providence City Council became the first American city to divest from companies that conducted business in Sudan after the genocide perpetrated in Darfur. In November of 2023, the Council became one of the first legislative bodies in the country to call for a ceasefire. 

 

What does the proposed legislation do?

 

  • The city’s assets in any investment account, including pension, endowment, and annuity funds, shall NOT be invested in any sovereign bonds of governments maintaining a prolonged military occupation that have been the subject of United Nations Security Council resolutions and/or International Court of Justice rulings.

 

  • The city shall NOT reinvest any of its currently held sovereign bonds of governments maintaining a prolonged military occupation that have been subject of United Nations Security Council resolutions and/or International Court of Justice rulings, should they exist, once the bonds mature.

 

  • The City Treasurer shall review the city's investment portfolio and identify any investments that violate the legislation.

 

"Not a single Providence taxpayer dollar should ever go to funding genocide," said Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez. "Our investments are a reflection of our values. Upholding the values of peace, freedom, and justice means not contributing to a war that has taken the lives of 15,000 children."

 

The proposed legislation was referred to the Finance Committee. 

Councilors Approve $6.2 Million in Community Funds for Immediate Neighborhood Needs


Councilors approved essential funds that will help support community organizations improving Providence’s neighborhoods. The final passage of an ordinance allocating $6.285 million in federal community development block grant (CDBG) funding will go toward community centers, public service programs, and grants providing assistance with homelessness, arts education, and domestic violence support, among other needed resources. “As the Chair of the Urban Redevelopment Renewal and Planning Committee, I am proud to support the many community organizations and programs that support our neighbors in need,” said Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11). “I am particularly happy to offer Amos House’s “A Hand Up” program with over $60,000 in funds that will empower folks who are struggling financially to keep our neighborhoods clean and safe.”

Council Rejects Lease Proposal of a Public Elementary School Building to Charter Schools


On June 20th, councilors rejected Mayor Brett Smiley's proposal for the city to lease Carl G. Lauro Elementary School to two charter schools. The proposal for a $1 per year 30-year plus lease to Achievement First Rhode Island, Inc. and Excel Academy Rhode Island failed on a vote of 10 to 4 with one abstention. 

Councilors in the Community

Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council led Councilors on a tour of the river and shared updates on ongoing infrastructure projects!

Councilman Oscar Vargas joined residents at Pocasset Manor for a special brunch celebrating Mother’s and Father’s Day!

The rainbow flag flies with Pride over city hall, where two branches of government are led by an LGBTQ+ Council President Rachel Miller and Mayor Brett Smiley.

Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris celebrated with Safer Communities For Justice as a new bench is unveiled in Roger Williams Park, a safe space to bring peace and comfort to families who have lost loved ones to crime.

Councilmen Oscar Vargas, John Goncalves and Juan Pichardo celebrated the beautiful new William D'Abate Elementary School building with some of the students and families that make it such a special community!


Councilman Juan Pichardo joined the Poder radio team to talk about school board elections and the future of Providence's public schools.

Councilman Jim Taylor organized the opening of a new turf field at Conlan Park in the West End.

Thank you, Providence, for a wonderful Pride Parade! Councilors walked with SEIU and Youth Pride Inc to celebrate this Pride Month tradition.

Councilwoman Shelley Peterson organized a City Council Day of Service at Mathewson St. Church to give back to the community.

Councilwoman Ana Vargas celebrated a Father's Day Celebration with her Ward 7 community.

Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris was honored as a Woman Leading the Way at Congressman Seth Magaziner's Annual Women's Luncheon. She celebrated with Council President Rachel Miller and Councilor Sue AnderBois.

Councilwoman Shelley Peterson was at Fargnoli Park with the Wilson family to celebrate the life and legacy of the late James Wilson. Thanks to a resolution she sponsored, April Court is now dedicated to him as James Wilson Memorial Way.

Councilman Miguel Sanchez

welcomed students all the way from the National Autonomous University of Mexico to City Hall!



Council members and staff gathered with Providence's Latino community to share a meal and our visions for our city's future!


Keep an eye out for future community gatherings like this one.

Councilors joined Mayor Smiley for the budget signing at Mt. Pleasant Library!

Councilmen John Goncalves and Jim Taylor celebrated the remarkable lives and talents of the Tavares Brothers with an honorary street naming of "Tavares Brothers Way" at South Main and Power Street.

Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan hosted an Electronic Waste and Shredding Drive in her ward to help keep her community clean.

Residents, Parents, Educators, and Students Encouraged to Take a Survey on Returning Providence Public Schools to Local Control


In 2019, the State of Rhode Island took over the management of Providence Public Schools following a review by the Johns Hopkins University Institute for Education and Policy, which revealed significant challenges in supporting students and meeting essential milestones. The state takeover included a provision for a re-evaluation after five years, with the possibility of returning control.


The City of Providence will launch its comprehensive community engagement process, starting with a citywide community survey designed to gather insight and perspective from various Providence stakeholders, including families, educators, students, and advocates. Beginning in September, the City will host a series of in-person and virtual sessions to guide the development of the Transition Plan. The community engagement phase will conclude in a final joint public meeting by December of this year. In January 2025, the City will synthesize the community feedback into a comprehensive report. The collective goal is to finalize a comprehensive transition plan and timeline for PPSD by April 2025, ensuring a smooth and community-informed return to local control.


Residents, parents, educators and students are encouraged to take the Return to Local Control Community Survey. Each response will directly inform Providence’s Transition Plan, ensuring Providence Schools reflect the values, needs and aspirations of Providence ’s diverse community.


Click HERE to take the survey.

July Events Calendar

July

2

Providence 4th of July Festivities and Fireworks Display

5 - 9 PM at India Point Park

July

8

Ward 4 Community Meeting with Councilor

Justin Roias

6 PM Location to be determined

July

11

City Council Meeting

6 PM in the Council Chamber

July

15

Ward 6 Community Meeting with Councilor

Miguel Sanchez

6 PM at George J. West Elementary

July

15

Ward 3 Community Meeting with Councilor Sue AnderBois

7 PM at Church of the Redeemer

July

18

City Council Meeting

6 PM in the Council Chamber

July

29

Ward 1 Community Meeting with Councilman

John Goncalves

6 PM Location to be determined

July

31

Ward 12 Community Meeting with Councilwoman Althea Graves

6 PM, Smith Hill Library

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 & safety

-housing & building

-lights, signage & traffic signals

-parks

-quality of life

-streets & sidewalks

-tax services

-trees & overgrowth

-vehicles & parking


Log on HERE to report.


You can also call to connect by dialing 3-1-1 or 401-421-2489, M-F from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, or download “PVD311” on your smartphone for 24/7 access.


The Providence City Council is the legislative body that serves the city's many diverse communities. 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 Councilor, click here. Already know your Councilor? Learn more about their work here.

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