November proved to be a productive month of legislative work for the Providence City Council but also a month of reflection, giving thanks, helping neighbors in need, and providing hearty meals to warm the soul. |
Council Approves Reallocating $20 Million in American Rescue Plan Act Funds
Councilors passed for a second and final time changes for spending $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Mayor Brett Smiley proposed to the council amending two ARPA ordinances that reallocate spending the remaining ARPA money on long-term investments, such as infrastructure, improving city services, and housing.
$166 million was received from the federal government in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. $81.4 million has been spent, and $84.89 million remains ($64 million is earmarked, and nearly $20 million will now be reallocated).
To see the amendments, click here: Ordinance 341, Ordinance 190
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Council Passes a New Energy Reporting Requirement for Large Buildings
Councilors unanimously passed a new requirement to track energy use in large Providence Buildings. The Building Energy Reporting Program, or “BERO” as it is known, would create and establish a publicly disclosed database for tracking energy use. The program would also aim to cut energy costs for businesses and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The ordinance was sponsored by Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3). “I am so grateful to my Council colleagues for unanimously passing BERO. We can’t manage what we don’t measure - and this sets us on a path to managing the carbon emissions from our biggest source of climate pollution - the built environment. I’m especially grateful to Leah Bamberger for doing the hard work of building consensus on this with so many stakeholders when she was Director of Sustainability and to Chairwoman Helen Anthony for her leadership on this since 2020. I’m looking forward to implementation and what we will all do together next,” said AnderBois.
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In Other Legislative News
Rat Abatement
An ordinance amendment was introduced in November and calls for the owner of a building to hire a licensed rat exterminator before demolishing any structures in the city. The amendment was referred to the Committee on Ordinances.
Ride-Share Bikes and Scooters
Councilors passed a resolution calling for the city to strengthen the prevention of ride-share bikes and scooters from being dumped on sidewalks and blocking handicapped accessible ramps. The resolution acknowledges the importance and accessibility of these shared micro-mobility programs for Providence residents and visitors. However, the resolution calls on the city’s future and current permitted providers, such as Spin, Bird, and Veo, to prevent the public safety hazard of poorly parked bikes and scooters.
Energy Efficiency & Carbon Neutral Buildings
An ordinance amendment was introduced to ensure Providence takes meaningful steps to achieve carbon neutrality in all municipal buildings by 2040. The amendment encourages the use of electricity and energy-efficient upgrades. The ordinance was referred to the Special Committee on Environment and Resiliency.
National Native American Heritage Month
Councilors passed a resolution honoring November as National Native American Heritage Month 2023. Providence, the ancestral homeland of the Narragansett Indian Tribe, joins the nation in recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of Native Peoples that have shaped Rhode Island and the country. The resolution also recognizes the Pequots, the Nipmucs, the Niantics, and the Wampanoag tribes. In 1990, the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution designating November as Native American Heritage Month.
Washington Trust and Providence
Councilors passed a resolution calling on the Washington Trust Company to partner with the city on its expansion in underserved neighborhoods. In September, the bank settled with the U.S. Department of Justice and agreed to pay $9 million to resolve allegations of “redlining” lending discrimination in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods. WT has agreed to invest at least $7 million in a loan fund to increase access to mortgages, home improvement funds, and equity lines of credit for residents in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods. WT has also agreed to open two new bank branches in those underserved PVD neighborhoods. The resolution calls for WT to work directly with community-based organizations during this expansion.
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In the News
Providence City Council can intervene in controversial tax breaks for wealthy developer, judge rules - Boston Globe RI
Judge rules Providence City Council can intervene in $42 million tax-break deal - WPRI Channel 12
| Councilman and Senior Deputy Majority Leader John Goncalves (Ward 1) speaks to reporters, opposing the proposed demolition of three historic homes on Angell Street, on the city's East Side. Goncalves secured a short-term pause in the demolition. | Councilwoman and Finance Chair Helen Anthony (Ward 2) addressed the crowd gathered across the street from the homes set for demolition. The vigil was organized by the Providence Preservation Society. | Out and About in Our Neighborhoods | Councilor and Majority Whip Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6), honored family and friends who have passed during the "el Día de los Muertos - Day of the Dead” held at the North Burial Ground. The event was organized by RI Latino Arts. | Bingo! Councilman and Majority Leader James Taylor (Ward 8) brought the fun to Pierce Manor residents on a cold, dreary day. | Meanwhile, Councilman and President Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo (Ward 9) spun the Bingo wheel and offered up high fives at Colony House! | Councilman Pichardo congratulated local artist AGONZA for her incredible mural painted across the top of the soon-to-be refurbished Elmwood Community Center. Check out her unique work HERE | Councilors honored and celebrated Veterans in the city council chambers around the national holiday. Lt. Governor Sabina Matos was in attendance, along with Lt. Col. John Loughlin (retired Army Reserves), who represented the Providence VA Healthcare System. RI National Guard Deputy Director, Michael Jolin, and Corporal Travis Gentzel (retired US Marine Corps) also shared their military experiences. A special exhibit produced by City Archivist Caleb Horton was set up on the third floor of city hall. The council recently established a new nine-person Special Commission on Veterans Affairs. | In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, Councilors served meals and helped hundreds of neighbors who needed some extra support to feed their families and friends over the holiday. | Councilman Oscar Vargas (Ward 15) spread early holiday cheer with Senator Frank Ciccone to residents at the Valley Street Apartments. Representative Ramon Perez and the councilman also hosted a dinner for residents at Pocasset Manor. | Councilman Taylor delivered turkeys to 50 families in Ward 8 and served up a hearty dinner for folks at Huntington Towers. |
In a long-running tradition, Councilwoman Althea Graves (Ward 12), sponsors, and many volunteers delivered 500 turkeys, hams, and gift cards to Smith Hill neighbors in need!
Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) and volunteers hauled in 100 turkeys at John Rollins Rec, where the community had access to fresh vegetables and new clothing.
| Councilor Justin Roias (Ward 4) and Representative Anthony DeSimone packaged up 250 meals at the DaVinci Center! | Councilors visited Building Futures during National Apprenticeship Week. The organization's construction pre-apprenticeship program has opened doors for more than 400 Rhode Islanders looking for a career in the building trades. To learn more about opportunities, visit their WEBSITE. | Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3) joined Mayor Brett Smiley, representatives from PPSD and RIDE, along with the Rhode Island federal delegation to launch four new electric school buses for Providence Public School students. The buses will help cut greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a healthier community. | Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13), who is also known to play the cello, connected with Congressman Seth Magaziner for a tour of Community MusicWorks and their new 24,000-square-foot facility being built on Westminster Street. CMW is in its 27th year of building meaningful relationships between children, families, and professional musicians. Check out their mission HERE. | Hello to the Holiday Season downtown!!! Councilman Pichardo (Ward 9), Councilwoman Ana Vargas (Ward 7), Mayor Smiley, and the Mt. Pleasant High School Kiltie Chorus kicked off winter programming at the Bank Newport City Center with a special appearance from "The Grinch" - which is now playing at the Providence Performing Arts Center. Beginning Friday, December 1, skating opens up at the downtown rink. Check out the city hall tree lighting, on Friday, at 5:30 PM, followed by a fun-filled Three Nights of Lights. | | |
December Events Calendar
December 1 - Providence holiday tree lighting at city hall, 5:30 PM
December 4 - Ward 5 community meeting with Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan at the Mt. Pleasant Library, 315 Academy Ave, 6:30 PM
December 7 - City Council meeting in the chamber at 6 PM
December 11 - Ward 4 community meeting with Councilor Justin Roias at the DaVinci Center, 470 Charles Street, 6 PM
December 14 - Ward 14 community meeting with Councilwoman Shelley Peterson, Wanskuck Library, 233 Veazie Street, 6 PM
December 15 - Ward 7 Christmas Celebration at the Igliozzi Rec Center with Councilwoman Ana Vargas, 675 Plainfield Street, 6 PM
December 16 - Christmas on the Parkway with Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan, co-sponsors, and guests, 509 Pleasant Valley Parkway, 12-3 PM
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The Providence City Council is the legislative body that serves the many diverse communities of the City of Providence. Each council member serves as an advocate for their neighborhood and as a liaison between residents and the various departments and services our city has to offer.
To find your Councilor, click here. Already know your Councilor? Learn more about their work here.
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