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November 2024 Council Newsletter

November came and went with community celebrations, Council advocacy for public school students, and legislation that protects unhoused residents. Read about the highlights of November below and make sure you don’t miss anything in December by following us at @pvdcitycouncil on Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.

Introducing the City Council Video Series

Life moves pretty fast. To help keep everyone updated about some of the most pressing issues that the Council is working on, we’re launching a new video series. In this first video, Councilor Sue AnderBois (Ward 3) kicks things off with the low down on parking minimums - what they are and how they've changed in the 2024 Comprehensive Plan. 


Watch the Video

Introducing the City Council Blog

In our first blog post from the Council team, "Sound Solutions in the Historic Council Chamber," you'll get insight on how sound and acoustic issues are being addressed in the Council Chamber where Council meetings and public hearings are held.


Read the Blog

Department of Education, School District, and City Reach Agreement for Increased Funding for Schools

On November 22, the Rhode Island Department of Education, Providence Public School District (PPSD), and City of Providence reached a settlement agreement providing PPSD millions in additional municipal funding in support of critical student services and programs. The settlement agreement, which spans four fiscal years, was reached after the parties engaged in months of mediation and close negotiations.


As part of the agreement, the City of Providence will provide PPSD:

  • An additional $4 million for Fiscal Year 2024, bringing the City’s total contribution for that fiscal year to $134 million
  • An additional $11 million for Fiscal Year 2025, bringing the City’s total contribution for that fiscal year to $146.5 million
  • A $147 million total contribution for Fiscal Year 2026 (which equates to an $11.5 million increase from the City’s initial allocation for Fiscal Year 2025 of $135.5 million)
  • A $147 million base contribution for Fiscal Year 2027, plus a percentage increase matching the percentage increase in total State educational aid in that fiscal year.


"The City Council Committee on Claims and Pending Suits looks forward to thoroughly reviewing this settlement and its implications in short order," said Councilor John Goncalves. "We will do so with the top priorities of reducing harm to Providence taxpayers and families, funding our schools adequately, and protecting essential city services."


Comprehensive Plan Signed, Charting Providence's Growth for the Next Decade

On November 22, Council members, city leaders, and community members joined together to celebrate the signing of the Comprehensive Plan, a visionary roadmap designed to guide the city’s growth, resilience and prosperity over the next decade. This milestone reflects years of collaboration with neighbors, businesses and civic leaders and underscores the City’s commitment to preserving its unique character while addressing critical challenges such as housing, climate change and economic development.   

 

Mandated by the State of Rhode Island every ten years, the Comprehensive Plan serves as a holistic guide to urban development, with goals and strategies that shape the city’s future, including land use policies that guide where and how Providence grows. The newly adopted plan focuses on housing, land use, economic development, mobility, city services, sustainability, tourism, culture and more. The plan was adopted by the City Plan Commission in June and approved with amendments by the City Council in November. 

 

“This Comprehensive Plan represents a historic commitment to the people of Providence,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “Shaped by extensive community input, it’s a bold vision that puts working families first, ensuring that as we grow, we grow together. The plan addresses urgent challenges from housing affordability to climate justice, laying the foundation for a stronger, more equitable city for all who call Providence home. I’m proud of the collaboration that made this possible and ready for the work ahead to bring this vision to life.” 


The process of designing the zoning ordinance that will begin to implement the vision set forward by the Comprehensive Plan has started, and key questions remain: How and where will the city reduce or eliminate parking minimums? What types of polluting industries and uses will be banned in future development at the port? How and when will Providence institute inclusionary zoning, which will lead to affordable housing throughout the city? And much more.

Authorization of PILOT Agreements with Lifespan and RISD 

Council approved two resolutions that allow the mayor to enter a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement with Lifespan and a new parking agreement with Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Under these agreements, the city will receive $1.5 million from Lifespan over three years and $247,500 from RISD annually for 10 years. 

 

When the administration first reached an agreement with Lifespan in early October, Council President Miller said: “As the state’s largest hospital system, Lifespan needs to contribute its fair share. $1.5 million is just the start, but Lifespan has much more to do to truly honor its commitment to Providence taxpayers who right now foot the bill for the city services Lifespan benefits from. In years to come, City Council will continue pushing to ensure that Providence residents come out on top.” 

 

The Lifespan agreement will be in place for three years, with payments of $750,000 occurring in the first two, and an opportunity for renegotiation in the third.

Appointment of new Juvenile Hearing Board members

Providence City Council appointed six new members to the Juvenile Hearing Board: Jaquel D. Scott, Willis Deyior Dunbar, Neyda DeJesus, King’Jarvis Camilo, Kenia Vasquez, and Simone N. Tubman. 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.


“I’m proud to see our Juvenile Hearing Board well-represented with passionate advocates for our youth,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “These new appointees will help young people avoid the cycle of incarceration by connecting them with counseling, community support, and alternative pathways for accountability. This work is about giving Providence youth a real chance to repair harm, grow, and contribute positively to our community.” 

Council in the News

Budget battle over Providence schools intensifies as Smiley warns of tax hikes, service cuts – Rhode Island Current 

  • Smiley and City Council President Rachel Miller called on the state to put the district back on local control. “Our city is not a bank for a state-controlled experiment,” Council President Rachel Miller said. “After four years, it has become abundantly clear the state takeover is not working to promote the collaboration and the transparent decision making that our students need.”  


Providence City Council approves PILOT agreement with Brown University Health – Providence Business News 

  • Deputy Whip Sue AnderBois thanked Mayor Brett P. Smiley’s administration for getting the two sides to an agreement, but cautioned that the council views it as “a down payment for future negotiations.” 


Protest, Power, and Policing: An Interview with Miguel Sanchez –Brown Political Review


Interview with Shelley Peterson: Ward 14 Providence City Councilwoman – The Providence Eye

Councilors in the Community

Councilors Helen Anthony (right) and John Goncalves (second from left) joined students, university and city leaders for the launch of The Blind Urban Subject Public Art Installation which seeks to inspire mutual understanding of the blind and visually impaired in urban life.

Councilors Pedro Espinal (left), Mary Kay Harris (center), and Juan Pichardo (right) joined city leaders, educators, and administrators for the groundbreaking of the Mary Fogarty Pre-K-8 School Campus, a state-of-the-art facility that will ready students for future success.

Councilor Juan Pichardo (center) was joined by City Archivist Caleb Horton (left), Council President Rachel Miller (second from left), and U.S. Congressman Gabe Amo (right) for a Veterans Day event honor those who have served our country.

Councilman Oscar Vargas helped celebrate the young leaders at D'Abate Elementary's Food Smart Awards. With their help, we're diverting waste from landfills and protecting our environment for future generations.

Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris joined the Providence Department of Planning and Development for a community workshop to discuss the future of 246 Prairie Avenue, formerly the Urban League property. Save the date for the third workshop happening on December 10 at 6PM.

Councilwoman Ana Vargas (bottom left) partnered with the Igliozzi Recreation Center to host the second annual We All Eat Thanksgiving Dinner.

Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris joined leaders, educators, and students for a RI Women in the Trades National Apprenticeship Week event at Providence Career and Training Academy. Women who work in the trades - from welding to carpentry - shared their advice and expertise.

Councilman John Goncalves (right) joined the district Lieutenant to drop off turkeys to those in need this holiday.

Council President Rachel Miller (center) was joined by Mayor Brett Smiley (third from right) and Councilors John Goncalves, Pedro Espinal (fourth from right), Juan Pichardo (second from right), and Oscar Vargas (right) for the signing of the Comprehensive Plan. This once-a-decade urban planning document focuses on sustainable growth and development, with a focus on housing, climate, and transportation.

Neighborhood Improvements

North Main Street (Ward 3)


With $500,000 in funding, the North Main Street Improvement Project will implement a range of much-needed enhancements to pedestrian and driver safety through the winter months. Ongoing lighting investments include new streetlights and increased lighting volume to improve visibility and safety at key intersections along this major street.

Silver Lake Community Center Repairs (Ward 7)


The City Council is seeking urgent repairs to the Silver Lake Community Center which is experiencing significant water intrusion that could lead to structural and health concerns. The project budget of $62,990 will address these issues, safeguarding the building’s integrity and ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for the community.  

December Events Calendar

Dec

2

Committee on Claims and Pending Suits Meeting

4:30PM at Council Chambers, 3rd floor of City Hall

Dec

2

Ward 14 Community Meeting with Councilwoman Shelley Peterson

6PM at Veazie Street Elementary School, 211 Veazie Street

Dec

2

Ward 5 Community Meeting with Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan

6:30PM at Mt. Pleasant Library, 315 Academy Avenue

Dec

3

Finance Committee Meeting

5:30PM at Council Chambers, 3rd floor of City Hall

Dec

4

Ordinances Committee Public Hearing

4:30PM at Council Chambers, 3rd floor of City Hall

Dec

5

City Council Meeting

6PM at Council Chambers, 3rd floor of City Hall

Dec

8

Christmas on the Parkway with Councilwoman Ryan

12PM at 590 Pleasant Valley Parkway

Dec

9

Christmas Tree Lighting with Councilman Oscar Vargas

5:30PM at Steven M. Shaw Police Station, 246 Magnolia Street

Dec

9

Ward 4 Community Meeting with Councilor Justin Roias

6PM at DaVinci Center, 470 Charles Street

Dec

9

Ward 3 Community Meeting with Councilor Sue AnderBois

7PM at Vincent Brown Rec. Center, 438 Hope Street

Dec

11

Christmas Tree Lighting with Council President Rachel Miller

7PM at Zuccolo Rec. Center, 18 Gesler Street

Dec

12

Christmas Tree Lighting with Councilwoman Althea Graves

5PM at Roger Rec. Center, 60 Camden Street

Dec

12

Christmas Tree Lighting with Councilor Miguel Sanchez

7PM at Mt. Pleasant Fire Station, 136 Mt. Pleasant Avenue

Dec

13

Christmas Tree Lighting with Councilman Pedro Espinal

5PM at Washington Square Park, 1450 Broad Street

Dec

13

Christmas Tree Lighting with Councilwoman Shelley Peterson

7PM at Fargnoli Park, 237 Jastram Street

Dec

14

Community Angels Holiday Toy Drive with Councilman James Taylor

7AM at Dr. Alvarez High School, 375 Adelaide Avenue

Dec

14

Councilwoman Shelley Peterson's Student Housing Working Group

10AM at Kennedy Rec. Center, 195 Nelson Street

Dec

14

Christmas Tree Lighting with Councilwoman Ana Vargas

4PM at Igliozzi Rec. Center, 675 Plainfield Street

Dec

16

Christmas Tree Lighting with Councilor Sue AnderBois

7PM at Lippitt Memorial Park, 1001 Hope Street

Dec

16

Christmas Tree Lighting with Councilman John Goncalves

5PM at Cabral Park, 555 Wickenden Street

Dec

17

Christmas Tree Lighting with Councilman James Taylor

5PM at Columbus Square Park, 24 Reservoir Avenue

Dec

18

Christmas Tree Lighting with Council President Pro Tempore Juan Pichardo

7PM at Roger Williams Park Gateway Center, 1197 Broad Street

Dec

20

Christmas Tree Lighting with Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris

5PM at Davey Lopes Rec. Center, 227 Dudley Street

Dec

21

Community Court All-stars basketball game

11AM at Sakcett Street Rec. Center, 159 Sackett Street

Dec

24

Christmas Eve will be a half day

City buildings will be closed and the trash pickup schedule is delayed by one day

Dec

25

Christmas Day, City Holiday

City buildings will be closed and the trash pickup schedule is delayed by one day

Dec

30

Ward 1 Community Meeting with Councilman Goncalves

6PM via Zoom (register here)

Dec

31

New Year's Eve will be a half day

City buildings will be closed and the trash pickup schedule is delayed by one day

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 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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