Providence City Council Meeting | April 16th, 2026

April 16, 2026

Opening Reflection

10:07 - 14:15

Speaker 0 delivers an opening address emphasizing the responsibility of serving the diverse residents of Providence, especially during difficult economic times. The speech calls for leadership with intention, conviction, and values that reduce division and extend opportunity to all.

Pledge of Allegiance

14:15 - 14:41

President Pro Tem Manuel Pichardo leads the City Council in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The council members and attendees stand and participate in the pledge.

Item 3: Approval of Minutes

14:41 - 15:33

Majority Leader Espinal moves to waive the reading of Item 3 and approve it, which is seconded and passed with 15 ayes. The motion carries, and the minutes are officially approved.

Items 4 through 6: Communications and Reports

15:33 - 15:54

Majority Leader Espinal moves to waive the reading of Items 4 through 6 and note them as received. The motion passes unanimously on a voice vote.

Items 7 and 8: Committee Referrals

15:54 - 16:22

The City Council votes to waive the reading of Items 7 and 8 and refer them to the Committee on Human Relations. The President thanks those serving or signing up to serve on the committee.

Item 9: Rent Stabilization Ordinance

16:22 - 21:19

The City Council discusses and votes on Item 9, which relates to rent stabilization. After debate and a roll call vote, the motion to pass the item for the second time carries with 9 ayes and 6 nays.

Items 10 and 11: Environmental and Transportation Ordinances

21:19 - 25:11

The Council discusses Item 10 regarding a revolving fund for carbon-neutral buildings and Item 11 regarding a right-on-red restriction downtown. Both items are approved and referred to their respective committees.

Item 12: Senior Volunteer Tax Reduction Ordinance

25:11 - 26:44

Council members discuss Item 12, an ordinance allowing seniors who volunteer in the city to receive a reduction on their property tax bills. The motion to table the item passes.

Item 13: State Legislative Affairs Referral

26:44 - 27:05

The Council votes to waive the reading of Item 13 and refer it to the Special Committee on State Legislative Affairs. The motion passes on a voice vote.

Items 14 through 16: Resolutions Honoring Davy Lopes and Supporting Student/Labor Rights

27:05 - 41:26

The Council reads and discusses resolutions honoring the life of baseball legend Davy Lopes, supporting the HOPE scholarship, and supporting the unionization of Brown University graduate fellows. All three resolutions are approved unanimously.

Items 17 and 18: Committee Referrals

41:26 - 41:50

The Council votes to waive the reading of Items 17 and 18, referring Item 17 to the Committee on Public Works and Item 18 to the Committee on State Legislative Affairs. The motion passes on a voice vote.

Item 19: Budget Funding Impact Report Resolution

41:50 - 43:29

Councilwoman Peterson discusses a resolution requesting a report on the impact of funds provided to organizations in the city budget. The motion to table the item passes.

Item 20: Student Housing Regulation Resolution

43:29 - 44:14

The Council discusses and passes a resolution supporting a state bill that would allow the city to license and regulate exclusive student housing. The item is referred to the Committee on State Legislative Affairs.

Item 21: Lead Poisoning Prevention Act Support Resolution

44:14 - 46:26

Councilwoman Ryan introduces a resolution supporting the Rhode Island Lead Poisoning Prevention Act to reimburse customers for private-side lead service line replacements. The resolution is approved unanimously on a voice vote.

Items 22 through 25: First Passage Ordinances

46:26 - 47:38

The Council votes to waive the reading of Items 22 through 25 and pass them for the first time. The motion carries following a roll call vote with 15 ayes.

Items 26 and 27: Domestic Violence and Community Support Resolutions

47:38 - 49:46

Councilwoman Harris speaks in support of Item 27, which provides funding to an organization helping victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. Both items are passed on a voice vote.

Items 28 through 30: Board of Contract and Supply Referrals

49:46 - 50:37

The Council votes to waive the reading of Items 28 through 30, pass them on a voice vote, and refer them back to the Board of Contract and Supply. The motion passes with 15 ayes.

Items 31 and 32: Appointments of City Registrar and Judge

50:37 - 51:52

The Council approves the appointment of Tim Hanlon as the new City Registrar and the reappointment of Judge Maria Deaton. Council members offer their congratulations and praise for Hanlon's work.

Item 33: Voice Vote Approval

51:52 - 52:43

The Council moves to waive the reading of Item 33 and pass it on a voice vote. The motion is approved unanimously with 15 ayes.

Items 34 through 41: Communications and Committee Referrals

52:43 - 53:34

The Council votes to waive the reading of Items 34 through 41, noting several as received and referring others to the Committee on Ordinances and the Committee on Claims and Pending Suits. The motion passes on a voice vote.

Item 42: Condolences and Personal Expressions

53:34 - 56:39

Council members express condolences for the passing of community members John Fernandez Pereira and Inez Novo. The motion to pass Item 42 is approved on a voice vote.

Adjournment

56:39 - 58:12

Councilman Pichardo reflects on the historic passage of rent stabilization, and the Council adjourns in memory of several deceased community members. The meeting is officially adjourned following a second and a unanimous voice vote.

Speaker 0

10:07 - 10:28

Tonight, I've gathered to do the work of the city. The idea this idea feels especially important. We are living through difficult times. For many of our residents, the cost of living is rising faster than opportunity. In the last few days, the phrases the the phrase, it's expensive to be poor keeps coming up.

Speaker 0

10:29 - 10:50

Some are thriving while others are still waiting for their chance and yet all of them, every single one have placed their trust in us. That is both a privilege and a responsibility. We may not always agree in this chamber. In fact, disagreement is part of this work. But our obligation is not to win arguments, it's to serve people.

Speaker 0

10:50 - 11:35

It's to ensure that the decisions that we make lift those who have been left waiting and create pathways for those still trying to find their footing. We represent a city that is beautifully diverse, diverse in background, in perspective, in experience, and in opportunity. That diversity is our strength but also calls on us to lead with intention, to listen more closely, to act more thoughtfully, and to remember that leadership is not about standing above others but about reaching back and bringing others forward. So tonight and in all the days we have left together, may we measure our time here not just by votes cast or meetings held, but by the lives we touch and the doors we open. May God continue to protect our beautiful city.

Speaker 0

11:35 - 11:45

May we lead with conviction and with values that strengthen our communities, reduce division, and ensure that opportunity is not reserved for a few but extended to all. Thank you.

Speaker 1

11:47 - 11:47

Thank you.

Speaker 0

11:53 - 11:54

Seasons of love.

Speaker 2

14:15 - 14:22

Thank you, counselor. And tonight, the pledge of allegiance will be led by president pro tem one, Manuel Pajardo.

Speaker 3

14:23 - 14:25

I pledge allegiance to the flag of

Speaker 4

14:25 - 14:30

The United States Of America and to the republic for which it stands,

Speaker 3

14:30 - 14:33

one nation under God, indivisible,

Speaker 4

14:33 - 14:35

where liberty and justice is for all.

Speaker 2

14:41 - 14:43

Madam clerk, item three, please.

Speaker 5

14:43 - 14:45

Madam president. Majority leader Eskenau.

Speaker 4

14:45 - 14:48

Washington to waive the reading of item three and move approval.

Speaker 6

14:48 - 14:49

Second, madam president.

Speaker 2

14:49 - 14:54

We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none, madam clerk, please open

Speaker 7

14:54 - 15:28

the vote. The vote is open. The vote is closed. You have 15 ayes. The motion carries.

Speaker 7

15:28 - 15:29

The minutes are approved.

Speaker 2

15:33 - 15:34

Alright. Item four, please.

Speaker 5

15:34 - 15:36

Madam President. Majority Leader.

Speaker 4

15:36 - 15:39

Watch it the way the reading of item four through six.

Speaker 6

15:39 - 15:40

Second, madam president.

Speaker 2

15:40 - 15:47

Any discussion on that motion? Hearing none. All in favor? Aye. All opposed?

Speaker 2

15:47 - 15:54

Any abstentions? The motion passes. Madam Clerk, please note four through six as received. So noted. Item seven.

Speaker 4

15:54 - 15:55

Madam president.

Speaker 2

15:55 - 15:55

Majority leader.

Speaker 4

15:55 - 15:58

Motion to weigh the reader out of seven and eight.

Speaker 2

15:58 - 16:07

Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion on items seven and eight? All in favor?

Speaker 4

16:07 - 16:07

Aye.

Speaker 2

16:07 - 16:13

Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? The motion passes. Please refer seven and eight to the committee on Earth.

Speaker 2

16:13 - 16:22

So noted. And thanks to the folks who are serving on the human relations committee or signing themselves up to serve. Item nine, please.

Speaker 4

16:22 - 16:23

Madam president.

Speaker 2

16:23 - 16:24

Majority leader.

Speaker 4

16:24 - 16:28

Motion to waive the reading of item nine and pass for the second time on a roll call vote.

Speaker 2

16:28 - 16:42

Second, madam president. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion on that motion? Hearing none, madam clerk, please open the vote and call the roll. Oh, councilman Graves.

Speaker 2

16:42 - 16:49

Sorry. Your microphone is too high. I'll

Speaker 1

16:49 - 17:15

be sure. I just wanna say, Mike, you have some Can you hear me now? Yes. I just wanna say, I just feel that we need to make sure that we are separating what the rent stabilization is. It's some so much misinformation that's out there.

Speaker 1

17:16 - 17:51

And people are meshing and piecing things together. What the mayor has been speaking about and the thing that we talked about and that we signed on with him is just one little measure and it's something more like a band aid. It's gonna stop some of the flow, but it is not the rent stabilization. And I want to make sure that we are all aware of that. And I still think this rent stabilization is the right thing to do.

Speaker 1

17:53 - 18:32

And I think it's the best thing to do in the city of Providence because again is as we are in a city that are mostly renters and we really need to do something that's gonna be more sustaining, it's gonna go on for a while, and it's gonna help those that need the most help. And it's gonna help to keep this city alive and keep our residents here. It's not gonna run the people that are already here away. So let's please vote for the people. Vote for the ones that are already here.

Speaker 2

18:37 - 18:50

Thank you, counselor. Further discussion on item nine? Hearing none, madam clerk, please open the vote and

Speaker 7

18:50 - 18:58

call the roll. The vote is open. Council President Miller. Aye. Deputy Majority Whip Anderbois.

Speaker 7

18:58 - 19:04

Aye. Councilor Davidson. Majority Leader Espinal.

Speaker 8

19:04 - 19:04

Nay.

Speaker 7

19:05 - 19:19

Senior Deputy Majority Leader Gonsalves? Nay. Councilwoman Graves? Councilwoman Graves? Deputy Majority Leader Harris?

Speaker 7

19:20 - 19:30

Councilwoman Peterson. Aye. Council President Pro Tempur Pichardo. Aye. Councilor Royas.

Speaker 7

19:30 - 19:37

Aye. Councilwoman Ryan. Nay. Majority Whip Sanchez? Aye.

Speaker 7

19:38 - 19:43

Majority Whip Sanchez? Aye. Councilman Taylor?

Speaker 4

19:43 - 19:43

Nay.

Speaker 7

19:49 - 19:51

Councilwoman Anna Vargas.

Speaker 9

19:55 - 19:56

Nay.

Back to meetings