Providence City Council Meeting |May 7th, 2026

The meeting was called to order, and the clerk conducted a roll call of the council members. A quorum was established with fourteen members present and one absent.

Council President Pro Tempore Pichardo delivered the invocation in both English and Spanish, emphasizing community stewardship and compassion. Following the invocation, Councilman Reyes led the council and attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The majority leader moved to waive the reading of Item 3 and approve the minutes of the previous meeting. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously on a roll call vote.

The majority leader moved to waive the reading of Items 4 through 11. The motion passed, with Items 4 through 8 received and Items 9 through 11 referred to the Special Committee on Ways and Means.

A motion was made to waive the reading of Items 12 through 17. The motion was approved, resulting in Item 12 being received and Items 13 through 17 referred to the Special Committee on Ways and Means.

The majority leader moved to waive the reading of Item 18 and pass it on a voice vote, but a roll call vote was requested because the item involved money. After a brief discussion, the motion carried on a roll call vote with 14 ayes and one nay.

The majority leader moved to waive the reading of Items 19 through 25. The motion passed, referring Items 19 through 24 to the Committee on Ways and Means and Item 25 to the Committee on Ordinances.

The majority leader moved to waive the reading of Items 26 through 29 and pass them for the second time. The motion was approved on a roll call vote with 15 ayes.

The council discussed Item 30, which amends ordinances to require additional flood and sewer protection, and Item 31, which establishes a certified local vendor preference program. Both items were approved and referred to their respective committees for further evaluation.

The council read and discussed a resolution recognizing Professional Municipal Clerk's Week to honor the vital role of municipal clerks. Numerous council members spoke to express their deep gratitude and appreciation for the clerk's office staff before the resolution passed unanimously.

Council President Pro Tempore Pichardo read a resolution urging the Rhode Island General Assembly to rename a state bridge in honor of retired labor leader George Nee. The motion passed, and the resolution was referred to the Special Committee on State Legislative Affairs.

The clerk read a resolution acknowledging May as Better Hearing and Speech Month and encouraging adults to get screened for hearing loss. Councilwoman Davidson shared her personal experience with hearing loss and commended recent accessibility improvements made to the council chamber.

Councilman Goncalves spoke in support of a resolution opposing the demolition of four historic homes on Brook Street by Brown University. The resolution, which urges Brown to pause and engage with the community, was approved and referred to the Committee on Public Works.

The council approved resolutions recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month and Jewish American Heritage Month. Council members discussed the importance of mental health resources and celebrated the contributions of the Jewish community.

The clerk read a resolution to rename Corliss Park to Jeannie Lippett Circle in honor of the legacy of Jeannie Lippett and her family's advocacy for deaf education. The resolution was approved and referred to the Committee on Public Works.

The council discussed a resolution calling on the Providence Public School Department to present a plan addressing student homelessness to the Ways and Means Committee. The motion was approved on a voice vote.

Councilwoman Anderbois spoke in strong support of an ordinance establishing a green revolving fund to reinvest energy savings into future sustainability projects. The ordinance passed for the first time on a roll call vote after receiving praise from multiple council members.

The council discussed and approved resolutions regarding stormwater and equitable funding for sewer management. Council members emphasized the importance of proactive infrastructure planning and collaboration with other municipalities.

The majority leader moved to waive the reading of Items 44 through 47 and pass them for the first time. The motion was approved on a roll call vote.

Councilman Vargas questioned the transfer of 700 Allens Avenue to the Providence Redevelopment Agency, expressing concern over the future of the Mattress Depot. After clarification that only the building and garages would be transferred, the motion passed on a roll call vote.

The majority leader moved to waive the reading of Items 49 through 58 and pass them on a voice vote. The motion was approved with 13 ayes.

Chairwoman Harris presented the Community Development Block Grant budget, detailing allocations for housing, public services, and neighborhood investments. Council members praised her leadership as she chaired her final committee meeting, and the budget passed for the first time on a roll call vote.

The majority leader moved to waive the reading of Items 60 and 61 and receive and approve them. The motion was approved on a voice vote.

The majority leader moved to waive the reading of Item 62 and pass it for the first time. The motion was approved on a roll call vote.

The majority leader moved to waive the reading of Item 63 and continue it indefinitely. The motion was approved on a voice vote, followed by a brief recess.

The council referred Items 64 through 71 to their respective committees, including a zoning change for a mixed-use building on North Main Street. Under points of personal expression, Councilwoman Peterson highlighted emergency response efforts for a local fire, and Councilman Sanchez wished colleagues a Happy Mother's Day.

The council waived the reading of Item 72 and passed it on a voice vote. Item 73 was then approved by a unanimous rising vote.

The majority leader moved to adjourn the meeting in memory of Manuel Fernando Gonzalez Pena and others who passed away. The motion was seconded and approved, officially adjourning the meeting.