August 2024 Council Newsletter

During the legislative break this August, Councilors took some extra time to plan for the fall and spend quality time with neighbors. Keep reading to get the highlights of the month and see what's coming up in September.

Comprehensive Plan 2024

The comprehensive plan sets goals and policies for land use, transportation routes and facilities, public facilities and services, housing programs, historic preservation areas, environmental protection programs, economic and industrial development, downtown and commercial center revitalization, and other policies that will shape Providence over the next ten years. Starting on September 11, the Ordinance Committee will begin to review the comprehensive plan.

The public is invited to participate in a public hearing in the Council chambers.

• Monday, September 16 at 5:30PM
• City Council Chambers, 3rd Floor of City Hall
• If you can't attend in person, email written testimony to cityclerk@providenceri.gov.

Waste Management in Providence

The City Council has heard concerns about trash hauling services and we are committed to working collaboratively to build a more efficient system. With this goal in mind, the Council created a Trash Commission charged with creating solutions to this quality-of-life issue. As a reminder, the trash pick-up schedule is shifted by one day on city holidays. If you have uncollected recycling and/or trash, please report it through the 311 system. Do not hesitate to call the Council office at 401-521-7477 should you need assistance.

Jo-Ann Ryan

Councilwoman - Ward 5

Chairwoman - Special Commission for the Study of Waste Management Practices in Providence

New Staff Announcements

Council President Rachel Miller announced an expansion of the City Council communications department witht he hiring of a communications director and a press secretary.

Joshua Speiser will serve as communications director and has over two decades of experience in strategic communications. Speiser is a resident of Ward 3, a dad to two teenagers, a film lover, and a community member at AS220.

"I am thrilled to join the City Council as communications director," said Speiser. "Real change happens at the local level and I couldn't be prouder to join the City Council team. I'm looking forward to doing my part to help make Providence the best and most livable city in New England."

Roxie Richner will serve as press secretary. Richner is a recent graduate from Michigan State University, where she studied Social Relations and Policy. She got her start in politics and organizing at a young age and in college, Richner worked with progressive firms Left Rising and Left Flank Strategies on communications and fundraising strategy for advocacy organizations, campaigns, and members of Congress.

"I'm excited to serve as press secretary for the City Council as they work to make Providence a more just, affordable, and vibrant city," Richner said. "I look forward to working under Council President Miller and with the team to highlight our progress, engage with the community, and help advance policies that create real positive change."

"Joshua and Roxie are great additions to our growing Council team," said Council President Rachel Miller. "As we work to move a people-forward agenda for the city, Joshua and Roxie will ensure that residents will be informed and engaged on all of the great work the City Council does on behalf of our Providence residents. I'm excited to welcome them to our office."

Speiser and Richner are the latest additions to a growing Council team. Earlier this summer, the Council hired Isabella Muratore and Patricia Pedriali as policy and research analysts. Muratore recently graduated from Boston University with a Master of Public Health, Health Policy and Law. Pedriali worked for five years on reducing commercial motor vehicle accidents as aporgram analyst for Changeis.

Councilors in the Community

Neighborhood Improvements

This is a new segment of our monthly newsletter where we'll update you on the neighborhood improvement projects that your Councilors are investing in.

Webster Avenue Elementary School

Splash Pad Program

September Events Calendar

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.