Mayor Brett Smiley pointed to the City Council’s Housing Crisis Task Force Report that recommended rental assistance. Photo: Eric Halvarson.
City Council President Pauses RENT Fund Over Tenant Protections, Mayor Calls Move “Political Gamesmanship”
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Amid deep divisions between the Mayor’s desk and City Council chambers over rent stabilization, a program to offer rental assistance to tenants seemed like common ground. Almost every City Councilor came out in support of the idea, but fresh tension over that program flared this [...]

17
Jul
Candidates running in contested races to represent Providence at the State House. The Providence Eye was unable to find photos of Peder Schaefer, William Connell, and Kassielle Ramos.
Which of Providence’s General Assembly Seats are Being Challenged This Year?
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Nearly two-thirds of lawmakers across Rhode Island are not facing a challenger in this year’s election, and the same is true in the capital city. In Providence, only 10 General Assembly positions are contested. Speaker of the House Chris Blazejewski and an entire half of [...]

10
Jul
From left to right: Moderator Lanre Ajakaiye, incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley, Democratic primary challenger Rep. David Morales, Independent candidate Allen Waters, and Republican candidate Dave Talan. Photo: Jake Mittleman.
Mayoral Candidates Lay Out Stances on Local Issues at Elmwood Community Center
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Four candidates running for Providence mayor faced residents at a packed Elmwood Community Center on June 24, addressing housing, pollution, education and more. The event was organized by a coalition of eight neighborhood associations and community groups: Elmwood Neighborhood Association, Elmwood & South Providence Crime [...]

30
Jun
Here’s Who is Running for Providence City Council
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CORRECTION: [Updated June 26, 2:30 p.m.] An earlier version of this article failed to include the candidates running as independent for City Council. The Providence Eye regrets this error. Candidates running as independent will not be included on the primary ballot; however, they will be [...]

26
Jun
Campaign signs for Goldman and Morales displayed in a yard. Photo: Eric Halvarson.
A Housing Policy Divided: How One Neighborhood Election is Already Reflecting PVD’s Rent Stabilization Debate
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The rent stabilization ordinance proposed by City Council in January 2026 has become a core issue in Providence’s upcoming mayoral election, highlighting disagreements among the Democratic party on how to address housing affordability through policy.  Incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley vetoed the ordinance after it passed [...]

15
May
Photo: Lorie Shaull via Wikimedia.
Will Barriers to Voting in Providence Affect This Year’s Turnout?
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Over 50% of Providence voters showed up to polling places for the 2024 election, but half as many showed up for the last round of midterms in 2022. As voters register for this year’s midterms, voter turnout in Providence is shaped by factors like competitive [...]

27
Mar
City Council chambers. Photo: Eric Halvarson.
When Do Elections Begin in Providence? Key Deadlines for 2026
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It’s going to be a big year for elections in Providence.  Not only is the Mayoral race going to make headlines, but every City Council seat is up for election. At the state level, Providence residents will be electing all of their Representatives and Senators, [...]

18
Feb