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A Housing Policy Divided: How One Neighborhood Election is Already Reflecting PVD’s Rent Stabilization Debate
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
May
Rent Stabilization, Blizzard Cleanup and a City “at War”: Highlights from First PVD Mayoral Candidate Forum
Just days after City Council and Mayor Brett Smiley traded votes and vetoes on rent stabilization, candidates took the stage at Brown University for the first mayoral candidate forum of this year’s race. On Wednesday April 22, student organization Brown Votes hosted four candidates headlined [...]
24
Apr
Apr
Smiley Unveils Proposed FY2027 Providence Budget with Lowest Spending Growth in at Least Five Years
Editor’s Note: The following article was originally published by Rhode Island Current on April 15, 2026. Reprinted with permission. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley’s fiscal year 2027 budget aims to continue his administration’s regimen of restraint. The $635.7 million proposal boasts no property tax increase and represents [...]
17
Apr
Apr
Divestment and Democracy: Activists Attempt to Use Providence Ballot Initiative to Fight Against Genocide
“Today’s the day!” On March 27, staff at the Providence City Clerk office greeted about 15 activists delivering signatures of 1,200 Providence residents. The signatures represent the first step in a ballot initiative to ask voters a question in the upcoming November election: Will the [...]
10
Apr
Apr
Right-to-Know 101: How You Can Request Public Records, and Why It Matters
A guide for anyone who wants to request local or state information The press plays an important role in holding the government accountable, but the public does too, by keeping an eye on their local and state officials. In 2021, a Webster, N.H., couple uncovered [...]
08
Apr
Apr
Brown University’s Security Review Enters Final Phase. How Will Campus Change?
Brown University students returned to a different campus in January. New emergency phones appeared in front of their dorms. Twice as many police officers were on patrol. Private security guards checked for school IDs as they entered the library. New cameras watched them travel to [...]
08
Apr
Apr
Will Barriers to Voting in Providence Affect This Year’s Turnout?
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
Mar
As City Council Crafts Rent Stabilization, Mayor Smiley Proposes “Housing Stabilization”
A rent stabilization ordinance is moving through the City Council, and Mayor Brett Smiley is watching closely. Smiley has promised to veto the policy if it passes the Council, but City Hall hearings on the proposal are drawing hundreds of people to testify. “Residents waited [...]
20
Mar
Mar
Brown ACLU Raises Alarm Over Connecting Cameras to Providence Police Surveillance Hub
Despite operating over 1,200 cameras on Brown University’s campus, authorities struggled to find video footage of the gunman who attacked the school in December. The Barus & Holley building where the shooting occurred only operated two exterior cameras, and during a prolonged manhunt, authorities knocked [...]
11
Mar
Mar
When Do Elections Begin in Providence? Key Deadlines for 2026
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
Feb
