The Providence City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, April 2, 2026, with 15 members present and a quorum. The meeting included an invocation, approval of minutes, and action on a range of resolutions, ordinances, and referrals. The most significant item was the first passage of the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (Item 23) after extensive debate, which passed by a 9-6 roll call vote. Other notable actions included a resolution to name an intersection in memory of Essence Tyler Cristal, introduction of the Providence Bill Act to support affordable housing development, and several other resolutions and referrals.
Councilwoman Sue Andor introduced and read a resolution to install a commemorative plaque at the intersection of Houston Street and Broad Street honoring Essence Tyler Cristal, who was killed by gun violence in 2011. Councilman Pedro Espinal (Majority Leader) co-sponsored and noted the location is in his ward. Diana Garlington, Essence's mother and a tireless advocate against gun violence, was recognized by multiple council members for her work. Councilman Miguel Sanchez highlighted her role as co-chair of the city's committee on ending gun violence and called for a dedicated office to address the issue. Councilwoman Graves and Councilwoman Peterson also praised Garlington's advocacy, including her published children's book. The resolution was referred to the Committee on ERP.
Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris introduced an ordinance to amend Chapter 21 of the city code, known as the Providence Bill Act. The ordinance would provide a two-year tax exemption for affordable housing developers after construction, addressing large tax bills that arise before units are rented. Council President Rachel Miller explained that it streamlines the tax stabilization agreement process for income-restricted housing. Councilman John Goncalves expressed support. The ordinance was referred to the Committee on Finance.
Councilman Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal presented the Taino Heritage resolution, acknowledging the contributions of Taino-descended residents and indigenous communities in Providence. He credited Joel Rosario Tapia and Violeta Cruz del Valle for their research. Councilwoman Ryan spoke on Item 19, recognizing Carla Manj, a medical student and community leader for her work with the Latino Medical Student Association and the Pathways to Medicine Program, as well as her advocacy for language access in healthcare. Both resolutions passed unanimously.
Councilwoman Ana Vargas introduced Item 20, a resolution regarding overnight parking tickets at city lots, seeking to allow parking during snow emergencies. Councilman Oscar Vargas introduced Item 21, a resolution to seek state legislation allowing vacant lots used for gardening or parking to qualify for the homestead exemption, addressing large tax increases after property reassessment. Both passed and were referred to appropriate committees.
Councilwoman Ana Vargas proposed a resolution to explore including affordable housing and residential units above the first floor of the Providence Place Mall, as development plans move forward. Councilwoman Graves expressed caution about losing retail space but acknowledged the need for housing. The resolution passed and was referred to the Committee on Ordinances.
The council debated the first reading of the Providence Rent Stabilization Ordinance for over two hours. Pro Tempore Pedro Espinal, chair of the Special Committee on HOPE, described the ordinance as a carefully vetted policy that provides a 4% optional annual rent increase (up to 10% with a board hearing) to create predictability for tenants while allowing landlords a fair return. Councilman Justin Roias gave an impassioned speech, noting that the council had refused to even discuss rent stabilization a decade ago and that families are suffering now. He called for action over delay.
Councilman James Taylor opposed, arguing that rent stabilization has historically failed (citing San Francisco and Michigan), leads to vacant houses, and was rushed without a fiscal impact study. He raised concerns about an Open Meetings Act (OMA) complaint against the HOPE committee. The city solicitor confirmed that the complaint does not bar a vote at this time. Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan echoed opposition, stating that supply and demand must drive prices and that the ordinance lacks a sufficient fiscal note.
Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris, Councilwoman Graves, Councilwoman Helen Peterson, Councilwoman Davidson, and Councilman Sanchez spoke in favor, emphasizing the urgency of the housing crisis, the need to protect vulnerable renters, and the comprehensive public process. Councilman Oscar Vargas and Councilwoman Ryan voted no, citing property tax burdens and potential harm to small landlords. Councilwoman Peterson acknowledged the need for independent study but voted yes, noting that similar policies in other cities have not caused broad harms.
The vote was taken by roll call: 9 ayes (Miller, Andor, Davidson, Graves, Harris, Peterson, Picardo, Roias, Sanchez) and 6 nays (Espinal, Goncalves, Taylor, Ryan, Ana Vargas, Oscar Vargas). The motion passed for the first time.
Good evening. Well, everyone, please uh quiet down so we can begin our meeting. Good evening, and welcome to the Providence City Council. On this Thursday, April 2nd. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Present. Present. Present. Majority has come. Present. Present. Present. Present. Present. Council President Chardo? Present. Council Arroyas. Present. Councilwoman Ryan. Present. Majority Whip Sanchez. Present. Councilman Taylor. Present. Councilwoman Ana Vargas. Present. Councilman Oscar Vargas. Present. You have 15 present. You have a quorum. Thank you, Madam Clerk. This evening the invocation will be given by Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris. Will everyone including our guests, please rise. Father God, as we enter this week and continue this week a holy week, I want to offer a prayer of hope and encouragement. I want to offer a prayer of us really that everything that we are going through is already being considered. Being considered by a man that took today, took a cross one day, went to the cross, died on the cross, and then rose again. We understand there is a lot of hurt and uncertainty in this world today. We understand that we may be facing a war. We understand that we may not even have the necessary means, the things that the basic needs. Any discussion? Hearing none, Madam Clerk, please open the vote. The vote is open. Madam Clerk, I'm having problems. It's not working. Okay, thank you. Councilwoman Vargas. No. Meeting Judarius. And the vote is now closed. That is 15 ayes.