Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Providence City Council held its regular meeting on Thursday, October 15, 2026, with 11 members present (a quorum) and four absent. The meeting began with an invocation by Councilwoman Jill Davidson and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Councilman John Gonçalves. The council addressed multiple agenda items, including a ban on automated license plate readers, tax abatements for nonprofit organizations, and a resolution regarding historic home demolitions by Brown University.
Item 4 – Ban on Flock Cameras: Councilwoman Anderbois, lead sponsor, argued that the technology infringes on civil rights, citing data misuse and ineffectiveness in preventing crime. She noted that the system did not prevent the Brown University shooting. Councilman Gonçalves expressed support, emphasizing concerns about civil liberties, systemic racism, and the need for oversight. Council President Pro Tempore Pichardo, chair of the Committee on Hope, stated the issue would receive public hearings. The item was referred to committee.
Items 29–30 – Parking and Floodplain Regulations: Councilwoman Anderbois explained that item 30 clarifies parking restrictions near crosswalks to allow enforcement. Councilwoman Davidson described item 29, which aligns city building codes with state floodplain regulations to mandate protective devices (e.g., pumps, sewage ejectors). Both passed on a roll call vote (11–0).
Items 31–33 – Honoring Reverend E. Naomi Craig: Councilman Gonçalves introduced a resolution to designate the intersection of Hope Street and John Street as Reverend E. Naomi Craig Memorial Square, honoring her lifetime of community service. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
Item 34 – Tax Abatement for AS220: The council considered a substituted ordinance to abate taxes on property benefiting AS220. Councilwoman Ryan raised concerns about the lack of a fiscal note and retroactive abatement. Council President Miller later provided an estimated abatement of $80,000, noting the total bill was $165,000 and that the measure had been budgeted. The item passed on a roll call vote (10–1, with Ryan dissenting).
Items 38–39 – Tax Abatements for Nonprofit Properties: These items provided retroactive tax abatements for Shiloh Gospel Temple and Blackstone Valley Advocacy Center (supporting domestic violence services). Councilwoman Ryan objected to voting without a fiscal note. Councilwoman Peterson provided cost estimates: $32,774.08 for the Shiloh property, and $18,969.60 and $1,775.36 for two Blackstone Valley properties. Councilwoman Graves and Councilman Oscar Vargas spoke in favor, citing the organizations' community impact. The items passed (10–1, Ryan dissenting).
Items 41–44 – Brown University Historic Homes: Councilman Gonçalves introduced a resolution opposing the demolition of four historic homes in Fox Point to make way for a Brown University economics building. He noted that public pressure led Brown to preserve two of the four homes, but neighbors want all four preserved. Councilman Oscar Vargas argued that only two homes are slated for demolition and that Brown has engaged in extensive community outreach. Councilman Royus supported the resolution, citing Brown's history of displacement. The resolution passed on a voice vote.
The meeting adjourned after council members congratulated City Clerk Tina on a national publication.
Good evening, counselors, and welcome to this uh regular council meeting of the Providence City Council on this Thursday, October 15th. Madam Clerk, please call the roll. Council President Miller, present. Deputy Majority Whip Anderbois, present, Councillor Davidson, Majority Leader Espinal is absent, senior deputy majority leader Gonçalves. Present. Councilwoman Graves. Deputy Majority Leader Harris. Present. Councilwoman Peterson. Council President Pro Tempore Pichardo. Present. Councilor Royus. Present. Councilwoman Ryan. President. Majority Whip Sanchez is absent. Councilman Taylor is absent. Councilwoman Ana Vargas is absent. Councilman Oscar Vargas. Present. You have 11 present and four absent. You have a quorum. Thank you, Madam Clerk. This evening the invocation will be given by Councillor Jill Davidson. Well, everyone please rise. Thank you, Madam President. Good evening, everybody. So as we gather for today's Providence City Council meeting, I want to acknowledge and celebrate the members of the public who have joined us today, both here in this room, along with everybody who's following this meeting on Zoom, members of the press, City of Providence employees, city council staff members, and of course my fellow counselors. We're all gathered here today with our best intentions to make Providence a better place for each and every resident. Because our strength is in our collaboration and shared purpose. The matters in front of us tonight encompass so many issues. The legacy of our history, investments in our future, the balance of personal security and public safety, roads, bridges, buildings, rivers, and much more. So let's all consider these matters wisely and make the decisions that are best for Providence now and far into the future. Thank you. Thank you. And tonight's uh the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Councilman John Gonkouse. Thank you. I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, into the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Madam Clerk, item three. Motion to wave the reading of item three and move approval. Second. We have a motion from Councilman Anderbaugh and a second from Deputy Majority Leader Harris. All in favor.