Approximately 16,000 registered voters—about 20% of Providence’s electorate—reside on the South Side, an area facing significant new development. As the September mayoral primary nears, South Side residents from neighborhoods like South Providence, Washington Park, and Elmwood are mobilizing to influence their community’s future. On May 12, the Jacqueline Clements Park (JCP) Collective led a rally at City Hall, joined by groups including Direct Action for Rights and Equality and neighborhood associations, emphasizing unity across the South Side. Speakers highlighted the community’s resilience despite challenges and called for greater voter engagement, noting that recent turnout has been under 50% in most precincts. The JCP Collective plans to boost participation and collaborate with other neighborhood groups citywide.

On May 26, the JCP Collective hosted a second Q&A with Mayor Brett Smiley, addressing environmental justice, redevelopment projects like the MLK Shopping Center, and community concerns about respect from the administration. The discussion also touched on the loss of homes in Upper South Providence, now largely replaced by parking lots, with only a few “Resistance Houses” remaining. Residents continue advocating for recognition and better support as the neighborhood evolves.