Providence Local News

Mayor Brett Smiley of Providence urged residents to support Question 6, a $25 million housing bond aimed at financing affordable multifamily housing through the Providence Housing Trust Fund. Speaking at the Summer Street Apartments, a development featuring 17…

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and the Department of Art, Culture and Tourism (ACT) have introduced two grant programs totaling $750,000 to enhance the city’s cultural venues and festivals. The Cultural Facilities Improvement Grants will allocate $700,000 over…

The City of Providence announced new winter electricity rates for its Providence Community Electricity program, effective November 2026 through April 2027. The default residential rate will be 16.929 cents per kWh, which is lower than Rhode Island Energy’s Las…

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley’s Manhattan condominium is not subject to New York City’s new “pied-à-terre” tax, which targets luxury properties owned by non-primary residents. The tax applies to one- to three-family homes valued over $5 million and condos or c…

On September 1, 2026, Mayor Brett P. Smiley and the Providence Department of Housing and Human Services released the city’s first Annual Opioid Settlement Fund Report, detailing the 2025 investments and outcomes in combating the opioid crisis. Providence alloc…

The city of Providence has nearly doubled its housing supply compared to last year, according to the annual housing progress report released on Thursday. The report highlights significant growth in the number of available housing units, reflecting the city's e…

The Providence Fire Department is enhancing its emergency medical services by adding a new frontline rescue vehicle to Rescue 1 at the Broad Street Fire Station and introducing a 10th staffed rescue unit during peak demand hours. The new rescue apparatus, cost…

Mayor Brett Smiley, Governor Dan McKee, Congressman Gabe Amo, Councilwoman Mary Kay Harris, and community members celebrated the completion of a $7.5 million renovation of the Davey Lopes Recreation Center in South Providence. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marke…

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley appeared on 12 News at 4 Wednesday to talk about key topics affecting the city. He focused on preparations for the upcoming school year, addressing plans to ensure a smooth and safe return for students and staff. Smiley highlighte…

The Mayor’s office in Providence features a rotating art exhibit showcasing local artists, curated by ACT in collaboration with Mayor Smiley and his team. Exhibits change approximately every six months and include various mediums such as photography, painting,…

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, alongside key education and community leaders, announced the Providence Cradle-to-Career Strategy, a comprehensive plan to connect early childhood education, neighborhood enrichment, and career opportunities for local students. T…

Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley signed an executive order aimed at strengthening voter protections and safeguarding election integrity ahead of the 2026 election. The order establishes a centralized legal review process for any federal requests related to ele…