Mayor Brett Smiley of Providence is urging residents to vote yes on Question 6, a $25 million bond proposal to finance affordable multifamily housing through the Providence Housing Trust Fund. At an event held at the Summer Street Apartments, Smiley highlighted the city’s progress in housing, noting nearly 1,000 new homes were completed last fiscal year, with about 40% designated as affordable. Since FY2023, Providence has added nearly 3,000 housing units, 25% of which are affordable. The Housing Trust Fund has been pivotal, committing over $58.7 million to support more than 1,700 deed-restricted affordable homes and unlocking over $1 billion in investment. The bond would replenish this fund, helping to close financing gaps for affordable housing projects.

Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, Senator Jake Bissaillon, and housing advocates also voiced support for the bond, emphasizing the need for sustained public investment to address the housing crisis affecting working families. The proposed local bond complements a statewide $120 million housing bond (Question 2), with both measures aimed at expanding affordable housing options and stabilizing communities. The Summer Street Apartments, developed with combined city, state, federal, and private funding, exemplifies the impact of coordinated investments. Approval of both bonds would enhance resources to build more affordable homes for Providence residents.