Providence City Council

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

Good morning from these empty Adirondack chairs at Roger Williams Botanical Center, open from 10-4 Tuesdays through Sundays.

08/06/2026

A heat advisory is in effect from today at 11 a.m. through 8 p.m. tomorrow.

During extreme heat, it's important to take care of yourself and watch out for those around you. So make sure to drink lots of water, stay out of the sun, and familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heat stroke.

If you or someone else are experiencing signs of heat stroke, seek immediate medical attention.

And remember -- waterparks and pools are open for the season, but you can still overheat if you spend too much time outdoors. Take advantage of cooling centers like those at your local public library.

Cooling center information is available at https://www.providenceri.gov/pema/cooling-centers/ https://www.facebook.com/489749666531031/posts/1497398169099504

08/05/2026

President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo (Ward 9), Majority Leader Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), and Councilwoman Ana Vargas (Ward 7) hosted a truly colorful -- and delicious -- flag raising and reception this afternoon at City Hall.

Council President Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Councilman Oscar Vargas (Ward 15), Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14), Mayor Brett Smiley, Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, State Rep Grace Diaz, and Congressman Gabe Amo joined members of the Dominican American community in celebration of the occasion.

The event kicked off 10 days of events celebrating the culture and heritage of the Dominican diaspora in Providence.

August 9 | Dominican Festival & Parade Organized by Quisqueya en Acción (Broad St. / Juan Pablo Duarte Blvd.)

August 14 at 2:30 p.m. | Official License Plate Signing Ceremony of the RI Dominican Heritage Commemorative License Plate Law by Governor Dan McKee—a permanent symbol of history, culture, and pride. Hosted by DIHACRI at the Juan Pablo Duarte Monument (Roger Williams Park, Broad St. Entrance)

August 16 | Flower Offering to Juan Pablo Duarte Presented at Roger Williams Park by Nueva Generación Duartiana, DIHACRI, and the Greater Quisqueyana Community

08/04/2026

Councilman Oscar Vargas (Ward 15) was joined by Councilman Juan M. Pichardo - Providence Ward 9 and Providence City Councilor Miguel Sanchez (Ward 6) to celebrate the new library coming soon to Joslin Recreation Center! With the vision and hard work of our partners at Community Libraries of Providence, the satellite library will expand opportunities for Olneyville neighbors to come together in the community.

08/04/2026

President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo, Majority Leader Pedro Espinal, and Councilwoman Ana Vargas invite you to attend a flag raising and reception tomorrow at City Hall celebrating the deep cultural ties between Providence and the Dominican Republic and honoring the contributions of the Dominican American diaspora to our city’s vibrant tapestry.

📅 Wednesday, August 5th at 1:00 p.m.
📍Providence City Hall, 25 Dorrance Street

Wednesday’s flag raising initiates ten days of events celebrating Dominican culture in Providence. This period includes

💠the highly anticipated Dominican Festival & Parade by Quisqueya en Accion, scheduled for August 9th
💠the presentation of flowers by Nueva Generación Duartiana at the monument of the Dominican Republic's founder, Juan Pablo Duarte, on August 16th at Roger Williams Park

Community leaders, members of the diaspora, media, and all residents are invited to attend. Both the United States and the Dominican Republic flags will be raised in a symbol of unity, victory, and resilience.

08/03/2026

History came to life at North Burial Ground yesterday as Sue AnderBois for Rhode Island (Ward 3) joined City Cemetery Director Annalisa Heppner to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Together they reflected on the life and legacy of Stephen Hopkins, one of the signers, who is buried at NBG. Inspired by the conviction of his quote "my hand trembles, but my heart does not," attendees were invited to honor his bravery by committing to action and make change in their communities.

07/31/2026

President Pro Tempore Juan M. Pichardo, Majority Leader Pedro Espinal, and Councilwoman Ana Vargas invite you to attend a flag raising and reception in honor of the deep cultural ties between Providence and the Dominican Republic and celebrating the contributions of the Dominican American diaspora to our city’s vibrant tapestry.

📅 Wednesday, August 5th at 1:00 p.m.
📍Providence City Hall, 25 Dorrance Street

Wednesday’s flag raising initiates ten days of events celebrating Dominican culture in Providence. This period includes

💠the highly anticipated Dominican Festival & Parade by Quisqueya en Accion, scheduled for August 9th
💠the presentation of flowers by Nueva Generación Duartiana at the monument of the Dominican Republic's founder, Juan Pablo Duarte, on August 16th at Roger Williams Park

Community leaders, members of the diaspora, media, and all residents are invited to attend. Both the United States and the Dominican Republic flags will be raised in a symbol of unity, victory, and resilience.

07/31/2026

Whew, what a night! Councilwoman Shelley Peterson (Ward 14) and State Representative Jenni Furtado cohosted a Peruvian Independence Day Celebration for the ages.

The event honored the 205th anniversary of Peruvian Independence with music, dancing, delicious food from Machu Picchu, and awards for recognition of community service and impact.

The winners were Piero Colonna of the City of East Providence Fire Department and Doris Blanchard of CommerceRI.

See more photos (and videos!) at https://www.flickr.com/photos/pvdcitycouncil/albums/72177720334927596/

07/30/2026

Ward 14 has always been pretty, but now the vibes are truly immaculate at... the 770 Admiral Street bus stop??

It's true! Join Councilwoman Shelley Peterson tomorrow to see how public art can transform our neighborhoods with the official unveiling of the Admiral Street bus stop's brand-new mural from acclaimed local artist Greg Pennisten.

📅Friday, July 31st
📍770 Admiral Street