Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Despite rising costs, proposed FY27 budget elevates city services without raising taxes or increasing fines
Mayor Brett P. Smiley today delivered his budget address for fiscal year 2027 to the Providence City Council, local leaders and community members. Following a year of increased inflation and federal turmoil, the proposed budget underscores Mayor Smiley’s ongoing commitment to protecting families, modernizing city services and investing in initiatives that further unite Providence’s community without increasing the financial strain on Providence’s neighbors and small businesses.
“Less than four years ago I pledged to prioritize the everyday needs of our neighbors,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “From streamlining city services to building new housing, I am proud that we built a City Hall that works directly for our community. But at the same time, I know that this last year has been difficult for many of our neighbors. Like cities across the nation, we are in an affordability crisis and our community needs relief to afford everyday essentials. That is why despite historic inflation, the balanced budget I am proposing tonight was thoughtfully developed to addresses our most pressing community needs without increasing financial strain on our neighbors.”
In addition to nationwide economic volatility, the City of Providence is facing high interest rates and aging city-owned infrastructure in need of critical repairs. Absent of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and in a year with historic extreme weather events that incurred costly repair and clean-up expenses, the Smiley Administration carefully reviewed all department expenses and supplies to reduce costs and prevent the need for increased revenue. As a result, the proposed FY27 budget does not include a tax increase or an increase to any fines.
To further support neighbors in crisis, this budget proposes a rent relief program that would provide emergency assistance grants of up to $3,000 per household to prevent eviction, foreclosure and other housing loss caused by unexpected financial challenges. The program would assist households earning up to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), with priority given to those earning at or below 60% AMI.
“At the heart of our affordability crisis is a shortage of housing that makes renting or owning a home increasingly difficult,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “For too many of our families, a temporary financial set-back can lead to eviction or displacement from their homes. That is why in this budget I am proposing an investment in a rent relief program that will provide immediate relief for individuals in crisis. And at the same time, we are tackling the root cause of the housing crisis by investing in the Providence Housing Trust Fund and working to build more affordable homes across our city so that every neighbor has a safe, stable place to call home.”
This short-term relief initiative is in conjunction with the Smiley Administration’s multi-pronged approach to addressing the housing shortage. Since taking office, the City has streamlined the development process to accelerate the construction of new housing units, aligned housing with health and human services and invested in and incentivized long-term affordable housing options. As a result, Providence is on track to exceed the state’s housing production target and is building more homes per capita than Boston and New York City.
In alignment with Mayor Smiley’s commitment to building a safer Providence, the City removed a record number of illegal guns from Providence neighborhoods in 2025 and in 2026 is already on track to outpace that record. To further elevate safety in moments of crisis, this budget proposes an investment in modern equipment for first responders to better protect our neighbors and themselves in emergencies.
“We are fully staffing our police force with officers that represent the diversity of our neighborhoods and in just three years we have graduated three new academies, matching the total number of police academies in the previous eight years combined,” said Mayor Smiley. “I’m proud to share that our public safety strategy is working. We have brought violent crime in Providence to a 30-year low – the lowest level of crime since we began collecting this data in 1990.”
Responding directly to community feedback, the Smiley Administration continues to make targeted investments in the tools and equipment needed to deliver more effective city services. Last year Providence filled over 5,000 potholes across the city, a dramatic increase from previous years due to the purchase of a new asphalt machine. In 2025 the City continued to dredge rivers and canals to prevent flooding, fixed over 11 miles of roads and completed over 650 sidewalk projects.
In a moment when diversity, equity and inclusion programs and initiatives are being reduced by the federal delegation, this budget proposes a Cultural Investment Fund to support and ensure the future of the creative celebrations that reflect and celebrate Providence’s diverse cultural backgrounds. It also proposes an increase to Providence’s community libraries which are essential resources for neighbors of all ages to access books, technology, career workshops and community gathering spaces regardless of income.
“In a year that has too often felt heavy and divisive, we’re also investing in the people and places that bring us together,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “I’ve seen firsthand the anxiety and fear instilled in our neighbors from the increasing hate, violence and chaos coming from Washington and online. But as your mayor, I want to assure you that Providence is and will remain a safe, welcoming community for all who choose to live, work or visit our great city. Together, we are building a safer, more resilient and more united Providence.”
Mayor Smiley’s full proposed FY27 budget will be posted online at openbudget.providenceri.gov and is subject to approval by the Providence City Council.