Noticias de la ciudad de Providence
City of Providence News
Dear Neighbor,
Providence has the potential to be a world-class city if we focus on the right things like improving the quality of our infrastructure, strengthening our public safety strategy, and investing in out-of-school-time learning for Providence youth. While we must make difficult financial decisions to ensure we are passing a balanced budget and that the city is prepared for the increasing likelihood of a recession, I am proud to say my first proposed budget still focuses on all the major issues residents care about most—starting with the quality of services we offer at City Hall.
We want our city to be clean and welcoming for the many people who visit it every day, which is why we proposed investing $522,000 into dedicated staff for improving trash, litter and graffiti removal. We also proposed another $193,000 in staff dedicated to making much needed sidewalk improvements so that everyone can safely use them. And as a way to make city services more accessible to our residents and business owners, we are also proposing updating our 3-1-1 system so it is more efficient for staff and user-friendly for residents. Through these investments, we are making sure we have the right people in place to do the job well and they have the tools they need to succeed.
My proposed budget would also make much needed investments in our public safety system. We would be able to increase staffing levels in both our police and fire departments so that they can better respond to calls and so that our police officers are visible within the community. That means more officers on foot patrols, bikes, and talking to our neighbors about the issues that impact them. This budget would also provide our officers with technology and training to enforce existing noise laws meant to protect the quality of life in our neighborhoods.
Lastly, this budget would invest in the education resources available to our students, so they are ready to succeed in the future. I have proposed increasing support for out-of-school time learning opportunities offered by Providence After School Alliance to $385,000, investing $580,000 in little-to-no-cost summer recreation and earn-and-learn opportunities hosted through EAT, PLAY, LEARN PVD, and increasing our communication to families about many great programs we offer through our recreation centers.
This budget is reflective of our community’s needs. I am proud of the budget we have proposed because so much of it was informed by the great conversations my team and I have had with you all. Together, we are building a Providence we will all be proud to call home.
Sincerely,
Brett P. Smiley
Mayor of Providence