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Providence council approves $5.4 million CDBG budget for 2026–27
Summary
The City Council approved the Community Development Block Grant budget of approximately $5.4 million for program year 2026–27, with detailed allocations to housing, facilities, public services and neighborhood investments; vote recorded 12 ayes, 1 recused, 2 absent.
The Providence City Council voted to approve the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget for program year 2026–27, a package the chairwoman described as totaling approximately $5,400,000 and supporting housing, facility improvements, public services and neighborhood investments across the city's 15 wards.
Chairwoman Mary Kay Harris presented the budget and highlighted allocations: about $1,380,000 invested in housing (rehabilitation, home repairs and affordable housing initiatives); more than $750,000 for facility improvements to community infrastructure; over $600,000 for public services supporting frontline organizations (food, health care, youth programming and services for vulnerable residents); and roughly $750,000 in neighborhood investments distributed across all wards.
"This year allocation represents a total investment of approximately $5,400,000 in CDBG funding," Harris said, calling the proposal "a balanced and intentional approach" and thanking Department of Housing and Human Services staff and committee members for their work. Multiple councilors praised Harris's leadership on the IRP committee and noted the competitive and collaborative committee review process that produced the budget.
The council approved the budget on a roll-call vote; the clerk recorded 12 ayes, 1 recusal (Councilor Davidson) and 2 absent. Council members said the funds would be paired with federal resources (HOME, ESG and HOPWA) to support housing stability, community centers and small-business workforce initiatives.
The budget will fund community centers, affordable housing initiatives, homelessness services and nonprofit partners across the city; staff and committee leaders will proceed with grant agreements and program implementation consistent with federal CDBG requirements.
