Providence City Council approves $635 million 2026 budget without tax increase

The Providence City Council voted on Monday to approve a $635 million budget for the 2026 fiscal year, passing items three through seven on a roll-call vote while councilors and committee leaders said the administration did not propose a tax increase.

Chairman Miguel Sanchez thanked members of the Ways and Means Committee, council staff and the City Solicitor's Office for a weeks-long process that culminated in the proposed budget. "I just want to quickly rise and thank all of the committee members," he said, praising multiple colleagues and staff for the time spent preparing the plan.

The council recorded support for investments the committee prioritized, including increased funding for libraries, recreation centers, homelessness response and sustainability programs, and a $6.9 million allocation for sidewalks on the Mile of History, councilors said. The budget also creates a new staff position focused on veterans and aging residents, which supporters said will improve outreach and services.

Councilman Oscar Vargas described the plan as "a good budget" and emphasized that the administration is not raising taxes. "The good thing of this budget is the administration is not raising your taxes," he said, and noted that the budget total rose by about $11 million from the prior year. Vargas also cited a $1 million line for rental assistance that he and colleagues hope can be expanded in future years.

Deputy Majority Leader Harris, speaking near the conclusion of his service on the council, called it the "best budget" he has worked on and praised the cross‑council cooperation that produced the plan.

The motion to pass items three through seven for the first reading was made by an attendee identified in the record as "Attorney Leader" and seconded. A roll-call vote followed; the clerk announced 14 votes in the affirmative and one absent and declared the matters approved for the first reading.

Several councilors noted remaining work and the need for ongoing oversight after passage. Councilor Mendez Bond said the process had been "transparent and thorough" and highlighted that the budget funds infrastructure work, schools investment (a schools figure was referenced in the record but not clearly specified), and services for seniors and veterans.

The council adjourned at 4:30 p.m.; members were reminded of a Pride Month exhibit kickoff later in the week.