GET TO KNOW
THE ISSUES
Our neighbors deserve to live in a city they can afford and feel safe calling home. It’s time to reinvest in the creativity and community that make Providence so special. Here’s how:
Housing
Affordability
All across Providence, housing costs are skyrocketing, and our neighbors are being priced out. As Mayor, David will focus on capping rent hikes, building more affordable homes, and stabilizing property taxes.
CAPPING RENT HIKES AT 4%: Unlike Brett Smiley, David supports rent stabilization so working families, seniors, and renters aren't priced out of Providence.
STABILIZING PROPERTY TAXES: Brett Smiley proposed one of the largest property tax increases on working families in recent history. David will fight for these families by working to stabilize property taxes for homes valued under $2 million
BUILDING AFFORDABLE HOMES: David will require all new housing projects to include affordable units.
STOPPING CORPORATE TAKEOVER: Property management companies are buying out homes throughout the city. David will enforce a targeted ‘Transaction Fee' on these companies.
BETTER CONDITIONS IN PHA COMMUNITIES: David will direct new resources to the Providence Housing Authority so that tenant concerns and building repairs are urgently addressed.
PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PEOPLE: David will use the Providence Redevelopment Agency to act as a public developer by acquiring underused land and transforming it into permanently affordable homes and community assets.
Building Revenue
in Our City
While Brett Smiley sought to raise taxes on homeowners and cut them for commercial landlords, David will build a fairer tax system that puts working families first and holds city spending accountable.
TAXING CORPORATE POLLUTERS: Industrial facilities near the Port of Providence have polluted our neighborhoods for decades. David will require them to contribute more toward the city services and infrastructure our communities deserve.
ENFORCING THE CITY'S VACANCY TAX: David will fully enforce Providence's vacancy tax to bring empty storefronts back to life and support local businesses.
TRANSACTION FEES ON CORPORATE LANDLORDS: Large real estate companies are driving up rents and displacing neighbors. David will implement transaction fees to hold them accountable.
HOLDING ABSENTEE LANDLORDS ACCOUNTABLE: David will strengthen enforcement of housing codes and fine landlords who allow unsafe living conditions to persist.
MAXIMIZING STATE AID FOR PROVIDENCE: David will unite Providence's State House delegation to secure more funding for schools, libraries, infrastructure, and city services.
Supporting Providence
Public Schools
Our Providence Public Schools deserve intentional investments that will support our students. For years, our schools have been understaffed, teachers have been overworked, and families have felt disconnected. As Mayor, David will partner with teachers, students, families, and the Providence School Board to address concerns related to service gaps, academic progress, building conditions, and family engagement. By introducing a city budget that prioritizes staffing needs in our public schools, Providence will be on track to guarantee high-quality instruction, mental health support, and community building for all our students.
PRIORITIZING PUBLIC SCHOOLS: As Mayor, David will fight tirelessly for our kids by building a city budget that puts the students of Providence public schools first.
MULTILINGUAL EDUCATORS: David will ensure all public schools are staffed with multilingual educators, teaching assistants, social workers, librarians, and community coordinators so every child is supported academically and emotionally. Family engagement will be a cornerstone of this transformation as parents and caregivers will be provided with the support to be active partners in their children’s success.
Transit & Mobility
Regardless of whether you walk, bike, drive, or use RIPTA, you should be able to move through Providence with ease and safety.
RAISED CROSSWALKS: As Mayor, David will install raised crosswalks—a proven safety solution—near schools, parks, rec centers, and high-traffic corridors so Providence is a more walkable city.
A BETTER RIPTA EXPERIENCE: David will work to make sure that all bus stops have a canopy, comfortable seating, and local art.
FREE BUS RIDES FOR STUDENTS: David will enter a partnership with RIPTA to provide free and universal bus rides for PPSD students, while working to eventually make it free for everyone in Providence.
IMPROVED SNOWSTORM RESPONSE: Following a winter of historic snowfall, too many of our neighbors were failed by Brett Smiley’s poor leadership. You can find our comprehensive snow removal plan here.
Protecting
Immigrants
Donald Trump has given ICE free rein to terrorize our neighborhoods through the enforcement of harsh immigration policies, the militarization of ICE agents, and the rollback of due process. David is committed to protecting all our immigrant neighbors.
ICE OUT TASK FORCE: David will establish a dedicated task force made up of frontline community organizations and neighborhood leaders to share accurate information on ICE sightings and develop plans to protect our neighbors.
Celebrating
Providence
David Morales is committed to unifying the creative capital and supporting our city’s growing talent with the following initiatives:
FREE NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERTS: David will focus on supporting existing programs while also partnering with local musicians to offer free community concerts throughout Providence.
ACCESSIBLE LIBRARIES: David will provide every community library with the staffing and resources to open on Saturdays and expand weekday hours until 8 pm.
FILM SCREENINGS AT PARKS & LIBRARIES: David will collaborate with local filmmakers and organizations like the Providence Children’s Film Festival, while streamlining the film permit process and offering support for free neighborhood film screenings.
ARTIST RESIDENCIES: As Mayor, David will bring art directly into our public housing communities and local libraries by contracting local artists to serve as resident mentors and facilitators.
NEIGHBORHOOD ART: David will partner with AS220, New Urban Arts, the Steel Yard, the Avenue Concept, and others to expand funding opportunities for neighborhood-based art projects and local artists.
ARTISTS IN SCHOOLS: David will champion a citywide effort to bring teaching artists into classrooms, to connect learning to real-world issues and strengthen social-emotional care.
CONSISTENT COMMUNITY MEETINGS: David will host regular community meetings to offer open forums where neighbors can receive direct updates from City Hall, ask questions, and share ideas.
Public Safety
Regardless of where you live or spend time in Providence, you deserve to feel safe. The Morales Administration will take a community-centered approach to public safety that combines effective emergency response, violence prevention, accountability, and restorative practices.
APPOINTING A PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSIONER
SOCIAL SERVICES AND CASE MANAGEMENT FOR NEIGHBORS IN NEED
STABILIZING OUR PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENTS
STRENGTHEN THE PROVIDENCE EXTERNAL REVIEW AUTHORITY (PERA)
IMPROVING SAFETY FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
YOUTH VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAMS
INVESTING IN SAFE, MODERN FIRE STATIONS
HOLDING FLOCK SURVEILLANCE ACCOUNTABLE TO PROVIDENCE
Climate Change
From the frequent floods on Valley Street and Branch Avenue to heatwaves that disproportionately impact our neighbors in Washington Park, our communities in Providence are constantly feeling the impact of climate change.
GENERATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS: When he’s Mayor, David will take bold action by making generational investments in stormwater maintenance systems
INVESTING IN A GREEN FUTURE: David will invest in green infrastructure projects, focus on improving public transportation, expand composting efforts, and stop industrial polluters from harming our communities. We must take action to protect our communities, stop the pollution, and secure a healthier future for every family in Providence.