Home to asphalt plants, scrap metal facilities, oil and gas storage, and bulk salt operations, the Port of Providence has long been one of the most polluted areas in our state. For decades, our neighbors across South Providence and Washington Park have lived with persistent air pollution, noxious odors, heavy truck traffic, and repeated industrial fires. These conditions have contributed to serious public health issues, including elevated asthma rates and long-term exposure to harmful pollutants. As Mayor, David’s administration will hold these corporate polluters accountable. 

During the 2025 legislative session, David helped pass a state law allowing the City of Providence to establish a “two-tier” commercial tax structure. This reform allows Providence to set different tax rates based on commercial property use. As Mayor, David will work with the Tax Assessor’s Office to introduce a city budget that fully utilizes this authority by setting a higher commercial tax rate for industrial facilities operating near the Port of Providence (properties covered under the ProvPort agreement would be excluded as they already operate under a separate financial agreement with the city).