PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today in the Providence City Council Chambers before a crowd of City and State, elected and appointed officials, as well as business, non-profit, community and education leaders, proposed a $744,965,176 budget for Fiscal Year 2019 for the City of Providence that prepares the capital city for continued growth and success.
In his fourth budget address, Mayor Elorza highlighted a fourth consecutive year with no tax increases for Providence residents, as well as strategic investment aimed to strengthen neighborhoods; expand economic opportunity for all residents; improve school infrastructure; increase year-long educational and employment opportunities for youth; and will further support community resources.
Mayor Elorza placed progress achieved in recent years at the forefront of his address. Citing the economic momentum that Providence is experiencing with widespread development, a lower unemployment rate since taking office and a surging housing market, he emphasized the need for continued neighborhood investments to maintain it.
The Mayor emphasized his commitment to improving the way business is done at City Hall through the streamlining of municipal government services and processes, the adoption responsible and transparent budgeting practices and better management, rather than placing additional burden on taxpayers. He announced that the FY19 proposed budget holds the line on taxes, encompasses a reduction to the motor vehicle tax and sets aside $3.6 million for the City's rainy day fund. By the end of the current year, the City will have paid off its cumulative deficit and eliminate $7 million in old judgments and liabilities that predate the Elorza Administration.
Improving education has been paramount for Mayor Elorza throughout his term. The budget for FY19 reflects the Mayor's deep commitment to supporting and preparing students for success with investments in schools and in continued and new supports.
For needed infrastructure repairs to Providence Public Schools, Mayor Elorza announced a proposal for a $20 million Providence Public Building Authority (PPBA) bond. In addition to sustaining the $3.6 million increase in funding for the Providence Public School District (PPSD) made last fiscal year—the first increase in seven years—the budget backs the continuation of seven Middle School Culture Coordinators and Turnaround Arts: Providence, a national public-private partnership that leverages the arts to improve student performance. The City will achieve a one-to-one student-to-computer ratio this year with a $1.7 million investment to purchase additional Chromebooks and desktops. As part of a new initiative that supports the health and well-being of students, a Menstrual Hygiene Products Program for Providence middle and high schools will be piloted.
With a focus on expanding access to yearlong educational, occupational and recreational opportunities for young residents, the FY19 budget supports programs that will engage youth, connect them with valuable experiences to enhance their development under the lens of the City's Cradle to Career strategy.
As part of the budget, an investment of $1 million in summer learning opportunities introduced last fiscal year that enrolled over 850 students in free programming will be continued. Additionally, the Providence Recreation Department will receive funding to provide additional recreation camps and offer new morning programming in recreation centers.
FY19 also marks a second year of investment in the One Providence for Youth: Summer Jobs initiative, which more than doubled the amount of youth summer employment opportunities in 2017 and incorporated internships with private and non-profit sectors in 2018. It also continues funding for the innovative PVD Young Makers program that expands access to making spaces through a partnership with Providence Community Libraries. The Providence After School Alliance (PASA), whose mission is to expand and improve quality after-school, summer, and other expanded learning opportunities, will also see a $25,000 increase support from the City. The ten percent increase is the first in seven years.
The FY19 budget maintains direct investments in the city's diverse communities aiming to enhance the quality of space and quality of life for every resident. To supplement work by the Office of Economic Opportunity to expand opportunities for low-income, unemployed and underemployed residents, the budget allows for the hiring of a deputy director. The budget also continues support for critical community resources including the Providence Community Libraries and Amos House's "A Hand Up Program" that provided employment to 350 individuals experiencing homelessness and helped 40 secure full time positions. A Deputy Licensing Administrator is supported through this budget to provide additional support for those doing business with the Department of Licensing. A Purchasing Strategy Manager entrusted to analyze market trends and streamline purchasing is also supported. Lastly, $350,000 is set aside for downtown arts programming and to continue PVDFest.
The details of the Mayor's proposed budget can be viewed online by visiting http://providence.budget.socrata.com.