Providence City Council Meeting | Committee on Ordinances | May 13th 2026

The Providence City Council Committee on Ordinances met on May 13, 2026, to discuss two main agenda items: amendments to the Providence External Review Authority (PERA) ordinance and changes to the city zoning ordinance related to entertainment. The PERA ordinance amendments focused on expanding civilian oversight of the Providence Police Department, including granting PERA greater access to police records and investigative materials, establishing an independent early warning system, and clarifying the scope and authority of PERA's investigations. Extensive public testimony was heard, with strong community support for enhanced police accountability and transparency, while the police department expressed concerns about operational and legal risks, particularly regarding parallel investigations and access to sensitive information. The committee agreed to move the ordinance forward to the full council for a vote after further review. The zoning ordinance amendments aimed to clarify and update regulations around incidental and live entertainment at bars and restaurants, including licensing and enforcement responsibilities. Public comments raised concerns about enforcement gaps and the need for a working group to address these issues before advancing the ordinance. The committee acknowledged these concerns and the importance of balancing neighborhood protections with business interests.