Special Committee on H.O.P.E. | Regular Meeting | May 11th, 2026 | 5:30pm

The Providence City Council's Special Committee on H.O.P.E. held a regular meeting on May 11, 2026, primarily focused on preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup fan zone event in Providence. The discussion detailed the event's scope, including a 39-day fan zone at Station Park with food vendors, merchandise sales, and cultural activations. The committee reviewed the permitting process, public safety plans involving local police and private security, and coordination with state agencies for venue use. Budget allocations were discussed, noting approximately $750,000 in combined state and local funding, supplemented by federal public safety appropriations routed through Boston. The event aims to boost local economic activity through increased tourism and vendor participation, with ongoing efforts to manage transportation, sanitation, and neighborhood impact. No formal votes on procurement were recorded, but the meeting highlighted vendor engagement and contract coordination for security and event services.