Currently holds the office of Providence City Council - Ward 1 until December 31, 2026.
Candidate for Providence City Council - Ward 1 in 2026 Rhode Island Primary Election.
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Get StartedHistorical and systemic racial wage disparity and inaccessibility to business owners have left many people of color behind. We must fight for more inclusion for all entrepreneurs regardless of their heritage. Learn more
All of our residents have a fundamental right to live with dignity, access to economic resources, social inclusion, and the greatest quality of life. As such, these plans articulate a vision to help us tackle the quality of life challenges before us and ultimately build a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous city. To do this, we must eliminate any complacency in our city government. With a more effective and efficient government spearheaded by persistent leadership, we can enable residents, businesses, and organizations to thrive and be as successful as they can be. Ultimately, our vision is to secure a better future for all, and the people of Providence deserve nothing less. We must model this leadership and advocate for the cleanest and safest streets the city has ever seen. We must foster a sense of ownership and participation among all of our residents and all chip in to do our part. Learn more
In an effort to support entrepreneurs from all communities, the city of Providence must adopt a convenient, efficient, and accessible method for acquiring small business licenses and permits. This includes clear process information, multilingual communication, and full transparency for timelines and requirements. Learn more
A strong educational foundation leads to improved employment opportunities, but Providence's cultural and economic diversity requires more than an advanced curriculum. We recognize the need for expanded vocational training options to improve the chances of getting jobs that pay livable wages. Boosting the opportunities for job training, service trades, and other vocational industries will increase future success for students who do not attend a four-year college after graduating high school. Learn more
Current difficulties with the pandemic and the systemic changes it causes to our educational systems do not make other issues disappear. Our communities also grapple with a history of racial injustice and inequality that threatens some students' ability to get a quality education. New initiatives must actively fight against racism, segregation, and the militarization of schools in every community across Providence. The school-to-prison pipeline must be disrupted, and undocumented students need the same respect and opportunities as all the rest. Learn more
The Climate Justice includes strong plans to improve employment opportunities in renewable energy and other eco-friendly industries. We will push to make these changes so more workers receive fair wages, healthcare and other benefits, and a safe workplace environment. This initiative will include public schools, technical schools, work training centers, and organized labor unions. Our goal of economic justice for all requires firm dedication to sustainable living and opportunity. Learn more
The overall carbon footprint expands when buildings and transport systems lack eco-friendly features. We can increase comfort, efficiency, and public health by installing high-quality heaters, solar panels, and stormwater collection and use systems. Not only will the quality of life increase, but utility costs will go down. The same types of improvements to our transportation systems provide similar benefits. Multimodal transport reduces the need for gas-powered cars and trucks, which in turn reduces traffic and air pollution. Learn more
Pollution remains a concern in all modern cities, and Providence is no stranger to its effects on public health. People who live in South Providence experience pollution from the port while those who live in and around Fox Point experience constant air pollution from nearby highways. The reduction or elimination of these and other environmental problems will not go long away until we take strident measures to provide safe access to clean water and air for every resident. Public health depends on adopting environmentally friendly practices and managing climate change. Learn more
All residents and visitors should have the right to use ecologically official green spaces and parks around the city. Trees help moderate urban heat, air pollution, carbon emissions, and offer emotional respite and a sense of beauty and calm. Urban forests and gardens encourage everyone in the community to work together, grow healthy food for themselves and their families, and take pride in their neighborhood. Increasing green spaces, planting more trees, and developing public gardens remain some of our fervent goals. Learn more
Lower-income, working-class, immigrant and racial minority communities experience higher levels of environmental hazards such as urban heat, pollution, flooding, and other serious effects of the changing climate. We must combat environmental racism and improve access to green initiatives across all of our neighborhoods and communities. Strong action against climate change must welcome input and involvement from a diverse range of voices when it comes to creating new policies and putting plans into action. Learn more
The school system exists to foster the opportunity for a quality future for every student. Alongside fighting inequalities in educational practices, we also need to focus on mental, emotional, and behavioral health. Every student deserves the support and guidance they need to thrive from professionals who have the skills and caring demeanor necessary for the job. Promoting the accessibility of nurses, guidance counselors, and mental health professionals for all students is an important part of serving them in the best way possible. Learn more
Every resident of Providence deserves safety from violence and sufficient and appropriate support services to help. We believe that the public safety structures should offer all necessary benefits to people affected by gun violence, domestic violence, LGBTQIA and non-binary-focused violence, and other hate crimes. Social health services must include more than medical care. Appropriate counseling, mental health care, and survivor services are a necessary part of ensuring everyone's security. Learn more
All across the country and in Providence, racial injustice has become the focus of new initiatives and projects to transform public safety into public health. The city needs a new direction for the allocation of funds and the development of plans to respond to serious and traumatic situations. We need to make resource access easier and coordinate all agencies for a maximum positive effect. This includes the redirection of 911 calls concerning mental health problems and the homeless to public health experts. It also means improving communication and access to hospitals, improving how groups share public health information, and streamlining service infrastructure. Learn more
Bottom line, as a city, we struggle with temporary and chronic homelessness and need solutions that lead to long-term, accessible, and helpful housing options. Proper housing affects all public health issues and community problems in Providence. Investment and coordination of strong partnerships with a variety of services including addiction disorder treatment, mental health care, support for those with disabilities, and overall focus on assistance for anyone currently in an unstable housing situation. Learn more
The unprecedented circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have led to increased struggles when it comes to maintaining housing for many people in the city. The looming eviction and foreclosure crisis will spell disaster for the overall economic, education, health, and safety situations of Providence residents. We must work quickly to offer sufficient support to families facing housing loss. Rental relief and other programs must be put into place for the good of our communities and future. Learn more
No student will benefit from improved educational opportunities if they do not have safe and accessible transportation to and from the buildings. John proposes new policies that promote reliable transport in a variety of ways. These include free transit passes for students, bike lanes and cycling safety changes, pedestrian safety initiatives, and overall infrastructure improvements to ease traffic problems. With safer streets and convenient public transportation, students have a higher chance of succeeding educationally. Learn more
Both the public transportation systems and the streets of Providence need rethinking to maximize public health and safety. Investment in an infrastructure that supports safe pedestrian, bicycle, and motor vehicle traffic would go a long way toward managing problems associated with the pandemic and beyond. Access to safe transportation is essential for all residents in all communities. Learn more
Health, well-being, and prosperity for all cannot happen unless people have access to safe and affordable transportation they can count on. Providence's public transport systems need help from a city government to understand its importance. John battles inefficient policies that do not provide adequate economic, environmental, and racial justice for every resident. His initiatives include the addition of dedicated bus lanes, free transit options for those in need, additional bike and pedestrian safety guidelines, and smart investment in infrastructure improvements. Learn more
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