Council approves study of small-business decline in 02908 and refers it to committee

The Providence City Council voted to refer a resolution to study the decline of small businesses in ZIP code 02908 and explore targeted investments to stabilize local merchants.

Councilwoman Peterson introduced the resolution, citing at least eight or nine closures in the 02908 area in the past eight months and asking for a six-month assessment to identify policy and investment strategies to help neighborhood merchants. She cited work by a local group (the 02908 Merchants Collective) and requested the study be citywide if findings indicated broader patterns.

Councilwoman Andrade co-sponsored the resolution and described gaps in existing state and city programs that leave micro-businesses under-served.

Outcome: The motion passed and the clerk referred items 29 and 30 to the Committee on Hope for consideration; item 31 was referred to the Committee on Finance.