RI Coalition of Housing Providers

09/18/2026

09/18/2026

Now that Providence Mayor Brett Smiley has been defeated in the primary, where does the rent control debate stand? Alexandra Leslie - Journalist has a look at which incoming city councilors support the proposal: https://www.wpri.com/target-12/where-incoming-providence-city-councilors-stand-on-rent-control/

09/11/2026

It’s not just Providence about Providence. Dan Denvir of Reclaim RI explains the vision.

09/11/2026

https://pvdeye.org/providence-city-hall-reclaimed/

Over ten years ago, Senator Bernie Sanders won the Democratic primary race for president in Rhode Island with 55% of the vote. The Democratic Socialist would end up losing to Hillary Clinton, but the spirit of that campaign is still alive in Providence a decade later—and it just reclaimed City Hal...

09/11/2026

The Rhode Island Coalition of Housing Providers would like to congratulate Kim Ahern for her victory in the Democratic Primary for Attorney General. We admire Ahern’s extensive professional experience, balanced approach, and inclusive nature. We wish her luck as she heads towards the November general election.

09/10/2026

Statement on the 2026 Providence Democratic Mayoral Primary

The Rhode Island Coalition of Housing Providers congratulates Representative David Morales on his victory in the Democratic primary for mayor of Providence. Although RICOHP’s positions differ significantly from those of Representative Morales on many housing issues, we share a respect for the democratic process and the voices of Providence voters.

Following Representative Morales’ victory, a message circulated on social media declaring, “Hope will always outshine fear.” While likely intended for his supporters, that sentiment may resonate with voters on both sides of the primary for different reasons. As Providence moves forward, we hope our shared commitment to the well-being of our capital city—and our state—will prevail over political divisions.

Rhode Islanders broadly recognize that affordability is among the most pressing challenges facing our communities. The costs of insurance, utilities, taxes, construction materials, groceries, healthcare, fuel, and other necessities have increased considerably, placing tremendous pressure on residents, businesses, and housing providers alike. Although we may disagree about the most effective solutions, RICOHP remains steadfast in advocating for practical policies that expand housing opportunities, protect affordability, and strengthen Rhode Island’s housing market.

We also thank Mayor Brett Smiley for his service and recognize the progress made on housing during his administration. His administration’s work provides a strong foundation upon which Providence’s future leaders, housing providers, residents, and community partners can continue building.

RICOHP is optimistic that all Providence stakeholders will have a meaningful voice in the city’s next chapter. We remain ready to engage constructively, share our expertise, and work toward solutions that support a safe, vibrant, and affordable Providence for all.

09/09/2026

VOTE TODAY! 🇺🇸

So who decides the results of elections? That is up to you!

In past elections, only about 15% of eligible voters cast their vote. That means a minority of Rhode Islanders chose policy and pathways in our state for the majority. Additionally, 85% of elections in our state are decided in the Democratic Primary.

You have more power than you know, and it all starts at the ballot box! It is time to make YOUR VOICE HEARD!

What can you do?

Research the candidates on your ballot: See your ballot here.
VOTE: Find polling locations and hours for here: https://vote.sos.ri.gov/Home/PollingPlaces?ActiveFlag=2

If you are an unaffiliated voter, vote in the primary that has the largest impact on your area. (Example: Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, are all decided in the Democratic Primary as deep blue cities).

09/07/2026

THAT MEANS JOB LOSS! Montgomery County, MD recently passed rent control. Prior to rent control there was an average of almost 600 new building permits pulled every quarter. Immediately after the passage of rent control, that number dropped to an average of 23 per quarter. That 97% reduction is also reflective of job loss. Less projects means less opportunity for local area trades people - laborers, carpenters, crane operators, plumbers, electricians, painters, and the list goes on. Every day in Rhode Island, the construction industry fuels our local economy and jobs market! Rent control is a threat to our progress in housing production as well as job opportunities for working families. 🏘️

09/07/2026

“David Baskin, 55, is one of them, and he has a compelling backstory. He was brought here at age 9 from the Soviet Union by refugee parents who settled in South Providence, worked minimum wage jobs and eventually got into real estate buying a two-family.

Baskin, a URI grad, has made that his career, creating many city living units through both new builds and remodels.

He told me it’s not an easy business, navigating permitting, financing and construction.

He’s proud not just of adding housing to Providence, but also of the taxes and jobs it contributes – architects, carpenters, laborers, crane operators; it’s a long list.

Yet Baskin has decided to defer five potential Providence projects for fear that rent control, with its 4%-a-year cap on increases, could undermine the business models.

Among the challenges that keep him up at night: rent control makes banks and investors cut back on what they’ll loan builders because of limited upsides, adding another hurdle.” 🏘️

Some Providence developers are delaying projects over rent control fears. Morales says exemptions make those concerns overblown. See link below ⬇️

📸 David DelPoio/The Providence Journal

09/01/2026

One of the worst squatter stories imaginable. This is property theft on a grieving daughter’s worst day.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1WBr1DsHjN/?mibextid=wwXIfr