Brett Smiley vetoes Providence's rent stabilization ordinance
Mayor of Providence, explaining his veto in a signed letter to the council president.
“In Providence, this ordinance would also shift the tax burden onto single-family homeowners...”
Source and context
Reporting
About this source
Reports the veto and Smiley's argument that rent regulation would discourage construction and shift taxes onto homeowners. It also describes exceptions and proposed eviction assistance. Those predicted effects are attributed to Smiley.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Official statement
About this source
The council's public explanation records passage on April 16, 2026, the mayor's veto on April 17 and the unsuccessful override. Its arguments for the proposal are presented by supporters on the council and do not represent every councilor.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
The council passed the ordinance on April 16. Smiley had opposed the proposal before vetoing it on April 17.
After the quotation
His letter also argued that rent regulation would discourage construction. The council subsequently attempted to override his veto but did not secure enough votes.
How this statement is classified
Responding to: Providence's proposed rent stabilization ordinance would constrain housing supply and shift the tax burden onto single-family homeowners.
The label describes this statement’s response within the context above.
Why this label?
Relative to adopting the proposed 4% rent-cap framework, Smiley rejects it through his veto and argues against its expected effects. His opposition addresses the policy itself.
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Should Providence cap annual rent increases at 4%?
Explore the case context, sources and public responses.
More from this case
Read the full case“In January, I intend to work with the city council when they reintroduce the rent stabilization ordinance.”Read statement
“I do believe it will make things worse and not better in Providence for home affordability.”Read statement
“After years of community organizing, the Providence City Council has passed Rent Stabilization!”Read statement