David Talan is a Providence community activist and retired engineer. He co-chairs the Providence Republican Party and has served as president of the Reservoir Triangle Neighborhood Association. He has also coached and volunteered with the Elmwood Little League.
Role at the time: In his September 14, 2026 interview with Steve Ahlquist, published September 15
Condemned
Statement summary
Talan argues that rent control would deter construction and favors expanding housing supply. Interviewer Steve Ahlquist challenges his account of New York's experience.
“What it does do is prevent new construction. That’s the real problem.”
The case tracks Providence's proposed rent cap. Talan opposes rent control because he believes it would block construction; the interview makes the policy reference explicit.
Providence's proposed ordinance would cap standard annual rent increases at 4% for covered housing. Read the text, Smiley's veto rationale and Morales's support. The proposal did not become law.
