Providence mayor Smiley, HHS release FY2026 Housing Progress Report

Providence, RI Mayor Brett Smiley and the Providence Department of Housing and Human Services (HHS) released the city’s second annual Housing Progress Report, highlighting significant progress in creating new homes, preserving existing affordable housing and protecting residents experiencing housing instability.

In FY2026, Providence issued certificates of occupancy for 988 new residential units, nearly twice the number brought online in FY2025. Approximately 40% of those newly completed units were affordable, nearly four times the state’s 10% requirement for low- and moderate-income housing. The city also permitted 726 additional residential units, exceeding the annual production target established for Providence under the state’s housing 2030 plan by 17%.

“Providence is building and completing new homes at a pace we have not seen in decades,” said Smiley. “By removing barriers to development, investing directly in affordable housing and putting underused public properties back to work, we are creating more housing choices for Providence neighbors. We know there is much more work ahead, but this report shows that our strategy is producing meaningful results.”

In addition to nearly doubling the number of housing units completed this year, FY2026 highlights also include:

• The city has committed more than $58.7 million through the Providence Housing Trust Fund, directly supporting more than 1,700 deed-restricted affordable homes and helping to unlock over $1 billion in public and private development investment.

• Activated vacant and underused properties to create new housing, generate millions of dollars for housing programs and support equitable development.

• Made the permitting and inspection process faster and more responsive by offering same-day building inspections and responding to code complaints within 24 hours.

• Helped more than 2,500 residents remain in their homes through the city’s eviction defense partnership.

• Expanded opportunities for accessory dwelling units, with ADU permits increasing 60% since FY2025.

“Providence is showing what it looks like to say yes to housing, and I am incredibly proud of the leadership mayor Smiley and his team have demonstrated and the progress they have made,” said secretary of housing Deborah Goddard. “Through thoughtful planning, a strong and pragmatic policy agenda, and meaningful investment, Providence is producing and preserving more homes while helping to build a stronger, more affordable community. We are grateful for Providence’s partnership in advancing housing 2030 goals and for its commitment to leading by example as we work to make Rhode Island a more affordable and accessible place to call home.”

The report organizes the city’s housing work around three central goals: producing new homes, preserving existing housing and affordability, and protecting residents from displacement and housing instability. It also details zoning and permitting reforms, the redevelopment of vacant and underused public properties, shelter and homelessness response efforts, and planned housing investments for FY2027.

Today’s announcement was held at 327 Elmwood Ave., where a 44-unit affordable housing development by the Women’s Development Corp. is advancing with support from the city’s $1 million commitment from the Providence Housing Trust Fund. 

“Women’s Development Corp.’s plans for 327 Elmwood Ave. show what’s possible with innovative city leadership: a land bank that unlocks the right sites, a planning department working hand-in-hand with developers and the community to maximize units created and early investments that build momentum to bring the financing pieces together,” said Frank Shea, WDC executive director.

“Providence is showing what happens when you have a clear plan, make sustained investments, and work alongside committed partners to follow through,” said HHS director Emily Freedman. “Our strategy is working: we are building more homes, rapidly expanding the supply of quality affordable housing, preserving homes that already exist, and strengthening the supports that help our neighbors remain housed. These results show that our three-part approach to producing, preserving, and protecting is making a real difference, and we are ready to build on that progress in the year ahead.”

The complete FY2026 Housing Progress Report is available at providenceri.gov/housing.