Helping the Middle Class Afford Housing 

Soaring housing prices are making it harder for middle-class Providence residents to become homeowners. Too many young families feel like they have to leave the city they love just to achieve the American Dream. That is just wrong, and the city government needs to do more to help the middle class put down roots here in Providence.

Providence needs practical solutions that expand access to homeownership. During his prior tenure as the Council President and his service on the City Council, he was instrumental in establishing the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to encourage developers to build more affordable housing. In his next term, he will work to expand that program and create a new city initiative to expand assistance to first-time homebuyers.

Freezing Senior Property Taxes 

Rising property taxes are putting real pressure on seniors across Ward 5. Many longtime homeowners bought homes decades ago, raised their own families in our Ward, and helped make Elmhurst, Mount Pleasant, and Manton the terrific neighborhoods they are today. Now, rising home values have pushed tax bills higher, even as seniors on fixed incomes are being squeezed by higher costs.

Michael Solomon will support freezing property taxes for Providence senior homeowners. Under this approach, the property tax rate would adjust to the market only when ownership changes hands. This approach will provide seniors with the stability to age in their homes, rather than forcing them to choose between a reverse mortgage and leaving the place where they raised their families.

Improving Senior Services

Seniors are the foundation of our neighborhoods, and supporting them means ensuring they have access to the services and resources they need to age with dignity and independence.

Improving senior services includes strengthening programming at our senior center and library,  expanding access to transportation, and ensuring seniors can safe way to navigate through their neighborhood. Supporting wellness checks, social activities, and home‑based assistance helps seniors stay connected and supported in the community they helped build.

Supporting Police & First Responders

Crime rates in Providence are at an all-time low thanks to our hardworking police and the department’s proven record of community engagement. Making sure this trend continues needs to be a priority for our next City Councilor.

Michael Solomon knows that public safety is only possible when the city government supports the police officers, firefighters, and other first responders who keep our streets safe. During one of the worst budget crises in the city’s history, he helped stabilize the city’s finances while ensuring our first responders continued to receive the training and equipment they needed to do their jobs safely and effectively. 

Improving Public Schools

During his last term on the City Council, Michael Solomon led the effort to modernize our public schools and replace outdated, often unsafe, buildings with modern facilities our students and educators deserve. He knows that every child in Providence should have a high-quality public education that prepares them for college or a career in the skilled trades.

In his next term, Michael will continue to support our schools and be a vocal advocate for public schools, helping to turn the transition of public schools back to local control. Additionally, Michael will work with the  Mayor and other elected officials to ensure resources go into the classroom rather than being wasted on central office bureaucrats.

Pedestrian Safety, Walkable Neighborhoods & Strong Infrastructure

Safe, walkable streets are essential for strong neighborhoods. Improving pedestrian safety means ensuring sidewalks, crosswalks, and intersections are well‑maintained and accessible to everyone, from families with strollers to seniors who rely on safe routes to get around.

Supporting regular sidewalk repairs, improving lighting, and ensuring crosswalks and intersections are clearly marked helps keep our neighborhoods connected and safe for daily life. Strong neighborhoods also depend on strong infrastructure. Well‑maintained streets and sidewalks make it easier for residents to move around safely, support local businesses, and improve overall quality of life.

Improving sidewalk conditions, repairing damaged pavement, and ensuring ADA‑accessible routes are essential steps toward keeping Ward 5 safe and welcoming. Consistent maintenance prevents injuries, improves mobility, and strengthens the character of our community.