Housing Wars in Providence | Providence News

Providence News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 18, 2026 · 1m

Providence’s mayoral race heats up as Mayor Brett Smiley and state Rep. David Morales clash in their first debate, each offering starkly different visions for tackling the city’s housing crisis—Morales pushing for rent stabilization while Smiley champions emergency rent relief, which has already been budgeted but not yet officially approved. Smiley accuses council members of blocking the funds to sabotage his reelection, while Morales insists Smiley’s plan lacks tenant protections. Morales also defends himself against criticism over a fundraiser comment about “municipal socialism,” clarifying…