Approximately 16,000 registered voters live on Providence’s South Side, making up nearly 20% of the city’s electorate. With the mayoral primary approaching in September, residents from South Providence, Washington Park, and Elmwood have intensified efforts to influence their neighborhood’s future amid upcoming development projects. Activists and community members recently held a rally outside City Hall on May 12, organized by the Jacqueline Clements Park (JCP) Collective and supported by groups like DARE and local neighborhood associations. The event emphasized unity across the South Side and highlighted the community’s resilience despite historical challenges.

The JCP Collective is focused on boosting voter turnout, noting that most South Side precincts had less than 50% participation in the 2024 elections. They plan to collaborate with other neighborhood groups to increase engagement. On May 26, the JCP also hosted a second Q&A with Mayor Brett Smiley, addressing issues such as environmental justice, redevelopment of the MLK Shopping Center, and community concerns about the administration’s respect toward residents. The discussion included the impact of extensive surface parking replacing homes in Upper South Providence, symbolized by the remaining “Resistance Houses.” Residents continue urging for better representation and investment in their neighborhood.