Vega ascends to Council Presidency in Central Falls

CENTRAL FALLS, RI - On Monday, January 4, 2021, the Central Falls City Council unanimously elected Jessica Vega as the City Council President.  

Vega, elected in 2018, has been a fierce advocate for children, youth, and families. She has been a leader on the issue of criminal justice reform, both serving as the President of the Central Falls Juvenile Hearing Board and as a member of the Policing and Use of Force Commission, which led to important reforms in the Central Falls Police Department. In addition, she sponsored the ordinance that repealed the youth curfew and the ordinance that prohibited the Police Department from cooperating with ICE.

"I was honored and humbled to have my colleagues place their trust in me as their leader," said Council President Vega. "I am excited to get to work with Mayor Maria Rivera on behalf of all of our amazing city residents."

In representing Ward 5, including the neighborhoods surrounding the incoming Pawtucket Central Falls train station, Council President Vega has fought against the harmful impacts of gentrification. She co-sponsored a city ordinance in 2019 that created the city's first affordable housing fund. And, she has advocated for increased investments in minority business enterprises (MBEs) and women business enterprises (WBEs).
 
Ward 4 President Pro Tempore Franklin Solano nominated Vega to the presidency stating, "Jessica leads with a compassionate heart and a mind focused on justice for all. I am proud to nominate her as the first Dominican-American Council President in our city's history."

Vega serves as the Pawtucket and Central Falls program director for the Social Enterprise Greenhouse where she encourages social innovation and supports small businesses. Previously, she was a Fellow with the New Leaders Council. She volunteered as a Real Connections Mentors, Foster Forward and Advisor for the Rhode Island Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Juvenile Justice System Project (RI-RED) through Rhode Island for Community & Justice. Vega is a graduate of Roger Williams University with a masters in Community Development.

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