CENTRAL FALLS, RI (May 11, 2026)—In her FY2027 Budget Address delivered Monday evening, Mayor Maria Rivera outlined a forward-looking vision for Central Falls focused on community investments, fiscal responsibility, and protecting residents during a time of economic uncertainty and rising costs nationwide.
“This budget reflects who we are,” said Mayor Rivera. “A city that shows up for one another. A city that continues to deliver big projects, big progress, and big impact for our residents—even during some of the most challenging times families are facing.”
Mayor Rivera’s address focused on continuing transformative projects across the city while maintaining essential services, strengthening financial stability, and investing in residents’ quality of life.
Highlights of Mayor Rivera’s FY2027 Budget Address:
- New Central Falls High School Opened & New Pre-K Through 8 School Transformation Underway: The city celebrated the opening of the brand new Central Falls High School this year, marking one of the largest educational investments in city history. This summer, work will begin transforming the former high school into a new dual-language Pre-K through 8 school focused on bilingual and biliterate learning opportunities for students.
- Progress Toward Local School Governance: Following years of collaboration and planning, Central Falls is closer than ever to ending the longest-running state takeover of schools in American history. The FY2027 budget includes a new annual contribution to education funding equivalent to 1% of the prior year tax levy as part of the city’s long-term commitment to students and schools.
- Infrastructure & Quality of Life Improvements Across the City: Major infrastructure improvements are underway citywide, including Hunt Street roadwork, sidewalk repairs, pothole repairs, and expanded public works investments. The budget also includes a new dump truck and additional staffing support to improve responsiveness and customer service.
- Housing Development Momentum Continues: Central Falls continues to advance major housing developments across the city, including projects at 44 Central Street, 23 Central Street, 42 Washington Street, 28 Cross Street, and the School Street redevelopment project. These developments will add affordable and ADA-accessible housing opportunities for residents and working families.
- Launch of Central Falls Promise: In partnership with Providence Promise and the Central Falls School District, the city launched Central Falls Promise, ensuring every kindergarten student begins school with a college savings account to help expand long-term educational opportunity for families.
- El Centro Opening This Year: Construction continues on El Centro, the city’s new one-stop community resource center, which is now expected to open by the end of this year. The facility will provide youth programming, family support services, workforce resources, senior programming, and more, including a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Rhode Island.
- Supporting Families During Challenging Times: Mayor Rivera highlighted the city’s response to growing immigration-related fears and economic hardship impacting residents. Through the Family Emergency Fund, launched in partnership with Fuerza Laboral, the city and community partners have raised nearly $90,000 and supported more than 150 families.
- Public Safety Investments & Community Partnerships: The city continues investments in public safety through trauma-informed School Resource Officers, youth mentorship programs, domestic violence prevention efforts, dispatch modernization, and public safety facility upgrades. Mayor Rivera also introduced Hope, the Police Department’s new comfort dog trained to support residents during moments of crisis and recovery.
- Parks, Recreation & Community Spaces Continue to Grow: Residents are seeing continued improvements across Central Falls parks and recreational facilities, including Jenks Park, River Island Park, and the Francis L. Corrigan Sports Complex. Projects include playground upgrades, Cogswell Tower restoration, expanded recreational amenities, new basketball courts, and greenspace improvements.
- Expanded Programming for Residents of All Ages: The city launched a new Senior Club this year and expanded youth workforce development, arts, recreation, and inclusive programming opportunities, including wheelchair tennis partnerships and expanded cultural programming citywide.
- Economic Development & Workforce Investment: Mayor Rivera announced the launch of a new Mayor’s Business Advisory Council and ongoing implementation of the city’s Economic Development Plan in partnership with Skills for Rhode Island’s Future and other organizations. The city is also increasing efforts to connect local businesses with city contract opportunities.
- Delivering More With Less: Despite challenging financial conditions, the city continues to secure outside resources to support critical programs and projects. Mayor Rivera announced that Central Falls has raised more than $3.1 million in outside funding over the last year to support parks, education, public safety, infrastructure, youth programs, and community initiatives.
“This was not an easy budget,” said Mayor Rivera. “We made difficult decisions, reviewed every department carefully, and focused on protecting the services our residents rely on while continuing to invest responsibly in our future.”
Mayor Rivera’s proposed $22,938,847 budget for FY2027 is subject to approval by the City Council. Her budget speech and proposed FY2027 budget are available on the city’s website.