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Mayor Maria Rivera Delivers FY2026 Budget Address Focused on Responsibility and Resilience for Central Falls

Central Falls, RI – In her FY2026 Budget Address delivered Monday evening, Mayor Maria Rivera outlined a bold, community-driven vision for Central Falls, highlighting big strides in education, housing, public safety, and economic development while responding to the financial challenges and realities impacting municipalities across the country.

“This is a budget rooted in responsibility, compassion, and hope,” said Mayor Rivera. “Even in the face of federal funding cuts and rising costs, we have protected the services our residents rely on, invested in our future, and kept our city moving forward—without drastic tax increases or painful cuts.”

Key Highlights of Mayor Rivera’s FY2026 Budget Address:

  • New Central Falls High School on Track: The new high school building is on schedule, on budget, and set to open by early 2026—marking a major investment in the city’s students, teachers, and future of education in the city.
  • Empowering the Local School Community: Following an in-depth analysis of CF Schools with input from hundreds of families, teachers, students, and community members, a Community Advisory Board was launched and has been working to design a new governance structure for the district––one that brings Central Falls voices back to the table after decades of state control, while recognizing the city’s financial limitations.
  • New CF Business Center Launch: The city is launching a new CF Business Center, a one-stop resource hub for local entrepreneurs, business owners, and job seekers. The effort is supported by key partners like Skills for Rhode Island’s Future, Rhode Island College, Social Enterprise Greenhouse, the RI Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and others.
  • El Centro Construction Underway: Construction on the city’s new one-stop community resource center has officially kicked off this month, and is set to open next year. El Centro will house youth and senior programs, housing and mental health support, domestic violence resources, and more.
  • Affordable Housing and Development Momentum: Major housing projects like Broad Street Homes and the School Street redevelopment are adding to the long list of affordable housing units being developed. Central Falls is currently soliciting proposals for redevelopment of the former Osram Sylvania site, which will further the city’s housing progress, along with additional parking and economic opportunity.
  • Public Safety and Health Progress: Central Falls is experiencing its lowest overall crime rate since 1989. Investments in community policing, domestic violence outreach, and lead safety have positioned the city as a national model. The return of Summer Bike Patrols, park security cameras, and safer sidewalks were also highlighted in Mayor Rivera’s address.
  • Smarter City Investments: New tools, infrastructure upgrades, and capital investments in departments like Public Works and the Fire Department are modernizing and improving city operations without expanding government size.
  • Park and Outdoor Upgrades Citywide: Central Falls continues to see upgrades citywide. From new River Island Park exercise equipment, to a transformed Pierce Park with a new baseball field, to a new playground at Jenks Park and work on the historic Cogswell Tower starting, to new Sacred Heart tennis courts, to a new Phillips Street Diversity Garden open, and more.
  • Delivering More With Less: Mayor Rivera’s Administration has been focused on bringing in outside dollars through grants and fundraising to make more programs, projects, and progress happen. The city has submitted over $5.7 million in outside funding requests this past year—and have already secured nearly $2 million in outside grants.
  • A Roadmap for the Future: The City’s new Comprehensive Plan process is underway, providing a 20-year blueprint for sustainable growth, preservation, and prosperity across housing, the economy, environment, and transportation.

“This budget reflects who we are and where we’re going,” said Mayor Rivera. “We’re building a city that delivers for its people—with equity, integrity, and bold ideas that turn into real results.”

Mayor Rivera’s proposed $21,860,867 budget for FY2026 is subject to approval by the City Council. Her budget speech and proposed FY2026 budget are available on the city’s website.

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