Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera delivers 2026 budget address

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WLNE) — Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera delivered the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Address on Monday.

The proposed budget, which amounts to almost $22 million, included education, housing, public safety, and economic development in the city.

At the address, Rivera highlighted the following:

• The progression of the new Central Falls High School, which is on track and set to open by early 2026
• Creation of a Community Advisory Board, which has been designing a new governance structure for Central Falls
• The launch of a new Central Falls Business Center, which would be a “resource hub for local entrepreneurs, business owners, and job seekers.”
• The construction of El Centro, a new community resource center, is underway and is predicted to open in 2026
• The development of affordable housing
• Investments in community policing, domestic violence outreach, and lead safety
• Infrastructure upgrades and capital investments in departments, citing Public Works and the Central Falls Fire Department
• Upgrades to parks and outdoor spaces, citing the new River Island Park exercise equipment and a new baseball field at Pierce Park
• The administration’s focus on bringing in outside dollars through grants and fundraisers
• The City’s roadmap for the future, including a 20-year blueprint for growth in housing, the economy, environment, and transportation

“This is a budget rooted in responsibility, compassion, and hope,” Rivera said. “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.”

The budget still needs to be reviewed and approved by the City Council.

For more information, residents can review the proposed budget on the city’s website.