2022 Cranston Budget Includes 3 New Diversity Initiatives

CRANSTON, RI — The Cranston City Council voted to improve an amended city budget for the 2022 fiscal year Thursday night. The budget includes funding for three new, diversity-focused initiatives.

John Donegan, who represents the council's third ward, said the amendments were "net neutral ... [that] move funding towards departments and programs that will benefit our community."

The first is a full-time position with the city's Board of Canvassers, focused on making elections more bilingually accessible.

In addition, the budget includes $20,000 for the Parks and Recreation Department, to subsidize summer camp tuition costs for children of low-income residents.

Finally, the budget gave $10,000 to the Diversity Commission, which will fund programs and training sessions.

"While no budget is perfect, we believe that the amendments we offered and supported highlight
the City Council Democrats’ commitment to, and investment in our Cranston community," Donegan said.