PAWTUCKET – With the Nov. 3 General Election approaching, At-Large City Councilor Yesenia Rubio is reflecting on her experience in public service and outlining the priorities she believes deserve continued attention, including education, small-business development, housing, fiscal responsibility, senior services, and neighborhood quality of life.
A Pawtucket resident for more than 13 years, Rubio is a mother of two, the founder and co-owner of Notes Coffee Co., and a marketing and business professional with more than a decade of experience.
For Rubio, those experiences have shaped how she approaches her role on the City Council.
“Being a mother, a small-business owner, and a City Councilor has given me different perspectives on the challenges people face every day,” she said in a release. “I understand the importance of strong schools, safe neighborhoods, economic opportunity, and making sure families and businesses can continue to afford to call Pawtucket home.”
Since taking office in 2022, Rubio said she has advocated for continued investment in Pawtucket’s public schools, small-business incentives and resources, responsible development, senior services, and policies that support residents and strengthen neighborhoods.
Her council service has coincided with major investments across the city, including Tidewater Stadium, housing and mixed-use development, transportation infrastructure, and school construction and renovations.
Rubio said she believes the city’s economic development efforts must be balanced with the needs of existing residents and local businesses.
“As someone who has built a business here, I know firsthand the challenges small-business owners face,” she said. “When we talk about economic development, we should also be talking about how we support the businesses already serving our neighborhoods, how we attract new opportunities, and how we make it easier for entrepreneurs to succeed.”
Education remains a central priority for Rubio, who has supported continued investment in Pawtucket’s public schools while emphasizing transparency, accountability, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Rubio has also earned the endorsement of the Pawtucket Teachers’ Alliance.
She has also advocated for housing opportunities and development that considers affordability, neighborhood needs, and the city’s long-term future.
Beyond policy discussions, Rubio said she believes one of the most important responsibilities of an at-large councilor is being accessible to residents throughout the city.
“Public service is about more than attending meetings and casting votes,” she said. “It’s about listening when someone has a concern, helping residents navigate issues, following up, and making sure people know they have a voice in their local government.”
As Pawtucket prepares for new mayoral leadership, Rubio says she believes experience and fresh perspectives can work together to address the city’s challenges.
“We won’t always have all the answers, and we won’t always agree,” she stated. “But we owe it to our residents to be thoughtful, transparent, and willing to work together. I remain committed to doing that work and continuing to learn how we can better serve our community.”
Rubio is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island.
For more information, visit www.yeseniaforpawtucket.com. Email her at .
