Brett Smiley

Brett Smiley is an American politician and the current Mayor of Providence, serving since January 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously held significant roles in Rhode Island state government, including Chief of Staff to Governor Gina Raimondo and Director of the Rhode Island Department of Administration. His administration has focused on municipal finance, infrastructure, and housing policy in Rhode Island's capital city.

Early life and education

Brett Smiley was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and grew up in the city's East Side. He attended Moses Brown School, a private Quaker institution in Providence, before pursuing higher education. Smiley earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He later completed a Master of Public Administration degree at the Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University, an experience that shaped his approach to public policy and administration.

Political career

Prior to becoming mayor, Smiley built an extensive career in public service and government operations. He served as the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Administration under Governor Gina Raimondo, overseeing the state's budgeting, procurement, and human resources. In this role, he worked closely with the Rhode Island General Assembly and managed key initiatives like the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority's bus hub project. Earlier, he was the Chief Operating Officer for the City of Providence under Mayor Angel Taveras, where he managed departments including the Providence Water Supply Board and the Providence Fire Department. He also ran for Providence City Council in 2002 and served as a senior advisor on David Cicilline's successful 2010 campaign for the United States House of Representatives.

Mayor of Providence

Brett Smiley was sworn in as Mayor of Providence on January 3, 2023, following his election victory over independent candidate Gonzalo Cuervo. His administration's early priorities have included addressing the city's structural budget deficit, a challenge inherited from the tenure of former Mayor Jorge Elorza. Key policy initiatives have focused on accelerating road and bridge repairs through increased capital spending, reforming the city's zoning code to encourage housing development, and managing the city's relationship with the tax-exempt institutions like Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design. He serves on the board of the Providence Public School District and has been involved in negotiations with the Providence Teachers Union. His fiscal approach has been influenced by the work of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council.

Personal life

Brett Smiley is married to Jim DeRentis, a real estate developer and former president of the Downtown Providence Parks Conservancy. They reside in the Downtown Providence neighborhood. Smiley is an avid runner and has participated in local events like the Providence Marathon. He has served on the boards of several community organizations, including the Providence Preservation Society and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

Electoral history

* 2002 – Lost election to the Providence City Council for the Ward 2 seat. * 2014 – Won the Democratic primary for Rhode Island General Treasurer, but lost the general election to former Cranston Mayor Allan Fung. * 2022 – Won the Democratic primary for Mayor of Providence, defeating City Councilor Nirva LaFortune and former Secretary of State Matt Brown. * 2022 – Won the general election for Mayor of Providence, defeating independent candidate Gonzalo Cuervo and Republican candidate David Lallier Jr..

Category:Mayors of Providence, Rhode Island Category:Harvard Kennedy School alumni Category:University of Michigan alumni Category:1977 births