Jason Smith | Advocacy Committee Chair
The Advocacy Committee recently held our February 2025 meeting—my first as the new chairperson—and I am excited to continue the momentum built by my predecessor, Pat McGinnis. Pat left some big shoes to fill, and I am excited to learn from his leadership. We have an important role in promoting the value of professional local government management in Michigan, and I look forward to working with all of you to further that mission.
One of the best ways we can advocate for our profession is by sharing the positive impact we have in our communities. Our presence on social media is a call to action that Pat led the charge on, and one that I will continue to make. As one of our MME Board directives, we must continue that mission.
Please take a moment to post about the great work happening in your city, village, or township. Whether it’s a successful community event, a major infrastructure improvement, or a simple everyday moment that showcases the value of strong local leadership, sharing these stories helps reinforce why professional management matters.
Let’s keep the momentum going—together, we can ensure that everyone sees and appreciates the lasting and indelible mark we as administrators make in the places we live, work, and play.
Jason Smith
Chair, Advocacy Committee
City Manager, Belleville
Jason Smith brings a unique perspective to the world of government and public service. Starting in the world of media, he kept a close eye on local government. In 2012, he decided it was time to go into politics. He ran for, and won, the mayor seat in the City of Jackson and served in that role from 2013 to 2015. After discovering that he loved day-to-day government over politics, he went back to his roots in radio while returning to school to obtain his degree in public administration. Upon graduation, Smith joined the City of Eaton Rapids as the executive director of the Eaton Rapids DDA, then became city manager for the City of Litchfield, and finally assumed the same role with the City of Belleville in October of 2023. In his free time, Jason enjoys spending time with his fiancée Kayla, and their “Brady Bunch” traveling, and trying new restaurants.