Ciara Smith for Anniston Mayor

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<h2>I'm Ciara Smith and this is why I'm running!</h2><img src="https://run.imgix.net/ed01ed0a-c6ab-4f01-ae42-a22dd6f649be/af16a9d7-6533-4db6-aa0d-6144da61f952/af16a9d7-6533-4db6-aa0d-6144da61f952.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C1366%2C2048&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"><h3>My name is Ciara Smith, and I am married to my wonderful husband, Jamel Roston, and a proud bonus mom to Jaxtyn.</h3><h3>I graduated from Anniston High School in 2017 and went on to earn my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Spelman College. I then completed my Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Emergency Management from Jacksonville State University and am currently pursuing my law degree. </h3>Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of gaining invaluable experience across various sectors. From my first job in finance at the City of Anniston to interning with Congressman Hank Johnson in Georgia’s 4th District, and participating in the Congressional Black Caucus Institute, I’ve built a strong foundation in public service. In November 2020, I made history as the youngest-ever elected official in Anniston, serving as Vice Mayor and Councilmember.&nbsp; <h4>In this role, I’ve worked tirelessly to drive meaningful change, and we’ve accomplished much together in the past four years. As I continue my journey, I’m excited about the future and the opportunity to further serve our community as Mayor. There’s still so much more to come.</h4>

At the heart of our campaign is a deep commitment to progress, equity, and opportunity for all. As we work together to shape the future of Anniston, we must focus on key areas that will strengthen our city and improve the quality of life for every resident. Our platform is built on four fundamental pillars: Economic Development, Public Safety, Hous

<h3>Fighting for Our Community</h3>These are some of the top issues our campaign is focused on. Learn more about our issues <a href="/issues" target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">here</a>.

Our Campaign’s Top Issues

Economic development is essential for city growth, creating jobs, boosting local businesses, and attracting investment. To build a stronger, more vibrant community, we will:<ul><li>Continue collaborating with retail consultants to attract businesses through strategic tax incentives and tailored packages.</li><li>Invest in economic and workforce development programs while engaging in regional initiatives like CREATE &amp; ONE EAST to strengthen the city’s foundation and relationships.</li><li>Revitalize downtown by promoting our thriving Main Street Program, supporting small business growth, enhancing tourism, and highlighting our National Historic landmark, the Freedom Riders Bus Depot.</li><li>Foster private-public partnerships to empower local entrepreneurs and accelerate start-up growth.</li><li>Leverage federal &amp; state grants/appropriations through our grant consultant to optimize opportunities and resources.</li></ul>

Economic development is essential for city growth as it creates jobs, boosts local businesses, and attracts investment, leading to a stronger, more vibrant community.

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Economic Development

Public safety is crucial for city growth, as a secure environment fosters community well-being, attracts investment, and ensures that residents and businesses can thrive without fear. To achieve this, we will:<ul><li>Develop a 5-year improvement plan to enhance street lighting, reducing crime &amp; improving visibility.</li><li>Conduct regular maintenance of sidewalks &amp; crosswalks to prioritize pedestrian safety in high traffic areas.</li><li>Install security cameras in hotspots &amp; vulnerable areas prone to excessive trash &amp; activity. This will also require manpower and significant data storage.</li><li>Collaborate with code enforcement to demolish hazardous properties that threaten neighborhood safety.</li></ul>

Public safety is crucial for city growth, as a secure environment fosters community well-being, attracts investment, and ensures that residents and businesses can thrive without fear.

Public Safety

Adequate housing is essential for city growth, ensuring that all residents have access to safe, stable living conditions while attracting families, workers, and businesses to thrive within the community. To achieve this, we will:<ul><li>Develop public-private partnerships to convert vacant lots &amp; buildings into affordable housing units in efforts to revitalize neighborhoods.</li><li>Develop a comprehensive environmental review of the properties in West Anniston with a goal of identifying suitable land for future housing development, ensuring that any development is sustainable, safe, and environmentally responsible.</li><li>Collaborate with developers to design and implement a structured set of incentives aimed at promoting the development of subdivisions, with a particular focus on leveraging the significant opportunities available in the Ft. McClellan area.</li></ul>

Adequate housing is essential for city growth, ensuring that all residents have access to safe, stable living conditions while attracting families, workers, and businesses to thrive within the community.

Housing & Infrastructure

Strong education systems are essential for city growth. They provide future generations with the skills needed to succeed, attract families to the community, and build a workforce that drives economic development and innovation. To strengthen education in Anniston, we will:<ul><li>Develop a consolidation plan with Anniston City Schools, outlining the city’s role in aiding in the process.</li><li>Collaborate with the school board to establish joint priorities requiring unified efforts from both entities. The partnership should require more than financial exchanges.</li><li>Partner with local organizations to enhance after-school and mentorship programs for students at our local community centers.</li><li>Support existing workforce readiness initiatives at Anniston High School, including technical training and career exploration programs.</li><li>Implement “Government Day” within the school system to allow students to understand how our local government functions and foster active citizenship through hands-on activities like mock elections and debates. It also promotes leadership skills, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for democracy and civic responsibility.</li><li>Revive the “Let me catch you studying” initiative started by my grandfather, Rev. John S. Nettles, to promote an environment conducive to learning.</li></ul>

Strong education systems are vital for city growth, as they equip future generations with the skills needed to succeed, attract families, and create a workforce that drives economic development and innovation.

Education

Your contribution helps build a stronger Anniston. Donate today to support our vision for economic growth, safer neighborhoods, better housing, and stronger schools. Every dollar makes a difference!

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Our Campaign’s Top Issues

Economic Development

Public Safety

Housing & Infrastructure

Education