Nick Smith

My History

Demonstrated commitment to city government service

In 2014, I became involved in the City of Pacific Grove as a Planning Commissioner where I became familiar with the City’s planning and land use policies.

When I decided to run for Council in 2016, I sought to promote positive and constructive dialogue and to contribute dynamic solutions to challenges facing the City. While serving for the past eight years, I have accomplished policy goals while promoting an environment of civil debate.

Regionally, I have served on Monterey One Water’s Board of Directors since 2018 working for a cutting-edge water supply.

Background and professional life

I developed a passion for public service early in life. I served as my high school's student body president and as captain of the football team. I moved from the San Joaquin Valley to the Central Coast to attend UC Santa Barbara where I earned a B.A., with honors, in Political Science.

After earning my law degree at UC College of the Law, I served for seven years as a Deputy District Attorney where I handled a variety of criminal matters, with an emphasis in domestic violence, sexual assault, and crimes involving vulnerable victims.

After moving to Pacific Grove over 10 years ago, I have practiced civil litigation, helping individuals, families, local businesses, and public agencies resolve conflicts and solve problems.

After practicing with several top-tier law firms in Monterey County, I recently opened my own law office. I am a board member on the Monterey County Bar Foundation working on access to justice endeavors for members of the community.

Personal commitment

I am raising three young daughters in Pacific Grove attending Robert Down Elementary, PG Middle, and PG High. I serve on a committee to foster greater partnership between the City and PGUSD.

My Plans

Aging Infrastructure

Over the past eight years, the City has made progress to address our aging infrastructure. We have repaved old streets, built sidewalks, and repaired sewer lines. There are more sidewalks to build and connect and there are more roads, alleys, and sewer lines to repair.

Fiscal Sustainability

The City is in good financial health.  We have over ten million dollars in reserves and are meeting the reserve policy.  We have strong tax revenues which will increase due to new hotel taxes.  I believe we must be wise as to our expenditures and use of funds. As Mayor, I’m determined to continue to have a balanced budget and strong reserves.  

Youth Recreation

As a parent of three young daughters, and huge believer in sports and recreation, I wholeheartedly support the enhancement of our youth recreation programs, which became one of our primary council goals in 2023.  Since embarking on this goal, we have added many recreation program options for our youth and enhanced Summer camps.  As Mayor, I’m determined to grow our youth recreation programs to include water sports, surfing, kayaking, and ocean education programs.

Environment: Coastline and Urban Canopy

We have one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world in Pacific Grove and unparalleled natural gifts throughout our region. Environmental stewardship, including acting to reduce impacts, and adapting to climate change are priority areas of concern to me. I will continue to support policies that protect the Bay from pollution or harm, continue to support enhanced storm drainage, which protects the Bay, and push for policies that enhance our coastal trail, for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the beauty of the Bay. I support protecting our urban canopy.

Other very significant priorities for me are: affordable housing, complete streets, safe routes to schools, and downtown beautification.

Why Vote For Me?

I am running for Mayor to contribute positively to the community I cherish and where I am raising my three young daughters.  I am in in a great position to move PG forward after eight years of Council service with a track record of success.  As Mayor, I will support an environment of civil discourse and pledge to listen to all views.  I will work tirelessly to keep Pacific Grove a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.