Continuing her work as a community organizer, Smith was elected to the Albany, New York Common Council (city council) in 2005, representing Ward 4. She was reelected in 2009 and also worked during this period on staff with David Kaczynski at New Yorkers for Alternatives to the Death Penalty on innovative solutions to violent crime.[25] During her two terms on the Albany Common Council, Smith served the 4th Ward and was active on the issues of youth development, violence prevention, and educational opportunities for poor, minority and underserved persons.[26] She did not seek re-election in 2013. Smith currently works with the City of Albany Mayor's Office spearheading initiatives that address economic, racial, and social inequality.