By Ron Thaniel
August 10, 2009

Former Meridian (MS) Mayor John Robert Smith was named President and CEO for Reconnecting America July 31.

A constant ally of The U.S. Conference of Mayors in advancing sustainable transportation solutions and policy, Reconnecting America seeks to build communities around transit oriented development principles rather than around the automobile.

Smith, a national voice championing increased transit investment and an Eisenhower vision for intercity and high'speed passenger rail, said, “With the next-generation transportation bill being crafted by Congress now, it is vital that the voices of those who believe in a connected, multi-modal approach to transportation are heard.”

“Transportation touches every aspect of life in cities of all sizes and I am looking forward to working with our nation’s leaders at all levels to incorporate smart urban planning and connections to people across the United States,” Smith said.

Smith was an early practitioner of transit-oriented development, having successfully renovated Meridian’s historic downtown train station, a project that helped leverage the revitalization of Meridian’s downtown. That experience made him a passionate advocate for the power of station renovation projects to link transportation and community revitalization. He has also been recognized in local, state and national arenas for his initiatives to promote sustainability, affordability and livability.

He oversaw a number of development projects to boost investment in Meridian’s downtown and several declining inner-city neighborhoods, including the redevelopment of the historic Union Station, the construction of a new performing arts center and restoration of the Grand Opera House, and the development of a HOPE VI mixed-income housing project. He has been a longtime advocate for the performing arts and raised significant arts funding for Meridian.

Smith also built a coalition that was successful in restoring daily Amtrak service from Atlanta to New Orleans.

Smith was elected mayor of Meridian in 1993 and was re-elected three times before deciding not to seek re-election to a fifth term this year. Smith was a member of the Conference’s Advisory Board and served as the Transportation and Communications Standing Committee Vice Chair for Rail Policy. He also served on Amtrak’s Board of Directors from 1997 to 2002, ending as Chairman.