ABOUT JB

Biography

JB Smiley, Jr. is a native Memphian, hailing from a family of five siblings, born to a social worker and a Bronze Star army soldier. He understands the value of hard work and the importance of a supportive community.

JB’s journey started from a young age, where he learned about teamwork and leadership as a Cub Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. From working as a landfill cleaner to washing dishes, he has never been afraid to get his hands dirty.

After a successful collegiate and semi-professional basketball career, JB pursued a legal education and later a political career. He attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, where he was actively involved as a member of the Law Review, Moot Court Board, and served as Vice President of the Black Law Students Association.

JB’s determination paid off as he successfully passed the Arkansas and Tennessee Bar exams, all while writing his first book, “Born With It: Unleashing Your Greatness.” In 2017, JB founded his own law practice, Smiley & Associates, PLLC, in Memphis. The following year, he was recognized by Memphis Flyer as one of the Top 20 Under 30. During that same year, he was appointed as a policy advisor to the Shelby County Clerk and served in that capacity until his election to the Memphis City Council in October 2019.

Currently, JB serves as Vice Chair of the City Council and holds key roles as Chair of the Public Works, Solid Waste & General Services Committee, Vice Chair of the Planning & Zoning Committee, and council liaison for the Urban Art Commission and the Memphis & Shelby County Film and Television Commission.

In his spare time, JB enjoys playing basketball, working out, binge-watching Netflix shows, and spending quality time with his dog, Mighty Mouse, and his nephew, Bryson Maxwell Smiley. He lives by his father’s words to “never forget the bridge that brought you over” and remains committed to serving his community and making a positive impact.

JB SMILEY'S INITIATIVES WITH MEMPHIS CITY COUNCIL

March 2020

Memphis City Council resolution urging the legislative body and Tennessee governor to pass legislation to allow the City of Memphis to receive its total share of the state’s sales tax revenues

May 2020

Resolution to suspend City of Memphis EMS Services costs charged to citizens for COVID-19 related ambulatory transports and services

June 2020

Resolution expressing sorrow on the death of Mr. George Floyd and condemns the act of betrayal of public trust that resulted in the loss of your loved one
Resolution to increase transparency of complaint process and encourage supplemental reporting for the Memphis Police Department and Memphis Fire Department
Resolution of the Memphis City Council requesting that Memphis City Council and Shelby County Sheriff adopt “8 Can’t Wait” use of force reduction policies
Resolution requesting that Mayor Strickland form a community task force to assist in the selection of a new Memphis Police Department Director
Resolution approving funding in the amount of $250,000.00 to Southbrook Properties for the development of Southbrook Town Centre from FY20 budget
Resolution requesting the Administration to hold all contracts with Flight Memphis, LLC in abeyance pending an internal review regarding allegations of discriminatory practices
Resolution requesting Mayor Strickland to establish June 19^th as Juneteenth within the City of Memphis recognizing the liberation and emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States of America

August 2020

Resolution approving a ground lease for 590 Washington, also known as the former Washington Ave Vehicle Inspection Station, Parcel ID #023003 00042 Memphis TN 38103
Resolution in opposition to Operation Legend
Motion to suspend the rules to override the Mayor’s veto regarding Referendum Ordinance #5756 relating to the residency of police/fire, which passed on 8/4/2020
Resolution encouraging the United State Congress to include and financially support public transit in future coronavirus relief legislation

September 2020

Resolution seeking state action to replace local police with state officers patrolling and protecting drivers traveling along Tennessee interstates
Resolution approving an honorary street name change of McEwen Place between Willoughby St. and South Wellington St. for Reverend Joseph H. McGhee, Jr.

October 2020

Resolution requesting that Memphis Light Gas & Water create a voter education program to provide voter registration information to residential account holders
Resolution urging MATA to temporarily waive all transit fares on November 3, 2020
Resolution encouraging all registered voters in the City of Memphis and Shelby County to vote in the 2020 General Election

December 2020

Resolution amending Council Rules of Procedure (regarding decorum)

January 2021

Warm Wishes Coat Giveaway with Lil Baby
Resolution recognizing and honoring Grammy-nominated artist Dominique “Lil Baby” Jones for his contributions to the City of Memphis and pledging to address “The Bigger Picture” by donating to those in need
Resolution requesting the Division of Police Services to investigate whether any City of Memphis employees participated in the United States Capitol Riot in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021
Resolution requesting the City’s Mayor and/or Council Chairman to join request to the Biden/Harris Administration by the Mayors of 22 of the largest cities in the Unites States for the adoption of a national vaccination distribution plan for cities

February 2021

Resolution requesting $2,000 per year for MLGW to provide voter registration information to residential account holders
Resolution requesting the HR department increase screening protocols for all public safety officials
Celebrating Black History Student Speech Competition
Water distribution events following boil water advisory

March 2021

Resolution requesting that the City of Memphis be exempt from Senate Bill 29/House Bill 105 of the 112^thSession of the General Assembly (Brian Kelsey’s bill prohibiting a local government from having residency requirements as a condition of employment for a first responder)
Resolution asking the City of Memphis to adopt the Black Church Mobile Vaccine Program
Honorary Street Name Change for Rev Dr. Uliasea Little, Jr.
Building Your Professional Toolkit event at Benjamin Hooks Library – resume review and headshots

April 2021

Resolution creating the Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement
Resolution acknowledging need for beautification and blight remediation

June 2021

Introduced Resolution to create and appropriate $200K to Neighborhood Revitalization Program with Councilman Canale; renamed “A Cleaner Bluff City Initiative” and designed to help elderly with code enforcement citations and quarterly neighborhood clean ups around illegal dumping “hot spots” in the various districts
City of Memphis job fair with Councilman Jones
Substitute ordinance No. 5790 (Eviction set-out) introduced

July 2021

Introduction of Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement presentation

September 2021

Request of $4M for Gaston Community Center
RESOLUTION establishing a Metropolitan Government Charter Commission, Easter- authorizing the Mayor to appoint members; establishing a vetting process; requesting the County Commission adopt a similar resolution; amending the FY22 Operating Budget; appropriating funds. All Council Districts. This resolution is sponsored by Councilmembers Carlisle and Smiley.

October 2021

Honorary Street Name Change for Dr. Tonya Lyons

December 2021

Honorary Street Name Change for Young Dolph

January 2022

ORDINANCE renaming Fourth Street between Union Avenue and E.H. Crump Boulevard as Ida B. Wells-Barnett Street, up for second Ordinance No. 5816 is sponsored by Councilmembers Easter-Thomas, Canale, Carlisle, Colvett, Ford, Johnson, Jones, Logan Morgan, Robinson, Swearengen, Smiley, and Warren.
RESOLUTION to accept Vote 70, Inc. donation of the Equality Trailblazers Monument. District 6, Super District 8. This resolution is sponsored by Councilmembers Robinson, Warren, Carlisle, Ford, Johnson, Jones, Logan and Smiley.

February 2022

RESOLUTION honoring and celebrating St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on 60 years of pioneering research and treatment. All Council Districts. This resolution is sponsored by all Councilmembers.
ORDINANCE adding a method of payment provision and defining commercial property to Chapter 41, City Code of Ordinances, Wreckers, and Towing Operators. Ordinance No. 5818 is sponsored by Councilman Jones and Councilman Smiley.
Resolution in opposition of Senate Bill 0029/House Bill 0105 of the 113th Session of the General Assembly. All Council Districts. Sponsored by Councilwoman Easter-Thomas, Councilman Jones, and Councilman Smiley.
Resolution in support of House Bill 2812 of the 113th General Assembly. All Council Districts. Sponsored by Councilman Smiley and Councilwoman Easter-Thomas.
Presentation on the Office of Emergency Management’s current protocols and processes for city emergencies. All Council Districts. Requested by Councilmembers Easter-Thomas, Logan and Smiley.
A resolution to amend Section A of the Council Rules of Procedure. All Council Districts. Sponsored by Councilmembers Smiley, Robinson, Canale, and Carlisle.

March 2022

RESOLUTION approving an Honorary Street Name Change of Stafford Avenue between College Street and Fountain Court for James Alexander. District 6, Super District 8. This resolution is sponsored by Councilman Smiley.
Presentation by Jigsaw. All Council Districts. Requested by Councilman Smiley.
Wrap-up presentation on Office of Emergency Management’s current protocols and processes for city emergencies. All Council Districts. Requested by Councilmembers EasterThomas, Logan, and Smiley.
Resolution in support of President Biden’s historic nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the United States Supreme Court. All Council Districts. Sponsored by Councilmembers Easter-Thomas, Smiley, and Swearengen.

April 2022

Resolution to amend the Memphis City Council FY22 grant allocations. All Council Districts. Sponsored by Councilman Smiley.
Resolution to Allocate Funding for the Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement. All Council Districts. Sponsored by Councilman Smiley.
RESOLUTION honoring Nakia and Queen Coleman for partnering with the City of Memphis in bringing awareness to autism and the I Am Included program. All Council Districts. This resolution is sponsored by Councilman Smiley.
RESOLUTION commemorating Africa In April Cultural Awareness Festival on 35 years of history and culture. All Council Districts. This resolution is sponsored by the Memphis City Council.
RESOLUTION designating April 22, 2022 as Blue & Green Day Mid-South in the City of Memphis. This resolution is sponsored by the Memphis City Council.

May 2022

Resolution requesting the Tennessee Valley Authority complete a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement to address site-specific impacts of transporting and permanently disposing of coal ash in the City of Memphis. All Council Districts. Sponsored by Councilmen Warren and Smiley.
ORDINANCE to establish funding dedicated to Transit and Mobility. Ordinance No. 5830 is sponsored by Councilmembers Ford, Carlisle, Robinson, Canale, Colvett, Easter-Thomas, Johnson, Jones, Logan, Morgan, Smiley, Swearengen, and Warren.

June 2022

Resolution requesting that a 4% salary increase for IBEW be included in the FY23 and FY24 City of Memphis Operating Budget. All Council Districts. Sponsored by Councilman Smiley.
Resolution requesting that the Memphis Police Department decline a police escort of former President Donald Trump to an event in Southaven, Mississippi. All Council Districts. Sponsored by Councilmen Smiley and Jones.

July 2022

Resolution for Economic Development Initiative – One Beale Convention Center Commitment District 6, Super District 8. Sponsored by Councilmembers Ford, Sr., Robinson, Morgan, Smiley, Jr., Johnson, Canale and Warren.
Update on Solid Waste bulk pickup. All Council Districts. Requested by Councilman Smiley.
Resolution introducing the Reproductive Autonomy Is Necessary (RAIN) Act. All Council Districts. Sponsored by Councilman Smiley.
ORDINANCE to revise and change certain Council districts as a result of deannexation of areas in the city and population changes reflected in the 2020 Federal Census, so that all such districts will remain as equal as practicable and all such districts will comply with the injunction decree issued the United States District Judge Jerome Turner pertaining to Voting Rights Act remedies. Ordinance No. 5833 is sponsored by Councilmembers Smiley, Ford, Colvett, and Canale.

August 2022

Resolution requesting the Division of Planning & Development study opportunities for incentivizing removal of nonconforming off-premise advertising signs and propose zoning amendments to create a program addressing and encouraging removal of said signs. All Council Districts. Sponsored by Councilman Smiley.
Discussion on Solid Waste Bulk pickup. All Council Districts. Requested by Councilman Smiley.
Resolution to amend the Council FY23 grant allocations. All Council Districts. Sponsored by Councilman Smiley.
RESOLUTION commemorating National Black Business Month in Memphis, Tennessee. All Council Districts. This Resolution is sponsored by the Memphis City Council.

September 2022

RESOLUTION celebrating Stan Bell and his retirement from Memphis Shelby County Schools. All Council Districts. This Resolution is sponsored by Councilman Smiley.
RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Melissa Collins for her recognition as 2022-2023 Tennessee Teacher of the Year and 2022 Tennessee History Teacher of the Year. All Council Districts. This Resolution is sponsored by the Memphis City Council.

October 2022

Resolution to amend the Council FY23 grant allocations. All Council Districts. Sponsored by Councilman Smiley.
RESOLUTION celebrating the life of Bishop William Young. This Resolution is sponsored by the Memphis City Council.
Resolution to allocate and appropriate $500,000.00 to Clayborn Temple. District 6, Super District 8. This Resolution is sponsored by Councilmembers Ford, Carlisle, Colvett, Johnson, Jones, Robinson, Smiley, and Warren.
Presentation from City Leadership. All Council Districts. Requested by Councilman Smiley.

November 2022

RESOLUTION thanking Councilwoman Teri Dockery for her service to the City of Memphis. This Resolution is sponsored by the Memphis City Council.
RESOLUTION celebrating the life and legacy of Representative Barbara Cooper. This Resolution is sponsored by the Memphis City Council.
RESOLUTION to allow the Urban Art Commission to accept a sculpture from the Cherokee Heights Civic Club to be added to the City’s public art inventory. All Council Districts. This Resolution is sponsored by Councilmembers Jones, Canale, Dockery, Ford, Johnson, Logan, and Smiley.
Resolution to amend the FY23 Council grant allocations. All Council Districts. Sponsored by Councilman Smiley.

December 2022

Resolution to reallocate and appropriate $23,000 in ARPA funds to the Methodist LeBonheur Community Outreach program. All Council Districts. Sponsored by Councilmembers Easter-Thomas and Smiley.
RESOLUTION honoring Doug McGowen for his extraordinary service and contributions to the City of Memphis. This Resolution is sponsored by Councilmembers Warren, Canale, Carlisle, Colvett, Easter-Thomas, Ford, Johnson, Logan, Morgan, Robinson, Smiley and Swearengen-Washington.
JOINT RESOLUTION in support of the More for Memphis Initiative. All Council Districts. This Resolution is sponsored by Councilmembers Easter-Thomas, Canale, Ford, Johnson, Jones, Logan, Robinson, Smiley and Warren.
RESOLUTION honoring the accomplishments of Ladia Yates and L.Y.E. Academy. This Resolution is sponsored by Councilmembers Smiley, Canale, Easter-Thomas, Ford, Johnson, Jones, Logan, Robinson, Swearengen-Washington, and Warren.
RESOLUTION honoring Ms. Ruth Banks and her contributions to the City of Memphis. This Resolution is sponsored by the Memphis City Council.
RESOLUTION honoring Beverly Robertson on her tremendous accomplishments and impact as CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber. This Resolution is sponsored by Councilmembers Jones, Logan, Canale, Carlisle, Colvett, Easter-Thomas, Ford, Johnson, Robinson, Smiley, Swearengen-Washington, and Warren.

December 2022-January 2023

Super District 8 Community meetings in Whitehaven, South Memphis, Hickory Hill, North Memphis

January 2023

Resolution in support of efforts to reduce Ethylene Oxide emissions in the City of Memphis. District 6, Super District 8. Sponsored by Councilmembers Ford, Warren, Canale, Colvett, Easter-Thomas, Johnson, Jones, Logan, Robinson, Smiley and Swearengen-Washington.
Resolution approving an Honorary Street Name Change of Chelsea Avenue from Harrison Street to N. Hollywood Street for Dr. Gloria Pryor-Lewis. District 7, Super District 8. Sponsored by Councilmembers Easter-Thomas and Smiley.
RESOLUTION honoring Raumesh Akbari for her election as the Senate Minority Leader of the Tennessee General Assembly. This Resolution is sponsored by Councilmembers Carlisle, Canale, Jones, and Smiley.
RESOLUTION to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of A&R Bar-B-Que. This Resolution is sponsored by Councilmembers Swearengen-Washington, Canale, Carlisle, Easter-Thomas, Johnson, Jones, Logan, Robinson, Smiley, and Warren.

February 2023

RESOLUTION of the Memphis City Council in Support of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. All Council Districts. This Resolution is sponsored by Councilmembers Logan, Easter-Thomas, Ford, Johnson, Jones, Robinson, Smiley, Swearengen-Washington, and Warren.

ORDINANCE to establish a procedure for the Memphis Police Department to conduct an annual independent review of the Police Training Academy and all training techniques, up for F I R S T reading. Ordinance No. 5848 is sponsored by Councilmembers Carlisle, Canale, and Smiley.
ORDINANCE to establish a Public Safety Reporting Protocol in regard to the disposition by the Memphis Police Department of Recommendations by the Civilian Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) to the Memphis Police Department regarding CLERB’s disposition of complaints involving police misconduct, the use of deadly force by police officers and deaths and injuries of persons occurring while in police custody, up for F I R S T reading. Ordinance No. 5851 is sponsored by Councilmembers Smiley, Canale, and Carlisle.
ORDINANCE to establish an Independent Review Process of Memphis Police Department Incidents involving the use of Excessive, Unnecessary and, or Deadly Force by Police Officers and Deaths or Serious Injuries of Persons Occurring while in Police Custody, up for F I R S T reading. Ordinance No. 5852 is sponsored byCouncilmembers Smiley, Carlisle, and Logan.
ORDINANCE to Amend the City of Memphis Code of Ordinances Relating to Public Safety for the City of Memphis Law Enforcement to Collect and Regularly Report Regarding Traffic Stops, Arrests, Use of Force, and Complaints, up for F I R S T reading. Ordinance No. 5853 is sponsored by Councilmembers Smiley and Carlisle.
Public Safety Data Transparency Ordinance. All Council Districts. Sponsored by Councilmembers Smiley and Carlisle.
ORDINANCE renaming South Second Street between Beale Street and G.E. Patterson Johnson Avenue as Representative Barbara Cooper Street, up for S E C O N D reading. Ordinance Chairman, No. 5846 is sponsored by the Memphis City Council.
RESOLUTION to reallocate and appropriate $2,000,000.00 to the Works, Inc to assist in the completion of the Peach Tree Senior Development. District 7, Super District 8. This Resolution is sponsored by Canale, Carlisle, Easter-Thomas, Ford, Johnson, Jones, Logan, Smiley, Swearengen-Washington, and Warren.
Resolution to allocate and appropriate $35,000.00 for supplies and professional services related to Memphis Parks’ Teen Fest 2023. All Council Districts. Sponsored by Councilman Smiley.
Resolution to amend the FY23 Council Grant Allocations. All Council Districts. Sponsored by Councilman Smiley.
Resolution approving an Honorary Street Name Change of Park Avenue from Pendleton Street to Haynes Street for Kennedy “King” McKinney. District 4, Super District 8. Sponsored by Councilmembers Canale and Smiley.

March 2023

Discussion on MPD and MFD policy and procedure updates. Requested by Councilman Smiley and Councilwoman Logan.
ORDINANCE amending Article VII, Chapter 36, Section 36-130 of the City of Memphis, Code of Ordinance to Establish Rules and Regulations relating to the Operation and Regulation of Short-Term Rentals in Memphis. Ordinance No. 5856 is sponsored by the Memphis City Council.
Update on Speed Humps. Requested by Councilman Smiley.
Update on Solid Waste & Recycling schedules. Requested by Councilman Smiley.
REFERENDUM ORDINANCE Amending the Charter of the City of Memphis to Modify the Existing Qualifications for Mayor and the City Council Members of the City of Memphis. Ordinance No. 5862 is sponsored by Councilmembers Smiley, Carlisle, Canale, Colvett, Johnson, Jones, Logan, Robinson and Warren.
ORDINANCE to rename White Station Library as the Officer Geoffrey Redd Library. Ordinance No. 5860 is sponsored by the Memphis City Council.

April 2023

Presentation from Memphis Brand Initiative. Requested by Councilman Smiley.
RESOLUTION designating April 14, 2023 as Blue & Green Day Mid-South in the City of Memphis. This Resolution is sponsored by the Memphis City Council.
RESOLUTION congratulating the Overton High School Boys’ Basketball Team on winning the 2023 TSSAA Class 4A State Championship. This Resolution is sponsored by Councilwoman Easter-Thomas and Councilmembers Canale, Carlisle, Colvett, Ford, Johnson, Jones, Logan, Morgan, Robinson, Smiley, Swearengen-Washington, and Warren.
Resolution to amend the FY23 Council Grant Allocations. All Council Districts. Sponsored by Councilman Smiley.
RESOLUTION to accept the recommendations of the Blight and Illegal Dumping Task Force. All Council Districts. This Resolution is sponsored by Councilwoman Logan, Canale, Easter-Thomas, Johnson, Jones, Smiley, Swearengen-Washington, and Warren.
Community Conversations event on Public Safety Ordinances at Lester Community Center

May 2023-June 2023

Added as a co-sponsor on Ordinance to amend Code of Ordinances regarding storage and hauling of tires, with Councilmembers Logan, Swearengen-Washington, Carlisle, Easter-Thomas, Ford, Johnson, and Warren
Ordinance to change the City Court Clerk from an elected to an appointed position, with Councilmen Carlisle and Canale
Flip My Life presentation. Requested by Councilman Smiley.
Co-sponsor of referendum ordinance to amend city of Memphis charter to provide provisions for the regulation of deadly weapons, with Councilman Warren
Resolution to reallocate ARPA funds to various community projects, with Councilman Jones
Resolution to amend FY24 budget for the City of Memphis Legislative division (restructure)
TV appearances to promote Teen Fest at the Memphis Botanic Gardens