Christopher J. Smith

Deputy City Manager

Christopher serves as Deputy City Manager for the City of Santa Monica, overseeing the city’s internal services departments, as well as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team and the city’s chief of staff.  He has over 25 years of experience working in the public sector.  He started with the City in 2011 and during that time has worked in the Information Services Department, the Office of Sustainability and the Environment, and the City Manager’s Office.  

Christopher previously served as Chief of Staff for eight years, leading major change initiatives to modernize City work practices and launch the 311 customer service program. Christopher also serves as the LGBTQ+ Liaison for the City, helping realize Santa Monica Pride, building community partnerships and advancing policies to support LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Prior to joining Santa Monica, Christopher spent 10 years working for the Judicial Council of California leading statewide court technology strategic planning and policy development to support the implementation of e-filing and e-access services. Christopher holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Cal State, Long Beach and is proud to call Santa Monica home.