Michael Smith

Michael Smith is an economist, nonprofit founder, and community advocate. Raised by working-class parents who taught him the value of hard work and education, Michael earned a full scholarship to the University of Alabama, where he obtained bachelor’s degrees in economics and finance and a master’s in public policy economics. After college, he joined economic research teams in the DMV area studying energy and technology markets and their economic and environmental impacts. Seeking the same sense of community he grew up with, Michael put down roots in Pike Creek, where he founded Powering Our Future, a nonprofit that distributed over 500 electric leaf blowers, 2,000 LED light bulbs, and installed air quality monitors and EV charging stations across New Castle County. He also served as a legislative aide in Dover, helping countless families navigate state agencies and improving the lives of Delaware residents. Michael currently works as a financial and economic research analyst and has served his community through volunteer roles with the Delaware Pedestrian Council, Newark NAACP, and BikeNewark. He strongly believes in helping folks save for college and retirement, preparing for uncertain economic and political times, and making it so Delaware families can afford to thrive.